Mathematical Statistics Major B.S.
- Rigorous training in the methods, mathematical foundations, and applications of statistics
- Careers in high-paying jobs as "mathematical statistician" in settings such as business, industrial, engineering, government and education
Major code BS3106
Faculty Contact: Dr. Todd Young
Program Overview
The mathematical statistics major is intended to give the student rigorous training in the methods, mathematical foundations, and applications of statistics.
Other majors in the mathematical sciences offered by the Mathematics Department are the B.S. in mathematics, applied mathematics, and actuarial science. The department also offers a B.A. in mathematics as a flexible and attractive option for students considering a double-major.
When planning any program of study in mathematics, it is strongly recommended that you consult an adviser from the department.
Careers and Graduate School
"Mathematical statistician" is a defined job title in the federal government that carries a higher average salary than the simple “statistician” title. The B.S. degree prepares the candidate for a career as a mathematical statistician in a broad range of settings such as business, industrial, engineering, government, and education. Potential employers include, but are not limited to, the following: state and federal government agencies; scientific research and development services; communication firms; public and private K-12 education; institutions of higher education; computer services companies; software publishers; banks and credit unions; non-profit organizations; and chemical and pharmaceutical companies.
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Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond university admission requirements. However, it is strongly recommended that students satisfy at least one of the following before entering the program:
- Have a least a 30 ACT Math score or a SAT Math score of 680 or above
- Have scored at least a 3 on the AP Calculus AB exam
- Have scored at least a 4 on the AP Statistics exam
Change to Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements. However, it is strongly recommended that students satisfy at least one of the following before transferring into the program:
- Have a least a 30 ACT Math score or a SAT Math score of 680 or above
- Have scored at least a 3 on the AP Calculus AB exam
- Have scored at least a 4 on the AP Statistics exam
- Attained Level 3 on the Math Placement Exam
- Earned at least an A- in MATH 2301 or have an A- on an equivalent transfer course
- Completed MATH 2301, 2302, 3300 with no grade less than a B
External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond university admission requirements. However, it is strongly recommended that students satisfy at least one of the following before entering the program:
- Have a least a 30 ACT Math score or a SAT Math score of 680 or above
- Have scored at least a 3 on the AP Calculus AB exam
- Have scored at least a 4 on the AP Statistics exam
- Earned at least an A- in a course equivalent to MATH 2301
- Completed a calculus sequence with no grade less than a B
Degree Requirements
University-wide Graduation Requirements
To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.
Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement
View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Program Requirements
For a B.S. degree with a major in mathematical statistics, a student must complete a total of at least 30 semester credit hours of mathematics and statistics courses, plus nine hours of applied statistics electives.
Mathematical Statistics Requirements
Complete the following courses:
- MATH 2301 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4.0
- MATH 2302 - Calculus II Credit Hours: 4.0
- MATH 3300 - Calculus III Credit Hours: 4.0
- MATH 3500 - Probability Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 4501 Mathematical Statistics I Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 4502 Mathematical Statistics II Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 4530 - Statistical Computing Credit Hours: 3.0
Discrete Math
Complete one of the following courses:
- CS 3000 - Introduction to Discrete Structures Credit Hours: 4.0
- MATH 3050 - Discrete Mathematics Credit Hours: 3.0
Linear Algebra
Complete one of the following courses:
- MATH 3200 - Applied Linear Algebra Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 3210 - Linear Algebra Credit Hours: 3.0
Applied Statistics Electives - Group A
Complete one of the following courses:
- COMS 3520 - Quantitative Inquiry in Communication Credit Hours: 3
- ECON 3810 - Economic Statistics Credit Hours: 3
- ET 2400 - Fundamentals of Statistics Credit Hours: 3
- ET 2450 - Engineering Statistics Credit Hours: 3
- GEOG 2710 - Introduction to Statistics in Geography Credit Hours: 3
- MATH 2500 - Statistics and Probability Credit Hours: 4
- PSY 2110 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 4
- QBA 2010 - Introduction to Business Statistics Credit Hours: 4
Applied Statistics Electives - Group B
Complete two of the following courses. Note: cannot earn credit for GEOG 3050 and some courses listed in Group A; refer to course descriptions for additional information.
- ECON 4850 - Economic Methodology Credit Hours: 3
- ECON 4870 - Introduction to Econometrics Credit Hours: 3
- ECON 4890 - Economics with SAS Credit Hours: 3
- GEOG 4710 - Quantitative Methods in Geography Credit Hours: 3
- GEOL 3050 - Statistical Methods in Geology Credit Hours: 4
- ISE 4160 - Principles of Six Sigma Credit Hours: 3
- ISE 4300 - Introduction to Designed Experiments Credit Hours: 2
- MATH 4550 - Basic Principles of Actuarial Science Credit Hours: 3
- MATH 4560 - Life Contingencies Credit Hours: 3
- PBIO 3150 - Statistical Methods in Plant Biology Credit Hours: 4
- PSY 2120 - Research Methods in Psychology Credit Hours: 4
- PSY 3110 - Advanced Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 4
- QBA 2720 - Business Analytics Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4500 - Data Analysis Credit Hours: 3
Recommendations
Students planning to enter a graduate program in statistics or other mathematical sciences are encouraged to take as many of the following courses as time allows:
- MATH 3400 - Elementary Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 4301 - Advanced Calculus I Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 4310 - Complex Variables Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 4410 - Fourier Analysis and Partial Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3.0
- MATH 4520 - Stochastic Processes Credit Hours: 3.0