Statistics, the science of learning from data, has become increasingly important as scientists, businesses, and governments rely more and more on data-driven decision-making. Statisticians work in many areas, including business, economics, medicine, epidemiology, agriculture, environmental sciences, sports, and all aspects of government. With the increasing digitization and networking of society, data have become ever more ubiquitous, further expanding the demand for statisticians and their expertise in the collection and analysis of data.
Overview
Statistics majors learn how to design studies that effectively address the purpose of a research project and how to properly analyze the data collected in such studies. Core courses cover statistical methods applicable in a wide variety of settings (e.g., regression and design of experiments) as well as the conceptual and mathematical foundations of statistics. Other courses explore specific data types often encountered in practical settings. Statistics majors have the option to minor in actuarial science, a profession involving the statistical and financial practices of insurance.
Students who wish to major in statistics must consult a department advisor early in their programs.
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Coursework for the Major
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in statistics. The B.A. is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in the field of statistics or to teach statistics at the secondary-school level, but who do not currently contemplate graduate study in statistics. The B.S. is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in statistics or a closely related area, and for other strong students with a deeper interest in the mathematical foundations of statistics.
Students must receive minimum grades of C within two attempts (including withdrawals) in every required core course and in every course counted toward the 12 credit elective requirement, with the exception of MAC 2312 and 2313 where students must receive a minimum grade of B-. Students cannot retake core or statistics elective courses after earning a minimum grade of C, with the exception of MAC 2312 and 2313, in which students must receive a minimum grade of B-. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be achieved on all attempts of core and major elective courses and 2.67 on MAC2312 and MAC2313. The grades from all attempts to satisfy core requirements will be used to compute the minimum GPA.
Required Coursework for Both Degrees
The B.A. in statistics requires a minimum of 42 credits in statistics and related coursework. The B.S. in statistics requires a minimum of 49 credits in statistics and related coursework. It is important that the prerequisites of each class are met before the class is attempted.
Core (complete all, 27 credits)
- MAC 2311, 2312 and 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1-3 (4 credits each, 12 credits total) or
MAC 3472,3473, 3474 Honors Calculus 1-3 (4 credits each, 12 credits total)
- STA 4210 Regression Analysis (3 credits)
- STA 4211 Design of Experiments (3 credits); prerequisite: STA 4210
- STA 4321 Introduction to Probability (3 credits)
- STA 4322 Introduction to Statistics Theory (3 credits); prerequisite STA 4321
- STA 4504 Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
The course sequence, STA 4210-STA 4211 and STA 4321-STA 4322 should be completed by the end of the junior year.
Statistics Electives (choose two, 6 credits)
- STA 4222 Sample Survey Design (3 credits)
- STA 4502 Nonparametric Statistical Methods (3 credits)
- STA 4702 Multivariate Statistical Analysis (3 credits)
- STA 4712 Introduction to Survival Analysis (3 credits)
- STA 4853 Time Series/Forecasting (3 credits)
- STA 4930 Special Topics (3 credits)
Additional Required Coursework for B.A.
Core (choose one, 3-4 credits)
- MAS 3114 Computational Linear Algebra (3 credits)
- MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1 (4 credits); prerequisite: MHF 3202
Programming Elective (choose one, 3 credits)
- COP 2271 and 2271L Computer Programming for Engineers and Laboratory (3 credits total)
- COP 2800 Computer Programming Using Java (3 credits)
- COP 3275 Computer Programming Using C (3 credits)
- COP 3502 Programming Fundamentals 1 (3 credits)
Math and Science Elective (choose one, 3-4 credits)
- COT 4501 Numerical Analysis: A Computational Approach (3 credits)
- ESI 4312 Operations Research 1 (4 credits)
- MAA 4102 Introduction to Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 1 (3 credits)
- MAA 4211 Advanced Calculus 1 (3 credits)
- MAA 4402 Functions of a Complex Variable (3 credits)
- MAD 4401 Introduction to Numerical Analysis (3 credits)
- MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1 (if not taken as core course; 4 credits)
- MHF 4102 Elements of Set Theory (3 credits)
Additional Required Coursework for B.S.
Core (7 credits)
- MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1 (4 credits) (Prerequisite: MHF 3202)
- MHF 3202 Sets and Logic (3 credits)
Programming Elective (choose one, 3 credits)
- COP 2800 Computer Programming Using Java (3 credits)
- COP 3275 Computer Programming Using C (3 credits)
- COP 3502 Programming Fundamentals 1 (3 credits)
Math and Science Electives (chose two, 6 credits)
- MAA 4211 Advanced Calculus 1 (suggested, 3 credits)
- MAA 4212 Advanced Calculus 2 (3 credits)
- MAA 4402 Functions of a Complex Variable (3 credits)
- MAD 4401 Introduction to Numerical Analysis (3 credits)
- MHF 4102 Elements of Set Theory (3 credits)
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Combined Degree Program
Superior students can earn both the bachelor's and master's degrees in a shorter time than typically would be possible by counting up to 12 credits of approved graduate courses toward both degrees. For information and application, contact the undergraduate or graduate coordinator.
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Relevant Minors and/or Certificates
Statistics majors may want to consider a minor in actuarial science, which prepares students for careers as actuaries. Required courses cover the material for the beginning examinations and VEE credits leading to an associateship in the major national actuarial societies.
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Bachelor of Arts
Critical Tracking
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
Semester 2
- Complete MAC 1147 or higher-level calculus
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete MAC 2311
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete MAC 2312 with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete MAC 2313 and a programming elective or any STA course with a
2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
| IUF 1000 What is the Good Life (GE-H) |
3 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (State Core GE-M) |
4 |
| Biological or Physical Science (State Core GE-B or P) |
3 |
| Composition (State Core GE-C) (WR) |
3 |
| Science laboratory (GE-B or P) |
1 |
| Total |
14 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
| MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (GE-M) |
4 |
| Biological or Physical Science (Area not taken in semester 1, GE-B or P) |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Humanities (State Core GE-H) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (State Core GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
| MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (GE-M) |
4 |
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 or
STA 3032 Engineering Statistics (GE-M) |
3 |
| Foreign language |
4-5 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
14-15 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
| MAS 3114 Computational Linear Algebra |
3 |
| Elective (needed if placed out of language with SAT II) |
3 |
| Foreign language |
3-5 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Programming elective |
3 |
| Total |
15-17 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
| STA 4210 Regression Analysis (GE-M) |
3 |
| STA 4321 Introduction to Probability (GE-M) |
3 |
| Elective (or foreign language if 4-3-3 option) |
3 |
| Physical Science (GE-P) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
| STA 4211 Design of Experiments |
3 |
| STA 4322 Introduction to Statistics Theory (GE-M) |
3 |
| STA 4504 Categorical Data Analysis |
3 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) |
3 |
| Composition (GE-C) (WR) |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| Electives |
6 |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) |
7 |
| STA elective |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| Electives |
9 |
| Math science elective |
3 |
| STA elective |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
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Bachelor of Science
Critical Tracking
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
Semester 2
- Complete MAC 1147 or higher-level calculus
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete MAC 2311
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete MAC 2312 with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete MAC 2313 and a programming elective or any STA course with a
2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (State Core GE-M) |
4 |
| Biological or Physical Science (State Core GE-B or P) |
3 |
| Composition (State Core GE-C) (WR) |
3 |
| Science laboratory (GE-B or P) |
1 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
14 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
| IUF 1000 What is the Good Life (GE-H) |
3 |
| MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (GE-M) |
4 |
| Biological or Physical Science (Area not taken in semester 1, GE-B or P) |
3 |
| Humanities (State Core GE-H) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (State Core GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
| MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (GE-M) |
4 |
| MHF 3202 Sets and Logic |
3 |
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 or
STA 3032 Engineering Statistics (GE-M) |
3 |
| Foreign language |
3-5 |
| Total |
13-15 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
| MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1 |
4 |
| Elective (needed if placed out of language with SAT II) |
3 |
| Foreign language |
3-5 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Programming elective |
3 |
| Total |
16-18 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
| STA 4210 Regression Analysis (GE-M) |
3 |
| STA 4321 Introduction to Probability (GE-M) |
3 |
| Elective (or foreign language if 4-3-3 option) |
3 |
| Physical Science (GE-P) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
| STA 4211 Design of Experiments |
3 |
| STA 4322 Introduction to Statistics Theory (GE-M) |
3 |
| STA 4504 Categorical Data Analysis |
3 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) |
3 |
| Composition (GE-C) (WR) |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) |
3 |
| Electives |
10 |
| STA elective |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| Electives |
6 |
| Math science electives for major |
6 |
| STA elective |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
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