MISSION OF THE STATISTICS DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Statistics Department is to provide every student a foundation in data collection, visualization, 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 analytical 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 options that allow a student to prepare for a variety of future paths.
- The Bachelor of Arts - Statistics program is designed to be flexible, with exposure to the breadth of statistical thinking, and including a required minor in a field of the students’ choice.
- The Bachelor of Science in Statistics (Classical) program requires additional coursework in statistics, mathematics, and/or computer science, preparing students for graduate work in statistics or for positions in more mathematically-intensive areas of statistics.
- The Bachelor of Science in Statistics (Data Science) program prepares students to make meaning from complex data sets for work in computationally-rich fields.
Graduates 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://amstat.org/education/curriculumguidelines.cfm.
STATISTICAL COMMUNICATION
All statistics majors will develop their skills as speakers and as writers. STAT 310 is a Writing-Enhanced/Speaking-Enhanced course where students examine “writing about research.” All students complete a capstone experience that includes a presentation and a paper. Many other STAT courses involve less formal writing and speaking experiences in a variety of settings, including longer and shorter forms, formal and informal styles, in-person and online delivery, with a special emphasis on communication products aimed at technical experts and non-experts.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
All Statistics students are encouraged to talk to their advisor about selecting 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.
On campus, our student-driven statistical consulting center, CASE, gives students a chance to work with clients from across and beyond campus with real data. Data Science contests such as ASA DataFest give students a chance to solve real world problems in a short time frame.
Students may obtain credit and research experience by participating in 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.
JOINT 4+1 GRADUATE/UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Truman offers a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytical Storytelling that prepares students for careers in a variety of industries in Data Science, Data Analytics, and related fields. Although this graduate program is open to students of any major, STAT majors may use some courses to fulfill requirements for both programs. See that part of the catalog for more details on the Data Science and Analytic Storytelling (MS) or talk to the Statistics Department Chair or the Data Science Program Director.
Truman also partners with the University of Missouri, Columbia, to offer a 4+1 program leading to a Truman undergraduate degree in Statistics and a Mizzou Masters Degree in Statistics. Several Truman courses, including STAT 570G and STAT 571G , and several Mizzou courses, STAT 8310 and STAT 8320 may count towards both degrees. Talk to the Department Chair for more details.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN STATISTICS
Honors in Statistics may be earned by:
- Maintaining an overall grade point average of 3.5;
- Maintaining a major grade point average of 3.5;
- Demonstrating excellence in scholarship by producing a scholarly paper or project, or by passing two actuary exams; and
- Receiving the concurrence of the statistics faculty.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: