Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2024 
    
2018-2019 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2024 [Archived Catalog]

Statistics (BS)


MISSION OF THE STATISTICS DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Statistics Department is to provide every student a foundation in data collection, modeling, analysis, and critical evaluation. Additionally, the department provides the foundation students need to pursue graduate study and/or a career in statistics, biostatistics, data science, actuarial science, and other data-analytic fields.

THE DEGREE PROGRAM

A statistics degree provides a foundation into the world of statistics: the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and understanding of data. Grounded in the liberal arts, statistics builds on a base of mathematics and computer science to solve real world problems across disciplinary boundaries.

The major has three concentrations that allow a student to prepare for a variety of future paths.

a.  Theoretical Statistics prepares students for graduate work in statistics or for positions in mathematically-intensive areas of statistics.
b.  Applied Statistics prepares students for work and further study in statistically-driven professions in Biostatistics, Educational Measurement, and similar areas.
c.  Data Science prepares students to make meaning from complex data sets for work in computationally-rich fields.

Graduates in all concentrations should be well-qualified for advanced study in graduate programs or employment in a professional career requiring preparation. All statistics graduates will obtain a background in statistical theory, gain experience with statistical computing and data manipulation, and learn valuable problem-solving, technical writing, and effective communication skills.

Truman’s Statistics degree is consistent with the principles and recommendations contained in the American Statistical Association’s “Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Programs in Statistical Science,” http://www.amstat.org/asa/files/pdfs/EDU-guidelines2014-11-15.pdf.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

All Statistics students are encouraged to talk to their advisor about completing a minor in a related area. Statistics uses tools from the mathematical sciences to examine and address problems in disciplines across campus. Students should also consider an internship, consulting, or other statistics field experience, where they can apply their statistical know-how to real world situations.

Students may obtain credit and research experience by participating in a recognized national undergraduate research programs in statistics such as an REU site or in one of several research programs sponsored by Truman.

There are also opportunities to work with faculty and other students as tutors or graders for lower-level statistics courses.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN STATISTICS

Honors in Statistics may be earned by:

  1. Maintaining an overall grade point average of 3.5,
  2. Maintaining a major grade point average of 3.5,
  3. Scoring at or above the 80th percentile on the senior exam,
  4. Demonstrating excellence in scholarship by producing a scholarly paper or project, or by passing two actuary exams; and
  5. Receiving the concurrence of the statistics faculty.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

Liberal Studies Program Requirements: 31-58 Credits


Missouri Statute Requirement: 1-3 Credits


Bachelor of Science Requirement: 6 or more Credits


Six or more credits from: AGSC, BIOL, CHEM, CS, ECON, MATH, PSYC, or PHYS. Courses used to fulfill the BS requirement may not be used to satisfy Statistics Major requirements or Liberal Studies Program components. Students considering graduate school are encouraged to consider choosing additional coursework in mathematics and computer science.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:


The Statistics major consists of three (3) parts: Required Support, Core Major Requirements, and a Concentration. Each student must complete all parts.

Part I: Required Support: 8 Credits


Courses listed in Required Support may double count for LSP, minor, or other campus requirements, but may not double count with requirements listed elsewhere in this major.

Part III: Concentration: 21 Credits (Complete One)


Theoretical Statistics:


Students in this concentration must select STAT 290, MATH 263 and MATH 357 as their options within Required Support and Core Requirements above.

Applied Statistics:


Students who complete CS 191 and STAT 290 may request that CS 191 substitute for STAT 270.

Data Science:


Students who complete CS 191 and STAT 290 may request that CS 191 substitute for STAT 270.

Electives to Total: 120 Credits


Note:


Transfer students majoring in statistics must complete 18 credits in the major at Truman, 15 of which must be at the 300 level or higher.

STAT 378 may not be used as an elective anywhere in the Statistics program.

Students may not count both STAT 375 and STAT 475 as electives in the Statistics program.

Capstone Experience for Statistics


Students who complete an internship experience (such as STAT 471), an intensive research experience (such as STAT 473), or who complete a statistically-intensive capstone experience as part of a second major, may request that experience to substitute for STAT 497. Credits that substitute for STAT 497 may not also be used as elective credit in the STAT major. All statistics majors must complete STAT 498.