Statistics

B313 Padelford

Probability provides the conceptual foundation and mathematical language for the logic of uncertainty and induction. Statistics is concerned with procedures for the acquisition, management, exploration, and use of information in order to learn from experience in situations of uncertainty and to make decisions under risk. Statistical practice includes design of experiments and of sampling surveys; exploration, summarization, and display of observational data; drawing inferences, and assessing their uncertainty; and building mathematical models for systems with stochastic components.

Instruction is enriched through academic contacts with the Foster School of Business; the College of Engineering; the departments of Applied Mathematics, Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, Cardiology, Computer Science, Earth and Space Sciences, Economics, Genetics, Mathematics, Psychology, Radiology, and Sociology; the Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management program; the Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences; the Applied Physics Laboratory; the Applied Statistics Division of the Boeing Company; Microsoft Research; and Insightful Corporation. The department has an especially close relationship with the Department of Biostatistics; for example, the two departments are jointly developing new curricula in statistical genetics.

Undergraduate Program

Adviser
B309 Padelford, Box 354322
206-543-8296

The Department of Statistics offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in statistics
• In conjunction with the departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, and Mathematics, the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in applied and computational mathematical sciences.
• A minor in statistics

Bachelor of Science

Suggested First-and Second-Year College Courses: CSE 142; CSE 143; MATH 307, MATH 308, MATH 309, MATH 327, MATH 328. Additional courses in the sciences and quantitative methods. It is recommended that the student declare the major only after completion of STAT 341.

Department Admission Requirements

1. Completion of 45 credits, including MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126;  minimum 8 credits from one of the following groups of courses: ASTR 101, ASTR 102, ASTR 190, ASTR 201, ASTR 301; CHEM 120, CHEM 142, CHEM 145, CHEM 152, CHEM 155; GENOME 351, GENOME 372, GENOME 453, GENOME 455; PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116, PHYS 117, PHYS 118, PHYS 119, PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, PHYS 210, PHYS 211, PHYS 212; and one course from STAT 220, STAT 311, STAT 390, or an approved substitute. The 8 credits must be from within the same group (e.g., CHEM 142, CHEM 152).
2. Minimum grade of 2.0 in each of the above listed prerequisites and a cumulative GPA of 2.80 for these courses.
3. Students wishing to declare a statistics major must apply by contacting the adviser after prerequisites are completed and graded.

Major Requirements

Minimum 71 credits, as follows:

1. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; MATH 307, MATH 308, MATH 309; MATH 327, MATH 328 (the Honors sequences in calculus may replace the corresponding regular sequences)
2. CSE 142, CSE 143
3. One course from STAT 220, STAT 311, STAT 390, or approved substitute (STAT 311 recommended)
4. STAT 394, STAT 395, followed by STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 421, STAT 423.
5. Electives (at least 9 credits): one upper-division course in statistics, mathematics, or computer science, plus two upper-division courses in any discipline (including but not limited to statistics, mathematics, and computer science), all subject to prior approval by the Statistics adviser. The first elective defines the flavor of the major within these interrelated mathematical fields, and the other two give a chance to broaden the basis of the major into a special-interest area, chosen from the full range of upper-division courses offered at the University. However, three Department of Statistics courses is the most common choice. Any other choice must fit into an approved coherent plan.
6. Minimum grade of 2.0 in all courses used to satisfy major requirements.
7. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all courses used to satisfy major requirements.

Minor

Minor Requirements: 38 credits, as follows:

1. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126
2. STAT 311 or approved substitute
3. STAT 394, followed by STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 421 (or STAT 423)
4. One elective from the following choices: STAT 395 (strongly recommended), STAT 396, STAT 403, STAT 423, STAT 427, STAT 428, CSE 142, MATH 307, MATH 308, AMATH 351, AMATH 353.
5. Minimum grade of 2.0 in each course used to satisfy minor requirements.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Statistics emphasizes decision making in the face of uncertainty. Tools developed by the major include probability theory, mathematical statistics, experience with data analysis, and use of statistical tools via the computer. Graduates have pursued careers in actuarial science, financial planning, drug development, statistical consulting, teaching, public health, military science, aerospace, computer technology, and forest resources.
• Instructional and Research Facilities: Computer workstations are available on a drop-in basis through the College of Arts & Sciences Instructional Computing Lab. Tutoring in a set of introductory statistics courses is currently available at the Statistics Tutor and Study Center.
• Honors Options Available: None offered.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Some students receive limited support and the opportunity to participate in the VIGRE program which, funded by the National Science Foundation, encourages undergraduates to participate in research; sometimes students function in teams with faculty and graduate students. A special seminar series for undergraduates is offered in conjunction with the ACMS program.
• Department Scholarships: None offered.
• Student Organizations/Associations: The Actuary Club at the University of Washington, http://students.washington.edu/actuary

Graduate Programs

Graduate Program Coordinator
B312 Padelford, Box 354322
206-685-7306

The graduate programs emphasize both the theory and application of statistics, including probability theory, mathematical statistics, data analysis, statistical computing, and scientific applications. Computing facilities in the Department of Statistics rank among the best of any statistics programs in the country and reflect the department's expertise in the field of statistical computing. An ongoing statistical consulting program provides the students with practical experience in using statistics and in communicating with clients. Under faculty supervision, participants in the program assist members of the University community in applying statistical methodology. The department offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Admission Requirements

Background in mathematics, statistics, or a quantitative field, with 30 or more quarter credits in mathematics and statistics, to include a year of advanced (second-year) calculus, one course in linear algebra, and one course in probability theory; Graduate Record Examination scores (the Advanced Mathematics subject test is encouraged but not required); and three letters of recommendation from appropriate former or current faculty.

Master of Science

Degree Requirements

In addition to Graduate School requirements, at least twelve approved courses numbered 400 or above with a value of 36 credits or more; of these, at least six courses must be numbered in the 500 series (exclusive of STAT 512, 513) with a value of 18 credits or more, and with a coherent theme. Approved proficiency in statistical computing. Satisfactory participation in statistical consulting and the departmental seminar. Passage of an appropriate final master's examination or successful completion of a master's thesis which can count as up to three courses worth 9 credits but cannot replace any of the six courses in the 500 series mentioned above. All programs must be approved in advance by the departmental Graduate Program Coordinator.

Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Requirements

Minimum 90 credits, to include:

In addition to Graduate School requirements, appropriate training in statistics and related sciences. Appropriate General Examinations of basic graduate-level knowledge in statistics and probability (including two preliminary examinations). Satisfactory performance in MATH 574, MATH 575, MATH 576. Satisfactory performance in three approved core-course sequences chosen from STAT 570, STAT 571, STAT 572; STAT 581, STAT 582, STAT583; STAT 521, STAT 522, STAT 523; STAT 534, STAT 535, STAT 538; and STAT 516, STAT 517, STAT 518. (In some circumstances, other graduate-level mathematical science courses may be used as a substitute.) Approved performance in statistical consulting (typically STAT 598 and STAT 599). Demonstration of proficiency in computing. 1 credit of STAT 590 per quarter. Final Examination.

The graduation requirements for the Ph.D. tracks in statistical genetics and statistics in the social sciences may replace or be in addition to some of the requirements listed above.

Financial Aid

The department annually awards a limited number of teaching and research assistantships and fellowships for the support of new and continuing graduate students on the basis of academic promise.