Programs

Applied Statistics

Applied statistics are all around us. They provide companies, hospitals, media outlets, etc with the ability to make sound data-based decisions instead of relying on anticipated results or gut instinct. In a world where everyone is trying to do more for less, applied statistics allow organizations to determine the effectiveness of their efforts.

If you have a passion for baseball but lack the physical prowess to go professional, applied statistics may be a way to make it to the big leagues. Sports teams use applied statistics every day to build the best team possible. In the case of baseball, they may look at a player’s slugging average and on-base average to choose those who complement the team’s existing line up. Yes, it’s true, sports statistician is a viable career option.

Statistics is the study of the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. Application of statistical techniques is an essential part of decision making and study in a wide range of disciplines such as astronomy, biology, education, economics, geography, engineering, genetics, marketing, medicine, psychology, public health, and sports.

Program Information

The Major in Applied Statistics is structured to provide a firm theoretical background in statistics and to allow students to apply specific statistical techniques within a discipline of their interest. The program has three possible concentrations:

  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Psychology

Each of these disciplines makes extensive use of statistics in the analysis of real-world data. The strength of the Major in Applied Statistics with a concentration in one of the disciplines listed is that it brings together statistical resources and training from multiple departments to benefit students in the program.

Students completing the Major in Applied Statistics will develop skills that can be applied in both public and private sector industries. Students will also be well prepared to pursue a graduate degree in their concentration discipline, or in statistics. Upon graduation many employment or graduate education options will be available to students majoring in Applied Statistics.

Course requirements for the Major in Applied Statistics with concentration in Economics, Geography, or Psychology:

Required courses

  • Computer Science 1620 - Fundamentals of Programming I
  • Mathematics 1410 - Elementary Linear Algebra
  • Mathematics 1560 - Calculus I
  • Mathematics 2560 - Calculus II
  • Statistics 1770 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • Statistics 2200 - Survey Design and Analysis
  • Statistics 3500 - Mathematical Probability
  • Statistics 3510 - Mathematical Statistics
  • Statistics 3700 - Design and Analysis of Experiments
  • Statistics 4990 - Independent Study

One of:

  • Statistics 2780 - Statistical Inference
  • Economics 2900 - Economics and Business Statistics

A. Concentration in Economics

  • Economics 1010 - Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Economics 1012 - Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Economics 2750 - Quantitative Methods in Economics
  • Economics 3010 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • Economics 3012 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
  • Economics 3950 - Econometrics I
  • Economics 4960 - Econometrics II
  • One additional course (3.0 credit hours) in Economics at the 3000/4000 level
  • Two additional courses (6.0 credit hours) in Economics at the 4000 level

B. Concentration in Geography

  • Geography 1000 - Introduction to Physical Geography
  • Geography 1200 - Introduction to Human Geography
  • Geography 2210 - Spatial Organization of Economic Activity
  • Geography 2700 - Geographical Data and Analysis
  • Geography 2735 - Introduction to Geographical Information Science
  • Geography 3235 - Quantitative Models for Geographic Analysis
  • Geography 4730 - Spatial Statistics
  • One of:
    Geography 2030 - Geomorphology
    Geography 2300 - Weather and Climate
  • One of:
    Geography 3740 - Geographical Information Systems
    Geography 3750 - GIS Applications in Human Geography
  • One additional course (3.0 credit hours) in Geography at the 3000/4000 level

C. Concentration in Psychology

  • Psychology 1000 - Basic Concepts of Psychology
  • Psychology 2030 - Methods and Statistics
  • Psychology 3400 - Advanced Research Design and Data Analysis
  • Four of:
    Neuroscience 2600 - Brain and Behaviour
    Psychology 2110 - Introduction to Child Development
    Psychology 2320 - Cognition and Perception: Thinking and Seeing
    Psychology 2330 - Learning and Cognition
    Psychology 2505 - Abnormal Psychology
    Psychology 2700 - Behaviour and Evolution
    Psychology 2800 - Social Psychology
    Psychology 2820 - Culture, Evolution, and Human Social Life
    Psychology 2840 - Comparative Sexuality
  • Two additional courses (6.0 credit hours) in Psychology or Neuroscience at the 3000/4000 level
  • One course (3.0 credit hours) in Psychology at the 4000 level