Statistics

Statistics majors use mathematical and computing skills to solve practical problems. Statistical methods are used extensively in research conducted to improve medical, agricultural, industrial and business practices, to assess economic and social conditions, to gauge political opinion and to monitor effectiveness of government programs. Statistical analysis is at the heart of most research.

Overview

Statistics majors learn how to design studies that effectively address the purpose of a research project and how to properly analyze the data collected in such studies. Core courses cover statistical methods applicable in a wide variety of settings (e.g., regression and design of experiments) as well as the conceptual and mathematical foundations of statistics. Other courses explore specific data types often encountered in practical settings. Statistics majors have the option to minor in actuarial science, a profession involving the statistical and financial practices of insurance.

Students who wish to major in statistics must consult a department adviser early in their programs.

Coursework for the Major

Students must receive minimum grades of C within two attempts (including withdrawals) in every required core course and in every course counted toward the 12-hour elective requirement. The grades from all attempts to satisfy core requirements will be used to compute a minimum core GPA of 2.0. In addition, students must maintain a minimum overall 2.0 GPA in all attempts to satisfy core and elective requirements.

​The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts in statistics, and the curriculum for both degrees is identical.

Required Coursework

Students cannot retake core or elective courses after earning a minimum grade of C.

Core (complete all)

• MAC 2311, 2312 and 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1-3 or
  MAC 3472,3473, 3474 Honors Calculus 1-3
• MAS 3114 Computational Linear Algebra or
  MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1
• STA 4210 Regression Analysis
• STA 4211 Design of Experiments
• STA 4321 Introduction to Probability
• STA 4322 Introduction to Statistics Theory
• STA 4504 Categorical Data Analysis

The courses STA 4210 and 4211 must be taken in sequence. STA 4321 and 4322 should be completed by the end of the junior year.

Statistics Electives

• Any two additional 3-credit, 4000-level courses (not individual study) offered by the Department of Statistics. No majors can take any statistics course at the 3000 level or below after completing a 4000-level STA course.

Programming Elective (choose one)

• COP 2271 and 2271L Computer Programming for Engineers and Lab
• COP 2800 Computer Programming Using Java
• COP 3275 Computer Programming Using C
• COP 3502 Programming Fundamentals 1

Math and Science Elective (choose one)

• COT 4501 Numerical Analysis - A Computational Approach
• ESI 4312 Operations Research 1
• MAA 4102 Introduction to Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 1
• MAA 4211 Advanced Calculus 1
• MAD 4401 Introduction to Numerical Analysis
• MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1 (if not taken as core course)
• MAS 4107 Linear Algebra 2

Recommended Coursework

If graduate study in statistics is planned, courses MAA 4211, MAA 4212 and MAS 4105 are recommended.

Combined Degree Program

Superior students can earn both the bachelor's and master's degrees in a shorter time than typically would be possible by counting up to 12 credits of approved graduate courses toward both degrees. For information and application, contact the undergraduate or graduate coordinator.

Relevant Minors and/or Certificates

Statistics majors may want to consider a minor in actuarial science, which prepares students for careers as actuaries. Required courses cover the material for the beginning examinations and VEE credits leading to an associateship in the major national actuarial societies.

Critical Tracking

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

Semester 2

• Complete MAC 1147 or higher-level calculus

Semester 3

• Complete MAC 2311

Semester 4

• Complete MAC 2312 with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA

Semester 5

• Complete MAC 2313 and a programming elective or any STA course with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Recommended Semester Plan

Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).