Statistics and Data Science Major

The Department of Applied Mathematics offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Statistics and Data Science through the College of Arts and Sciences. The BA degree is designed with an emphasis on inter- and cross-disciplinary training and is intended to prepare students for a wide range of careers in areas such as statistics, data analytics, data science, business, engineering, economics, public health, epidemiology, insurance, forestry, psychology, social justice and human rights. The BA degree is also conducive to double majoring. The BS degree requires additional coursework in computation, statistical modeling and theory, thus giving a more advanced understanding of statistics and data science, and is appropriate for students who want a deeper statistical foundation and/or who are planning to pursue graduate studies.

Courses at the undergraduate level are designed to provide foundational skills in both traditional statistical methods and cutting-edge data analysis techniques. These skills are in high demand in the current job market and prepare students for desirable careers in statistics and data science. Statisticians and data scientists are often involved in interdisciplinary work; the BA and BS degrees each require in-depth training in some area of science, engineering, social science, or liberal arts that uses statistics to solve important problems. This knowledge prepares graduates to successfully communicate and collaborate with practitioners in these fields. A capstone course on real-world problems and/or statistical collaboration provides the opportunity for students to synthesize their previous coursework.

The Department of Applied Math offers a broad range of undergraduate research opportunities funded by a variety of federal agencies. Working with faculty, students interested in statistics and data science have developed solutions to various problems in Bayesian computation, epidemiology, statistical climatology, statistics for energy science, signal processing and image analysis, networks, machine learning for physical systems, uncertainty quantification as well as the study of collaborative research. Students can gain professional exposure through the Data Buffs, the student chapter of the American Statistical Association (ASA) on campus.

Degree Resources

Curriculum Guide BA/BS
BA Statistics Degree Requirements
BS Statistics Degree Requirements
BA Sample 4-Year Plan
BS Sample 4-Year Plan
Course Catalog

Outside Area of Emphasis/Application

Students will choose an outside area of emphasis/application to acquire knowledge in a discipline-specific area, where statistical applications are prevalent. Students will take a minimum of 18 credits in a department or certificate program outside of APPM/STAT, including a minimum of 6 credits at the upper-division level. Final course selection will be made in consultation with advisors and faculty from the departments, as well as faculty advisors within the Department of Applied Mathematics.

Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA)

After learning the communication and collaboration skills necessary to help domain experts answer their research, business or policy questions, students have the opportunity to join LISA to gain additional practical experience. Students will collaborate with a variety of researchers around campus and in the community to apply statistics and data science to solve real problems. Students in LISA will also work with graduate students and faculty to engage in outreach activities to improve statistics and data science skills and literacy in the wider community.