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Statistics (STAT), a branch of applied mathematics, studies the methodology for the collection and analysis of data and the use of data to make inferences under conditions of uncertainty. Statistics plays a fundamental role in the social and natural sciences, as well as in business, industry, and government.The Statistics program is offered cooperatively by the Departments of Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, and Sociology & Criminal Justice. The program is administered by an Interdisciplinary Statistics Committee comprised of the chairs or chair-appointed designees of the departments listed above and chaired by its Mathematics representative. The statistics minor is administered by the Department of Mathematics. Students interested in a statistics minor are encouraged to discuss course selection with a statistics faculty member from any discipline.
Minor
16 semester hours, including:
- CSCI 120 or 144; or DATA 133
- STAT 231, 232, or 233; or MATH/STAT 242
- And at least: 8 additional semester hours of statistics selected from BUSA 467, ECON 344, PSYC 242, MATH/STAT 342, MATH/STAT 348 (Additional courses may be approved by the chair of the Department of Mathematics.)
A maximum of 8 credit hours can simultaneously count towards both a statistics minor and a mathematics major. Courses taken for the statistics minor cannot be simultaneously used to satisfy a mathematics or actuarial science minor.
Statistics (STAT) - Undergraduate Courses
STAT 145 : Statistics for Biologists - QR
An introduction to statistics with a focus on topics and data relevant to biologists. Descriptive statistics and data representations, correlation and regression, experimental design, basic probability, binomial and normal distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, chi-squared test, ANOVA. Cross-listed with MATH 145. Prerequisite: MATH 140 or proficiency through MATH 140 as determined by the math placement exam. (4)
STAT 231 : Introductory Statistics - QR
Descriptive statistics: measures of central tendency and dispersion. Inferential statistics: generalizations about populations from samples by parametric and nonparametric techniques. Methods covered will include estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, regression, chi square, and ANOVA analysis. Includes a required computer lab. May not be taken for credit after MATH/STAT 242 has been taken. (4)
STAT 232 : Introductory Statistics for Psychology Majors - QR
Descriptive statistics: measures of central tendency and dispersion. Inferential statistics: generalizations about populations from samples by parametric and nonparametric techniques. Methods covered will include estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, regression, chi square, and ANOVA analysis. Includes a required computer lab. Students should register for the lab corresponding to their lecture section. This section is intended for psychology majors. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or equivalent. (4)
STAT 233 : Introductory Statistics for Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work Majors - QR
Descriptive statistics: measures of central tendency and dispersion. Inferential statistics: generalizations about populations from samples by parametric and nonparametric techniques. Methods covered will include estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, regression, chi square, and ANOVA analysis. Includes a required computer lab. Students should register for the lab corresponding to their lecture section. This section is intended for sociology, criminal justice, and social work majors. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or equivalent. (4)
STAT 242 : Introduction to Mathematical Statistics - QR
Data description, probability, discrete and continuous random variables, expectation, special distributions, statements of law of large numbers and central limit theorem, sampling distributions, theory of point estimators, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, regression (time permitting). Cross-listing with MATH 242. Previously was STAT/MATH 341. Prerequisite: MATH 151. (4)
STAT 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
STAT 342 : Probability and Statistical Theory
Continuation of STAT 242. Topics may include: joint and conditional distributions, correlation, functions of random variables, moment generating functions, Bayesian and non-parametric inference, convergence of distributions. Cross-listed with MATH 342. Prerequisite: MATH 152 and four hours from STAT 231, 232, 233, or MATH/STAT 242. MATH 253 (or concurrent enrollment) is strongly recommended. (4)
STAT 348 : Statistical Computing and Consulting
Topics include qualitative data analysis, as well as the use of R statistical software to create data visualizations and to conduct, present, and interpret statistical analyses such as multiple regression and nonlinear (e.g. logistic) regression. Students will learn about issues that arise when working with real data such as data cleaning, data preparation, ethical guidelines for statistical practice, and the logical connections between study design and the appropriate inferences that can be made. Statistical consulting strategies and communication of statistical ideas to nonstatistical clients will guide the course topics as students perform consulting services for peers, faculty, and/or the surrounding community. Cross-listed with MATH 348. Prerequisite: DATA 133, CSCI 144, or MATH 151, and one of MATH/STAT 145, 242, STAT 231, 232, or 233. Strongly recommended: Prior experience with the programming languages R or Python. (4)
STAT 491 : Independent Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
STAT 495 : Internship
To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)