Statistics, Bachelor of Arts College of Letters & Science
Statistics enables us to make inferences about entire populations based on samples taken from them. Statistical methods can be applied to problems in almost every discipline and are vitally important to researchers in the agricultural, biological, environmental, social, engineering, and medical sciences.
The Program
Statistics majors may receive either a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Both the A.B. and B.S. degree programs require coursework in both theoretical and applied statistics, highlighting the strong interdependence between statistical theory and its applications and computational aspects. The B.S. degree program has four tracks: Applied Statistics Track, General Track, Machine Learning Track, and the Statistical Data Science Track. The A.B. degree program has one track.
A.B. in Statistics-Applied Statistics Track emphasizes statistical applications. This track is recommended for students who are interested in applications of statistical techniques to various disciplines, especially the social sciences.
Major Advisors
For a current list of faculty and staff advisors, see Undergraduate Advising.
The requirements for continuing students to change into the Statistics major can be found at Statistics Change of Major Requirements & Process.
Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to plan a program as early as possible.
Career Alternatives
Probability models, statistical methods, and computational techniques are used in a great many fields, including the biological, physical, social, and health sciences, business, and engineering. The wide applicability of statistics is reflected in the strong demand for graduates with statistical training in both the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities include careers in data & policy analysis in government & industry, financial management, quality control, insurance & healthcare industry, actuarial science, engineering, public health, biological and pharmaceutical research, law, and education. Students with an undergraduate degree in statistics have entered advanced studies in statistics, economics, finance, psychology, medicine, business management & analytics, and other professional school programs.
The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Statistics Bachelor of Arts is 69.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Subject Matter | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| MAT 021A | Calculus (MAT 021A preferred) | 4 |
| or MAT 019A | Calculus for Data-Driven Applications | |
| or MAT 017A | Calculus for Biology & Medicine | |
| MAT 021B | Calculus (MAT 021B preferred) | 4 |
| or MAT 019B | Calculus for Data-Driven Applications | |
| or MAT 017B | Calculus for Biology & Medicine | |
| MAT 021C | Calculus (MAT 021C preferred) | 4 |
| or MAT 019C | Calculus for Data-Driven Applications | |
| or MAT 017C | Calculus for Biology & Medicine | |
| MAT 022A | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| or MAT 067 | Modern Linear Algebra | |
| or MAT 027A | Linear Algebra with Applications to Biology | |
| or BIS 027A | Linear Algebra with Applications to Biology | |
| Computer Science Engineering | ||
| ECS 032A | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| or ECS 032AV | Introduction to Programming | |
| or ECS 036A | Programming & Problem Solving | |
| Statistics | ||
| Choose one: | 4-8 | |
| Elementary Statistics | ||
or STA 013V | Elementary Statistics | |
or STA 013Y | Elementary Statistics | |
| Gateway to Statistical Data Science | ||
| Statistical Data Science I and Statistical Data Science II | ||
| Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences | ||
| Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal | 24-28 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | ||
| Core Coursework | ||
| Statistics | 24 | |
| Applied Statistical Methods: Analysis of Variance | ||
| Applied Statistical Methods: Regression Analysis | ||
| Mathematical Statistics: Brief Course | ||
| Mathematical Statistics: Brief Course | ||
| Analysis of Categorical Data | ||
| Applied Time Series Analysis | ||
or STA 141A | Fundamentals of Statistical Data Science | |
| Advanced Electives | ||
| Choose three: | 12 | |
| Applied Statistical Methods: Nonparametric Statistics | ||
| Multivariate Data Analysis | ||
| Applied Time Series Analysis | ||
| Fundamentals of Statistical Data Science | ||
| Data & Web Technologies for Data Analysis | ||
| Big Data & High Performance Statistical Computing | ||
| Sampling Theory of Surveys | ||
| Bayesian Statistical Inference | ||
| Practice in Statistical Data Science | ||
| Optimization | ||
| Special Studies for Honors Students | ||
| Special Studies for Honors Students | ||
| Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates | ||
| Note: A course used to fulfill a core requirement cannot be used as an advanced elective. | ||
| Domain Emphasis | ||
| Choose three upper division courses outside of Statistics. | 9-12 | |
A list of pre-approved elective courses can be found at: | ||
| Depth Subject Matter Subtotal | 45-48 | |
| Major GPA Requirements | ||
Minimum 2.0 GPA in UC Davis courses used in the major. | ||
Minimum 2.0 GPA in Upper Division UC Davis courses used in the major. | ||
| Total Units | 69-76 | |
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Course(s) discontinued; see your advisor for course options.
An A.B. in Statistics Sample Plan is found on the Department of Statistics website. This plan can be used as a guide, but students are recommended to meet with an advisor on a regular basis to make a customized plan that works best for their unique needs and priorities.