University Catalog 2024-2025

Statistics (BS)

The Bachelor of Science in Statistics curriculum provides foundational training for careers in statistics and data science, and also prepares students for graduate study in statistics or related fields such as analytics. Our program's emphasis on statistical computing is unique, and prepares our graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving Data Science sector. While our curriculum is centered on statistics, mathematics, and computer programming, it is also designed to have a flexible interdisciplinary flavor. Each statistics major works with their advisor to formulate an individualized plan for 12 credits of "Advised Electives”, and this plan typically leads to a minor or second major in fields including business and finance, agriculture and life sciences, computer science, industrial engineering, or the social sciences.

For more information, see the website for our major.

Contact

Dr. Spencer Muse
Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs
Department of Statistics
NC State University Campus Box 8203
5276 SAS Hall
Raleigh, NC 27695-8203
muse@ncsu.edu

Plan Requirements

Orientation
COS 100Science of Change (verify requirement)0
Communication & Advanced Writing
Select one of the following Communications courses:3
Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication
Argumentation and Advocacy
Select one of the following Advanced Writing courses:3
Communication for Engineering and Technology
Communication for Business and Management
Communication for Science and Research
ENG 101Academic Writing and Research 14
Mathematics & Sciences
MA 141Calculus I 14
MA 241Calculus II 14
MA 242Calculus III 14
MA 225Foundations of Advanced Mathematics 13
MA 305Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices 13
or MA 405 Introduction to Linear Algebra
Students considering graduate school are strongly encouraged to select MA 405
GEP Natural Sciences11
Selected courses mustinclude (i) at least two laboratory classes and (ii) at least three 3- or 4-credit courses.
Computer Science/Statistical Computing
ST 114Statistical Programming 13
ST 307Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS 11
ST 308Introduction to Statistical Programming - R 11
ST 445Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management 13
Select one of the following Computational Statistics courses: 13
Introduction to Data Science
Applied Bayesian Analysis
Introduction to Data Science
Intermediate SAS Programming with Applications
Applied Bayesian Analysis
Statistics
ST 311Introduction to Statistics 13
Students transferring into the Statistics major having already taken BUS 350, ST 350, ST 370, or ST 371 may substitute that course for ST 311.
ST 312Introduction to Statistics II 13
Students transferring into the Statistics major having already taken ST 372 may substitute that course for ST 312.
ST 421Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I 13
ST 422Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II 13
ST 430Introduction to Regression Analysis 13
ST 431Introduction to Experimental Design 13
ST 432Introduction to Survey Sampling 13
ST Electives 400 Level 16
Advised Electives
Advised Electives 1,212
A documented plan for the 12 credits of the Advised Electives will be created in conjunction with the student’s academic advisor. These courses may or may not be statistics courses. Students are encouraged to use Advised Elective credits to pursue a minor or second minor. Note that many courses used as Advised Electives might have prerequisites or other restrictions.
GEP Courses
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences6
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives5
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
World Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Free Electives
Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 29
Total Hours120
1

A grade of C- or higher is required.

2

Students should consult their academic advisors to determine which courses fill this requirement.

*

No more than 6 total credits from undergraduate research, independent study, credit by examination, or other similar types of courses may be used to meet program requirements (credit from AP exams or transfer credits is not included under this restriction). If you are unsure if a course falls into this category, please confer with your advisor.

ST Electives 400 Level

ST 401Experiences in Data Analysis4
ST 404Epidemiology and Statistics in Global Public Health3
ST 405Applied Nonparametric Statistics3
ST 412Long-Term Actuarial Models3
ST 413Short-Term Actuarial Models3
ST 421Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I3
ST 422Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II3
ST 430Introduction to Regression Analysis3
ST 431Introduction to Experimental Design3
ST 432Introduction to Survey Sampling3
ST 433Applied Spatial Statistics 3
ST 434Applied Time Series3
ST 435Statistical Methods for Quality and Productivity Improvement3
ST 437Applied Multivariate and Longitudinal Data Analysis 3
ST 440Applied Bayesian Analysis3
ST 442Introduction to Data Science3
ST 445Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management3
ST 446Intermediate SAS Programming with Applications3
ST 491Statistics in Practice3
ST 495Special Topics in Statistics1-6
ST 497Professional Experience in Statistics1-3
ST 498Independent Study In Statistics1-6
ST 499Research Experience in Statistics1-3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
COS 100
Science of Change
or Introduction to Computing Environments
2
ST 311 Introduction to Statistics 1 3
MA 141 Calculus I (CP) 1 4
Select one of the following: 1 3
Statistical Programming (CP)
Introduction to Computing: Python
Introduction to Computing - Java
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours13
Spring Semester
Select one of the following: 3
Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication
Argumentation and Advocacy
MA 241 Calculus II (CP) 1 4
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 4
ST 312 Introduction to Statistics II (CP) 1 3
ST 307 Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS (CP) 1 1
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall Semester
MA 242 Calculus III (CP) 1 4
MA 225 Foundations of Advanced Mathematics (CP) 1 3
ST 445 Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management 1 3
GEP Requirement 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours14
Spring Semester
ST 308 Introduction to Statistical Programming - R 1 1
GEP Requirement 3
ST 431 Introduction to Experimental Design 1 3
MA 305
Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices (CP) 1
or Introduction to Linear Algebra
3
Advised Elective 1 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours16
Third Year
Fall Semester
ST 421 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I (CP) 1 3
ST 430 Introduction to Regression Analysis (CP) 1 3
GEP Requirement 3
Advised Elective 1 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ST 422 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II (CP) 3
GEP Requirement 3
Computational Statistics Elective 1 3
GEP Natural Sciences 4
Statistical Elective 1 3
 Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Select one of the following: 3
Communication for Engineering and Technology
Communication for Business and Management
Communication for Science and Research
GEP Requirement 3
Advised Elective 1 3
Statistics Elective 1 3
GEP Natural Sciences 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ST 432 Introduction to Survey Sampling 1 3
GEP Natural Sciences 4
Advised Elective 1 3
Free Electives 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours16
 Total Hours120
1

At most one D level grade is permitted in Advised Electives, Statistics Electives, or required MAT, ST, or CSC courses. C- or better is required in ST 307 Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS, ST 311 Introduction to Statistics, ST 312 Introduction to Statistics II and ST 421 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I.

Career Opportunities

The importance of sound statistical thinking in the design and analysis of quantitative studies is reflected in the abundance of job opportunities for statisticians. Because one can improve the efficiency and use of increasingly complex and expensive experimental and survey data, statisticians are in demand wherever quantitative studies are conducted. Statisticians are highly valued members of teams working in such diverse fields as biomedical science, global public health, weather prediction, environmental monitoring, political polling, crop and livestock management, and financial forecasting. Statistics is at the core of Data Science and Analytics, and our department provides an outstanding environment to prepare for careers in these areas. In addition to finding exciting careers in industry and government, our graduates are also very successful moving on to graduate programs in statistics and related fields at top universities around the globe.

Career Titles

  • Actuary
  • Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineering Technician
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Astronomer
  • Atmospheric and Space Scientist
  • Bank and Branch Managers
  • Biopsychologist
  • Budget Analyst
  • Buyer
  • Compensation Administrator
  • Computer and Information Scientists
  • Computer Programmer
  • Database Administrator
  • Financial Aid Counselor
  • Financial Analyst
  • Government Budget Analyst
  • High School Teacher
  • Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
  • Math Professor
  • Mathematical Technician
  • Mathematician
  • Meteorologist
  • Middle School Teacher
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Physicist
  • Psychometrist
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Securities and Commodities Sales Agent
  • Social Science Research Assistants
  • Statistical Assistants
  • Statistician
  • Technical Publications Writer

Learn More About Careers

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American Statistical Association

American Mathematical Society