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. A research project in Statistics must constitute either an original contribution to theory or methodology, or an advanced data analysis project, and must consist substantially of independent research performed by the student.
Planning ahead is crucial for pursing honors. Prior to their junior year, students should prepare by reading Weinberg’s Honors in Your Major, which provides both a general overview of the honors process and general advice for students pursing honors.
To pursue honors in Statistics, a student should have an overall GPA of at least 3.5, a GPA of at least 3.5 in all courses required for the major and have made significant progress towards the major by the end of their junior year.
A departmental recommendation for honors requires that students take 2 quarters of independent study (STAT 399), through which they develop a research paper (senior thesis). These courses cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the major.
Prior to the fall of their senior year, students must
- obtain agreement from a Department of Statistics and Data Science faculty member who will supervise the independent study and honors thesis
- meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies for approval to pursue honors
The independent study courses are typically taken during the fall and winter quarters of the student’s senior year, with the Statistics and Data Science faculty member who has agreed to supervise your honors thesis.
For more information, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.