Why Statistics?

Statisticians, the original data scientists, stand ready to interpret the information of the digital age.

It is estimated that in less than three years we will be producing over 1.7 megabytes of new information every single second for every human being on the planet. This new information, in conjunction with the vast amount of information that has already been collected, ranges from the mundane to the extraordinary.

Through the lens of the data scientist, this information can become something larger, and statisticians are at the forefront of this field.

In the School of Statistics, our faculty and graduate students work with collaborators across the campus and around the globe to create meaning from these vast stores of information. Not only are we working with other research groups, but we are also working with local companies who are looking to better use the information they have.

All of this research requires not only using currently known statistical models and methods, but creating and developing new models, methods, and software that can address the questions big data raises.

Statistics majors go on to successful careers in business, academics, industry, government, medicine, publishing, scientific research, and much more. Statistics focuses on theories and methods of data collection, tabulation, analysis, and interpretation. We offer a variety of degree programs to help students find the program that best matches their interests.