Why study statistics?

Information is needed to solve the many problems of today’s world. How much information? What kind? After it is obtained, what must be done with it? Statisticians are trained to help answer these questions. Early admission into the Statistics Department will allow students to plan their programs so that the math and statistics prerequisites can be taken in the most efficient sequence.

Careers with a degree in statistics

You can do a lot with an undergraduate major in Statistics. As a statistician you will spend your time working to find the answers to problems in fields like medicine, marketing, education, and business. They create surveys and experiments to find out, for example, how popular a television show is or how effective a drug is. Using only small samplings of people, Statisticians can give reliable results about how an entire population will behave. A large number of Statisticians work for several government agencies and also in private enterprises.  Most Statisticians continue on to get a more advanced degree. Master’s degrees are required for positions as Financial Analysts, Biostatisticians, Econometricians, or Data Analysts. If you hope to teach at a university or lead research, then you’ll need to continue your schooling further and get a MA/MS or Ph.D.

BA and BS in Statistics

Students may pursue either a BA or a BS degree. For both degrees, students may pursue either a traditional track or an applied track. Students who are interested in graduate study in statistics are strongly encouraged to follow the traditional track.

Minor in Statistics

A minor in statistics requires a minimum of 15 credits in statistics courses numbered 3000 or above. The courses used to complete the minor must be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies and include at least one of the courses listed here. 

BS in Data Science

Find meaning in numbers, patterns in chaos and solutions in datasets. With the data science program, you’ll organize, analyze and interpret data, while learning predictive modeling, data reporting and visualization.

All Mizzou Data Science majors take the same core curriculum including courses in data visualization, computing with data in Python, and matrix theory. Students then choose their own paths and focus in one of three areas:

• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Statistics

For more information, please contact Larry Ries, Director of Undergraduate Programs in Data Science, at RiesLD@missouri.edu.

Undergraduate Research

Interested in research? The Department of Statistics at the University of Missouri offers research opportunities for undergraduate statistics majors though the Undergraduate Statistics Research (USTAR) Center. USTAR inspires and empowers students to explore the opportunities within the field of statistics through innovative research, experiential learning and collaborative mentorship led by faculty at the University of Missouri. Students who have access to hands-on learning and research opportunities during their academic journey are better prepared for post-graduation success. For information about research opportunities, email Director of Undergraduate Studies Teri Christiansen at christiansente@missouri.edu.

Visiting the Department of Statistics at MU

If you plan on visiting MU and have an interest, or plan, on becoming a statistics major, please include a visit to the Statistics Department in your schedule. The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Teri Christiansen is happy to meet with students and families who are interested in more information about our program.  Appointments can be made by email at christiansente@missouri.edu.