Statistics
Chair(s):
Shonda Kuiper
Faculty:
Jeff Jonkman
Ryan Miller
Anna Olsen
Chris Olsen
Erik Simpson
Barbara Trish
Jonathan Wells
With the abundance of data being collected in nearly every field of study, the use of statistical methods to acquire useful information from data is becoming an indispensable skill in the humanities as well as the natural and social sciences. The Statistics concentration focuses on the science of learning from data in the presence of uncertainty, and emphasizes statistical approaches and diverse models that are grounded in research questions from multiple disciplines. This concentration emphasizes the application of statistical methods, quantitative reasoning, visualization, computation and communication skills required when working with real-world data from multiple disciplines. Students in the concentration will plan coursework that develops these core skills, irrespective of the individual student’s particular area of application. Thus the concentration serves students who are interested in pursuing graduate degrees or beginning careers in a wide variety of fields.
Students typically start their study of statistics with STA 209 , a course intended for students who have strong quantitative skills. Students who have some previous experience with statistics are encouraged to consult a member of the concentration committee to determine if this course is the most appropriate starting point for them.