Statistics (BS)

Statistics is the science of learning from data. Statistics is the “glue” that holds together all of modern quantitative research in areas as disparate as public health, medicine, and the social, political, and physical sciences. Today, the demand for those trained in statistics is large and growing. The major in Statistics includes a foundation in mathematics, a core of applied and theoretical statistics courses, and relevant computing courses. A Statistics major can usefully be combined with any major in a field that makes use of quantitative methods.

There are two tracks within the statistics major: the Biostatistics track and the Mathematical Statistics track. The Biostatistics track will be attractive to students who are comfortable with mathematics and who wish to apply statistical methods in medicine and/or public health. (It is a perfect complement to a major in Biology or Public Health.) The Mathematical Statistics track is intended for students with a stronger than average mathematical background who are interested in applying quantitative methods beyond medicine and public health.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Select from, use and interpret results of, descriptive statistical methods effectively.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the central concepts of modern statistical theory and their probabilistic foundation.

3. Select from, use, and interpret results of, the principal methods of statistical inference and design.

4. Communicate the results of statistical analyses accurately and effectively.

5. Make appropriate use of statistical software.

6. Read and learn new statistical procedures independently.

Major Requirements

Major Requirements:

CS 112	Introduction to Computer Science	4
MATH 220	Multivariable Calculus	4
MATH 211	Linear Algebra	4
STAT 118	Introductory Statistics	4
STAT 227	Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis	4
STAT 228	Introduction to Data Science	4
STAT 229	Regression Models	4
STAT 338/MATH 338	Probability	4
STAT 339/MATH 339	Statistical Theory	4
STAT 391	Special Topics in Statistics and Biostatistics	4
	MATH 4101 Programming in SAS at Emmanuel College CS112 Prerequisite

In addition, students on the Biostatistics track must choose one of the following:

BIOL 104	Introduction to Environmental Science	4
BIOL 113	General Biology	4
	OR
BIOL 115	Advanced General Biology	4
BIOL 123N	Principles of Microbiology	4

...and one other 200- or 300-level biology course.

We recommend but do not require that students take PH 201 (Epidemiology) or BIO 336 (Genetics).

In addition to the courses common to both tracks, students on the Mathematical Statistics track must take STAT/MATH 345 (Stochastic Processes) and one of CS/STAT 347 (Applied Data Science) or MATH 320 (Introduction to Real Analysis).

Finally, for both tracks, students must take at least 8 credit hours to fulfill the Capstone requirement. At least 4 credits must be completed in Mathematics or Statistics STAT 391.