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Statistical Science focuses on extracting insights from data. This discipline is fundamental to data science, which integrates computational and statistical approaches for handling and interpreting vast, intricate datasets. Statistical principles and techniques find uses across nearly every domain, including science, social sciences, public health, medicine, engineering, finance, technology, business, government, and industry. Professionals in statistics and data science tackle diverse challenges, from assessing climate change health risks to forecasting wildfire trajectories, exploring genetic influences on health, and improving search algorithms. Innovations in data collection, organization, visualization, and analysis are accelerating advancements across all sectors, fueling the need for skilled data experts.
The Department of Statistical Sciences provides specialist, major, and minor programs in Statistics, along with a specialist program in Data Science and both specialist and major programs in Actuarial Science (see the Actuarial Science section of the academic calendar for details). All Statistics curricula cover statistical techniques, theory, computational methods, and communication, while highlighting statistics' role in addressing real-world challenges. The Statistical Science: Theory and Methods specialist program focuses on probability and statistical theory as mathematical foundations for data interpretation. The Statistical Science: Methods and Practice specialist program prioritizes hands-on statistical collaboration, allowing students to pair statistical studies with another discipline that utilizes these methods. The Data Science specialist program, a joint initiative with the Department of Computer Science, develops expertise in statistical reasoning, big data algorithms, software design, and machine learning. The Statistics major offers the greatest course flexibility, providing a comprehensive grasp of methods, computational skills, and communication techniques for solving statistical problems. The Statistics minor introduces students to statistical methodologies, complementing quantitative research in other fields.
Statistical Science involves techniques for deriving insights from data while accounting for uncertainty. The undergraduate programs aim to: (1) teach students a systematic approach to data-driven knowledge, (2) develop adaptable problem-solving skills, and (3) prepare students to master emerging methods as data sources and technologies evolve.