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.
The statistics major combines a strong mathematical foundation with statistical thinking, inference, computation, and applied modeling. The program is organized around three options: a mathematical statistics option emphasizing the mathematical foundations of statistical methods; a data science option, which emphasizes the link between statistics and computer science; and an applied statistics option that allows students to explore the use of statistical methods in specific scientific domains. All options share the same set of admission and core requirements, differing on the structure of their breath requirements. Students graduating with the major should be prepared for careers in science, industry, and government positions, or for further academic studies in statistics.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics: Applied Statistics
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics: Mathematical Statistics
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics: Data Science
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First-and Second-Year College Courses: MATH 208, MATH 224, MATH 394/STAT 394; one of CSE 122, CSE 142, or CSE 160 (strongly preferred); one of CSE 123, CSE 143, or CSE 163 (strongly preferred); STAT 311 (strongly preferred) or STAT 390.
Admission Requirements
Admission is capacity constrained. Applicants are considered in the following groups: Direct Freshman Admission and Regular Admission. 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, with the exception of Direct Freshman Admission. Refer to Department of Statistics website for application and additional information.
Direct Freshman Admission
Open to freshman students formally admitted to the UW.
Indication on the UW freshman application of statistics as the student's first choice of major.
Direct admission decisions are made in conjunction with the Office of Admissions and are based on holistic review of applicants.
Admission is for autumn quarter only.
Regular Admission
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
STAT 311 (strongly preferred) or STAT 390
One of CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160 (CSE 160 strongly preferred)
MATH 394/STAT 394
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.
Minimum 2.0 grade for each course required for admission. Successful applicants typically have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.00 in courses listed above required for admission, 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: Applied Statistics
Credential Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in statistics provides training in theoretical foundations of statistics, statistical modeling and methodology, and applied data analysis. The Applied Statistics option emphasizes interdisciplinary training in statistics.
Completion Requirements
75-91 credits
Mathematics (18-21 credits): Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 208, MATH 224
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136, MATH 224
Computing (7-12 credits):
one of CSE 122, CSE 142, or CSE 160 (CSE 160 strongly preferred)
STAT 302
one of CSE 123, CSE 143, or CSE 163 (CSE 163 strongly preferred); students who have completed CSE 123 satisfy the CSE 122 requirement in #2a even if they did not previously take CSE 122.
Probability (3 credits): MATH 394/STAT 394
Statistics (29-32 credits):
one of STAT 303 (strongly preferred), INFO 351, or SOC 225
STAT 311 (strongly preferred) or STAT 390
STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 423, STAT 424, STAT 435, STAT 496
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.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits ( minimum 18 credits)
Interdisciplinary courses (minimum 9 credits): Students work with their advisor to select a minimum of three courses which are part of a coherent program of study in an application area
Electives (minimum 9 credits): Minimum three courses from the approved list of general elective courses. Refer to department website for approved list of courses
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics: Mathematical Statistics
Credential Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in statistics provides training in theoretical foundations of statistics, statistical modeling and methodology, and applied data analysis. The Mathematical Statistics option emphasizes the mathematical aspects of statistics.
Completion Requirements
75-91 credits
Mathematics (18-21 credits): Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 208, MATH 224
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136, MATH 224
Computing (7-12 credits):
one of CSE 122, CSE 142, or CSE 160 (CSE 160 strongly preferred)
STAT 302
one of CSE 123, CSE 143, or CSE 163 (CSE 163 strongly preferred); students who have completed CSE 123 satisfy the CSE 122 requirement in #2a even if they did not previously take CSE 122.
Probability (3 credits): MATH 394/STAT 394
Statistics (29-32 credits):
one of STAT 303 (strongly preferred), INFO 351, or SOC 225
STAT 311 (strongly preferred) or STAT 390
STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 423, STAT 424, STAT 435, STAT 496
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.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (minimum 18 credits)
Mathematics (9 credits): one of the following:
STAT 395/MATH 395, MATH 491/STAT 491, STAT 492/MATH 492
STAT 395/MATH 395, MATH 491/STAT 491, MATH 493/STAT 493
MATH 300, MATH 327, MATH 424
Electives (minimum 9 credits): minimum three courses from approved list of general elective courses. Refer to department website for approved list of courses
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Statistics: Data Science
Credential Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in statistics 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
75-91 credits
Mathematics (18-21 credits): Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 208, MATH 224
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136, MATH 224
Computing (7-12 credits):
one of CSE 122, CSE 142, or CSE 160 (CSE 160 strongly preferred)
STAT 302
one of CSE 123, CSE 143, or CSE 163 (CSE 163 strongly preferred); students who have completed CSE 123 satisfy the CSE 122 requirement in #2a even if they did not previously take CSE 122.
Probability (3 credits): MATH 394/STAT 394
Statistics (29-32 credits):
one of STAT 303 (strongly preferred), INFO 351, or SOC 225
STAT 311 (strongly preferred) or STAT 390
STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 423, STAT 424, STAT 435, STAT 496
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.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (20-23 credits)
Visualization (4-5 credits): one of CSE 412, CSE 442, HCDE 411, INFO 474, or STAT 451 (STAT 451 recommended). CSE 442 is recommended for students pursuing a double major with the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.
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.
Computing (3-4 credits): one course from the computing electives category in approved list of general elective courses. Refer to department website for approved list of courses.
General Electives (minimum 9 credits): minimum three courses from the approved list of general 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.
As of winter quarter 2024, the General Core major option credential is no longer offered. Please refer to the UW Seattle General Catalog Archive for information about this option credential.
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: College Honors (completion of both Interdisciplinary Honors and Departmental Honors requirements). Departmental Honors. See department website for more information.
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