Minor in Statistical Science

The Statistical Science Minor is designed to provide students majoring in other disciplines with opportunities for exposure and skill development in advanced statistical methods. These skills are useful for conducting research in applied subjects, and they are appealing to employers and graduate schools seeking students with quantitative skills. The Minor is flexible, so you can find a path to the minor that serves your specific needs. For more information about declaring a minor or course advice, please contact the DUS. 

Required Courses

5 Statistics courses; 3-4 prerequisite courses

Prerequisites

The skills developed and techniques explored in these courses are necessary for the study of advanced statistical methods in the minor.

  • Calculus I: MATH 21 - Introductory Calculus I or MATH 111L - Laboratory Calculus I
    • The Calculus I requirement can also be satisfied with the sequence of MATH 105L - Laboratory Calculus and Functions I and MATH 106L - Laboratory Calculus and Functions II courses.
  • Calculus II: MATH 22 - Introductory Calculus II or MATH 122 - Introductory Calculus II with Applications or MATH 112L - Laboratory Calculus II
  • Multivariable calculus: MATH 219 - Multivariable Calculus or MATH 212 - Multivariable Calculus or MATH 222 -  Advanced Multivariable Calculus or MATH 202 - Multivariable Calculus for Economics.
  • For students taking STA 402L (previously numbered 360L) - Linear algebra: MATH 218 - Matrices and Vector Spaces (good option for many students) or MATH 221 - Linear Algebra and Application (required for math majors, preferred for statistical science students thinking about graduate study in statistics or mathematical science).
    • MATH 216 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations also satisfies the Linear algebra requirement however some students may find this course less engaging than MATH 218 or MATH 221.

Core

  • STA 210L - Regression Analysis or STA 221L - Regression Analysis: Theory and Applications
  • STA 240L - Probability for Statistics (Recommended) or STA 230 / MATH 230 - Probability or STA 230S / MATH 230S - Probability Inquiry Based Learning or STA 231 / MATH 340 - Advanced Introduction to Probability
  • One inference course from the following:
    • STA 332 / MATH 343 - Statistical Inference (previously numbered STA 432)
    • STA 402L - Bayesian Statistical Modeling and Data Analysis (previously numbered STA 360L)

Electives

  • Two additional courses in Statistical Science at or above the 100 level, only one of which can be from the 100 level.
  • We recommend 402L - Bayesian Statistical Modeling and Data Analysis (previously numbered STA 360L) as one of your electives if you're not taking it to satisfy your inference requirement.
  • Up to one STA independent study at the 300- or 400-level can be used toward minor elective requirements.

Declaring your minor

Declare your minor in Statistical Science either by including it when you declare your major(s) or by using this Change of Plan form and instructions. Students changing from a major to a minor in Statistical Science must also use this form.