We study the science of data. This includes tools for designing experiments, modeling and analyzing data to answer scientific questions, and displaying complex relationships. Interesting methodological questions are mostly derived from scientific problems, and the department is highly multi-disciplinary.
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, to learn from experience in situations of uncertainty, and to make decisions under risk. Statistical practice includes: design of experiments and of survey sampling; exploration, summarization and display of observational data; drawing inferences, and assessing their uncertainty; building mathematical models for systems with stochastic components.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics: Data Science
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First-and Second-Year College Courses: MATH 224; one of CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142 or CSE 160; STAT 311. Additional courses in the sciences and quantitative methods add strength to this major.
Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department’s admission decision. Applications are considered once each academic year and are due on the third Friday in April.
Minimum course requirements for admission applications as follows:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
One of STAT 311 (highly recommended), STAT 390, or an approved substitute.
MATH 224; one of CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160 (highly recommended)
Factors in the admission decision include but are not limited to academic performance as measured by GPA in courses listed above and any additional advanced quantitative courses presented for application consideration.
Admission is competitive. Successful applicants typically have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.00 in courses listed above under course requirements, with no individual course grade lower than 2.5.
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics
Credential Overview
The Bachelor of Science program in Statistics at the University of Washington offers broad based, flexible educational pathways emphasizing the theoretical, practical, or computational aspects of probability and statistics. The program serves the needs of future statisticians in science, industry, business, and government, as well as provides the necessary background and stimulation for graduate study; it also offers excellent opportunities for double-majoring in Statistics and either Mathematics or Computer Science.
Completion Requirements
68-89 credits
Mathematics (28-30 credits): Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 208, MATH 224, MATH 300, MATH 318, MATH 327
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136, MATH 318, MATH 334, MATH 335
Computing (7-9 credits): For the major in statistics: One of CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160; either STAT 302 (recommended), CSE 123, CSE 143, CSE 163, or an approved substitute. For the data science option: 9 credits from the following: CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, CSE 143, STAT 302, CSE 160, or CSE 163.
Statistics (24-27 credits): STAT 311 (highly recommended), or STAT 390, or an approved substitute (STAT 220, STAT 221, or STAT 301 is seldom allowed); either STAT 340 (highly recommended) or both STAT 394/MATH 394 and STAT 395/MATH 395. (Note that both STAT 394/MATH 394 and STAT 395/MATH 395 are required to replace STAT 340 as a prerequisite for STAT 341.) STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 421, STAT 423. (STAT 342 is required for enrollment in STAT 421 or STAT 423 by a statistics major; STAT 390 is not sufficient for a statistics major.)
Additional requirements specified below.
Minimum 2.0 grade in all courses used to satisfy major requirements.
Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all courses used to satisfy major requirements.
A "Majors Factsheet" is available from the Statistics department.
Additional Completion Requirements
Minimum 9 credits
Electives: at least three upper-division courses for a minimum total of 9 credits. Refer to department website for list of approved courses. Elective choices require prior approval of the Statistics undergraduate adviser.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics: Data Science
Credential Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in statistics that provides training in theoretical foundations of statistics, statistical modeling and methodology, and applied data analysis. The Data science option emphasizes computation and data management.
Completion Requirements
68-89 credits
Mathematics (28-30 credits): Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 208, MATH 224, MATH 300, MATH 318, MATH 327
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136, MATH 318, MATH 334, MATH 335
Computing (7-9 credits): For the major in statistics: One of CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160; either STAT 302 (recommended), CSE 123, CSE 143, CSE 163, or an approved substitute. For the data science option: 9 credits from the following: CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, CSE 143, STAT 302, CSE 160, or CSE 163.
Statistics (24-27 credits): STAT 311 (highly recommended), or STAT 390, or an approved substitute (STAT 220, STAT 221, or STAT 301 is seldom allowed); either STAT 340 (highly recommended) or both STAT 394/MATH 394 and STAT 395/MATH 395. (Note that both STAT 394/MATH 394 and STAT 395/MATH 395 are required to replace STAT 340 as a prerequisite for STAT 341.) STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 421, STAT 423. (STAT 342 is required for enrollment in STAT 421 or STAT 423 by a statistics major; STAT 390 is not sufficient for a statistics major.)
Additional requirements specified below.
Minimum 2.0 grade in all courses used to satisfy major requirements.
Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all courses used to satisfy major requirements.
A "Majors Factsheet" is available from the Statistics department.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (18-23 credits)
Visualization (4-5 credits): one of CSE 412, CSE 442, HCDE 411, or INFO 474
Database (4-5 credits): one of CSE 344, CSE 414, or INFO 330. CSE 344 recommended for students pursuing a double major with the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.
Ethics (3-5 credits): one of SOC 225 or INFO 350
Machine Learning (4 credits): STAT 435
Statistics (3-4 credits): one course from approved list of elective courses. Refer to department website for approved list of courses.
A minor in Statistics enhances a degree in any substantive field of application of statistics. The set of skills and understandings you gain could position you to be an especially valuable contributor in your chosen application field.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Statistics
Minor in Statistics
Completion Requirements
26 credits
MATH 126 or MATH 136 (5 credits)
STAT 302, STAT 390/MATH 390, STAT 394/MATH 394, STAT 395/MATH 395 (13 credits)
Either STAT 425/BIOST 425 or STAT 396/MATH 396 (3 credits)
Minimum 5 credits of approved electives. See adviser for approved list.
Minimum grade of 2.0 in each course used to satisfy minor requirements
Maximum 5 credits may be applied to a student's major.
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 Laboratory. Tutoring in a set of introductory statistics courses is currently available at the Statistics Tutor and Study Center.
Honors Options Available: For Interdisciplinary Honors, see University Honors Program.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: 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