Dec 26, 2024  
2016-2017 Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Statistics, BS


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Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Engineering

87-95 credits

Introduction

Today’s era has witnessed an explosive growth in the amount of data collected, and there has been a realization that these massive data sets (“big data”) are reservoirs of valuable information that can be used not only for research purposes but also for direct applications and for sound decision-making. The extraction of the useful parts from big data and the analysis and interpretation of its contents require skills and knowledge in certain areas of the mathematical and computer sciences, specifically in machine learning, data mining - and statistics.

Apart from being a vital component in exploiting big data, statistical expertise is also essential in virtually all scientific organizations, large business enterprises and government agencies. The ability to analyze and make sense of data, big or small, by means of statistical techniques is critical in ensuring that the conclusions reached and the decisions made are based on valid empirical evidence.

Western’s B.S. degree in Statistics is organized around a core course of study in probability and statistics that provides students with a background in the fundamentals of statistical thought and the application of the most common types of statistical analyses. In addition, our elective classes offer our students the opportunity to have at their disposal a diverse toolkit of analysis techniques and modeling choices that can be used to make sense of information coming from a breadth of different data types.

Why Consider a Statistics Major?

 

 Contact Information

Department Chair
Tjalling Ypma
Bond Hall 202A
360-650-3785
Tjalling.Ypma@wwu.edu

Mathematics Department
Bond Hall 202
360-650-3785
Math.Department@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

 

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students who intend to complete a major in Statistics are urged to declare the major formally at an early point in their Western career, so that a program of study can be planned carefully in collaboration with a departmental advisor.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements


Mathematic Requirements (31 credits)


Electives (16 credits)


Breadth Requirement (12-20 credits, or more)


Students must either complete a minor in another department or complete one of the following sequences:

  • PHYS 161, PHYS 162, PHYS163;
  • CHEM 121, CHEM 122, CHEM 123;
  • CHEM 125, CHEM 126, CHEM 225;
  • BIOL 204, BIOL 205, CHEM 121, 122;
  • CSCI 145, CSCI 241, CSCI 301, and one of CSCI 305, CSCI 330, CSCI 345, CSCI 401;
  • ECON 206, ECON 207, ECON 306, and one of ECON 375, ECON 470, ECON 475;
  • MATH 312, MATH 421, MATH 422.

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