Majoring in Statistics
Statistics is the scientific discipline that deals with the collection, organization, analysis, display, and interpretation of data. A major in Statistics is a good choice for students with strong math skills together with interests ranging from research in the biological, social and physical sciences to applications in law, medicine, government decision-making, finance, accounting, engineering, and actuarial work. Many Statistics majors have a second major in some field in which statistical methods are used.
Statistics Majors take both statistics courses and related mathematics courses.
Related Math Courses
An undergraduate statistics major requires prior training in calculus and linear algebra. Please note the Department of Mathematics made changes to their calculus courses that start in 2019-2020 academic year.
Starting 2019-2020:
Pre/Co-requisites for the 300 level courses in the Statistics Major
- MATH 220-1, MATH 220-2
Or*
- MATH 218-1, MATH 218-2, MATH 218-3
And
- MATH 226
- MATH 230-1, MATH 230-2, and MATH 240-0
Or MATH 228-1, MATH 228-2, and MATH 240-0
Or the MATH 281 series - Accelerated Mathematics for ISP
Or the MATH 285 series - Accelerated Mathematics for MMSS
Or the MATH 290 series - MENU: Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus
Or the MATH 291 series - MENU: Intensive Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus
Or ES_APPM 252-1, ES_APPM 252-2, and GEN_ENG 205-1
*See Placement in Calculus and non-Calculus Courses from the Math department for detailed information about calculus placement.
Prior to 2019-2020:
Pre/Co-requisites for the 300 level courses in the Statistics Major
- MATH 220-0 Differential Calculus of One-Variable Functions, MATH 224-0 Integral Calculus of One-Variable Functions
Or*
- MATH 212-0 Single Variable Calculus I, MATH 213-0 Single Variable Calculus II, MATH 214-0 Single Variable Calculus III
And
- MATH 230-0 Differential Calculus of Multivariable Functions
- MATH 234-0 Multiple Integration and Vector Calculus
- MATH 240-0 Linear Algebra
Or the MATH 281 series - Accelerated Mathematics for ISP
Or the MATH 285 series - Accelerated Mathematics for MMSS
Or the MATH 290 series - MENU: Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus
Or the MATH 291 series - MENU: Intensive Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus
*See Placement in Calculus and non-Calculus Courses from the Math department for detailed information about calculus placement.
Students do not have to complete all of the related Math courses before starting the main Statistics course sequence (STAT 320); however, courses in the main Statistics sequence do require some of these Math courses as either prerequisites or co-requisites. See the Full Course List on our website or the Undergraduate Course Catalog for course specific requirements.
Major Course Requirements (9 courses)
- 1 introductory course*: STAT 202-0 Introduction to Statistics, STAT 210-0 Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences, or STAT 232-0 Applied Statistics
- STAT 320-1 Statistical Methods 1
- STAT 320-2 Statistical Methods 2
- STAT 320-3 Statistical Methods 3
- STAT 325-0 Survey Sampling or STAT 351-0 Design and Analysis of Experiments
- STAT 350-0 Regression Analysis
- 3 additional 300-level courses offered by the department – note: MATH 310-2, IEMS 315-0, IEMS 351-0, IEMS 365-0, or IEMS 373-0 may substitute for 1 of the 3 STAT 300-level elective courses. Only 1 substitution is permitted.
*Students with a score of 4 or a 5 on the AP Statistics exam may receive credit for STAT 202-0 and thus do not need to take an introductory course.
Recommended
Students who expect to eventually obtain a PhD in statistics should take additional mathematics coursework. Since modern statistical work relies heavily on computers, students are also encouraged to develop skills in programming and use of advanced statistical software. The Director of Undergraduate Studies and other members of the faculty can recommend courses that are likely to be most valuable for those with particular interests.
The Statistics Major for Students in MMSS
Students who are completing an adjunct major in MMSS will need to complete the following requirements for their Statistics Major:
- STAT 320-2
- STAT 320-3
- STAT 325
- Three additional 300-level statistics electives
STAT 202 is waived, MATH 385 counts in place of STAT 320-1, and the combination of MATH 386-1 and MATH 386-2 counts in place of STAT 350.
See: https://www.mmss.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/degree-requirements/joint-major-requirements.html
Honors in Statistics
Honors in Statistics gives outstanding senior majors an opportunity to design and carry out a research project of their choice, which forms the basis of the Honors Thesis. Read more
Questions?
Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies
Ready to declare your Major in Statistics?
Please see Declaring/Advising for the link to the declaration form and directions for scheduling you advising appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Sandy Zabell.
Course Schedule
View the current schedule of courses.
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