Statistics at Appalachian

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Statistics.

Bachelor of Science in Statistics

The Bachelor of Science in statistics is most often chosen by undergraduates who wish to prepare for employment in areas where skill in the use of statistical ideas is advantageous. The program of study requires the student to build a firm foundation in basic mathematics and statistics.

The program of study for the Bachelor of Science in Statistics consists of a minimum of

1. 41 hours of core and elective courses in mathematical sciences
2. 6 hours of related course work either inside or outside the department
3. 18 hours of course work in a concentration outside of the mathematical sciences department
4. A well-written statement of objectives
5. The core curriculum must be completed, and the total number of hours from ALL undergraduate courses must be at least 122 with a GPA of at least 2.0
6. The designator requirements must be met, and the Certificate of Proficiency in Communication must be completed

The total hours in a program of study MUST be at least 65!

Here are some guidelines for approved electives:

• First and foremost: A department advisor must approve ALL electives!
• The total credit hours of electives must be at least 6.
• Courses numbered under 3000 in STT are not approved.
• Honors courses and special topics (MAT 4010) courses offered each Spring are especially encouraged.
• Students considering graduate school in statistics should take at least one semester of analysis and preferably two (MAT 3220, MAT 4220).
• Exceptional students may want to consider enrolling in 5000-level courses as electives during their senior year. The requirements for this privilege are: (1) senior standing (2) GPA > 3.0 (3) completed permission form.

The guidelines for choosing related coursework are similar to those for approved electives except that these courses may be chosen from other departments as well:

• First and foremost: A department advisor must approve ALL electives!
• The total credit hours of related coursework must be at least 6.
• The courses chosen should complement each other and either statistics or the chosen concentration.
• Econometrics (ECO 4750) and Applications for Forecasting Techniques (ECO 4740) are especially encouraged.
• Students considering graduate school in statistics: The courses in analysis (MAT 3220 and MAT 4220) are excellent choices for electives.
• Exceptional students may want to consider enrolling in 5000-level courses as related coursework during their senior years. The requirements for this privilege are: (1) senior standing (2) GPA > 3.0 (3) completed permission form.

Students must have two courses designated as writing intensive (W) and one course designated as speaking intensive (S) in their program of study. For statistics majors, STT 4870 satisfies one W and one S. Students should consult with their advisors to choose an additional W course from the List of Course Designators.

A Certificate of Proficiency in Communication must also be completed and on file prior to graduation. This requires signatures from a W and an S class instructor. Note: Instructors sign these forms only if the student performs satisfactorily on the W and/or S components of the course. It is the student's responsibility to request that an instructor sign the form.

Concentrations can be quite creative. HERE is a list of sample concentrations; students are not obligated to choose one from the list. Customized concentrations are acceptable. 

There is only one restriction:

• Concentrations, especially those not on the sample list, MUST be approved by a department advisor and the department chair.

Every student must complete a Program of Study form with a statement of objectives attached at least two semesters prior to graduation. Program of study forms are available on the web and may also be obtained from your program advisor. 

The Statement of Objectives must be typed, professional looking, and discuss

• Future plans and their relation to the major
• Rationale for choice of electives
• Rationale for choice of related coursework
• Rational for choice of concentration

Statements must have the following format:

Program of Study forms will not be accepted unless accompanied by a well-written (grammatically correct and professionally formatted) statement.