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.
Student Resources
Department website: Mathematics
Contact information: Mathematics Department Office, Bond Hall 202, 360-650-3785, Math.Department@wwu.edu
Department advising: Visit the Advisors section of the Mathematics website.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Actuary, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Statistician, Biostatistician, Financial Analyst, Quantitative analyst, Operation Research Analyst, Market Researcher, Business Analyst
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. Instructions for online declaration.
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.
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