Degree Plan for B.A. in Statistics

Statistics is a science of information gathering, data analysis and decision making. It is a discipline that blends the applied with the theoretical and our courses, programs, and faculty reflect this mix. You can take applied data analysis courses together with ones in mathematical statistics and probability theory. These courses provide an excellent preparation for careers in industrial statistics, actuarial science, biostatistics, and research.

The courses taken to satisfy the requirements below will constitute the major B.A. in Statistics referred to in the general graduation requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. Majors are encouraged to consult the department's Undergraduate Advisor before every semester. The Undergraduate Advisor will recommend electives which are appropriate for the student's interests and goals.

1. Statistics Requirement (Min. 45 cr. hrs.)

Core Requirements Majors must complete the following five courses (16 cr. hrs.):

Either

• MAC 2311 — Calculus I (4)
• MAC 2312 — Calculus II (4)

or

• MAC 2281 — Engineering Calculus I (4)
• MAC 2282 — Engineering Calculus II (4)

Also

• COP 4313 — Symbolic Computations in Mathematics (3)

or

• STA XXXX — Computational Statistics (4)

plus completion of one of the three lab-based science courses (4 credits) below

• BSC XXXX/ XXXXL (4)
• CHM XXXX/ XXXXL (4)
• PHY XXXX/ XXXXL (4)

Required Courses (17 cr. hrs.):

• STA 2023 — Introductory Statistics I (4)
• STA 3024 — Introductory Statistics II (4)
• STA 4321 — Essentials of Statistics (3)
• STA 4442 — Introduction to Probability (3)
• MAC 2313 — Calculus III (4)

or

• MAC 2283 — Engineering Calculus (4)

Elective Requirement: Majors must complete four (4) courses from the following electives (Min. 12 cr. hrs.):

• STA 4222 — Sample Survey Design (3)
• STA 4502 — Nonparametric Statistical Methods (3)
• STA 4504 — Categorical Data Analysis (3)
• STA 4702 — Multivariate Statistical Methods (3)
• STA 4821 — Stochastic Processes (3)
• MAP 2302 — Differential Equations (3)
• MAS 3105 — Linear Algebra (4)
• MAT 4930 — History of Statistics (3)

Special Notes: One or two courses from another department which are of high mathematical content may be taken as electives, with the approval of the Undergraduate Advisor and the Chairman.

Suggested Semester-by-Semester Plan

Here is the suggested plan for statistics transfer students who: (1) come in with an AA (and are thus exempt from the summer requirement), (2) have only the state-mandated prerequisites completed, and (3) have no upper-level hours completed.

Fifth semester (first at USF)

• MAC 2313 (4)
• STA 2023 (4)
• Exit course (3)
• Exit course (3)

Sixth semester

• STA 3024
• Statistical Computing (4)
• MAP 2302 (3)
• Exit course (3)
• Upper-level elective (3)

Seventh semester

• STA 4442 (3)
• Stat. elective (3)
• Stat. elective (3)
• Upper-level elective (3)
• Upper-level elective (3)

Eighth semester

• STA 4321 (3)
• Stat. elective (3)
• Upper-level elective (3)
• Upper-level elective (3)
• Upper-level elective (3)

This totals 60 hours, including 48 at the upper level. It fulfills the requirements for the statistics major and contains three exit courses. It is, however, assumed that the student has met the foreign language reqirement as part of the AA. It would be helpful to the transfer student if s/he took MAC 2313 and (possibly) MAP 2302 at a community college. Additionally, it would be very helpful if s/he also had STA 2023.