The major in Statistics is designed to help students meet the following learning objectives:
1. Understand the central ideas of statistical thinking and data science,
2. Develop problem-solving abilities by working with real data, using them to make informed decisions and conclusions,
3. Increase interdisciplinary skills by applying statistical methods to an application area of interest and understanding the limits of statistical modeling,
4. Communicate the results of statistical analyses to both technical and non-technical audiences.
REQUIREMENTS (ten courses taken at Williams or approved study away, plus colloquium)
Click here for the placement chart.
Mathematics (2 courses)
MATH 150 or 151 Multivariable Calculus
MATH 250 Linear Algebra
Except in unusual circumstances, students planning to major in statistics should complete the calculus sequence (MATH 130, 140, 150/151) before the end of the sophomore year, at the latest.
Computer Science (1 course)
CSCI 134 Intro to Computer Science or CSCI 135 Diving into the Deluge of Data or CSCI 136 Data Structures and Advanced Programming or some other course in the Computer Science Department with prior approval of the Math/Stat department
Core Courses (4 Courses)
STAT 201 Statistics and Data Analysis
MATH/STAT 341 Probability
STAT 346 Regression and Forecasting
STAT 360 Inferential Statistics
Continuation (2 Courses)
Any two courses among the 300 or 400 level courses in Statistics or other applied courses in the department with prior approval.
Capstone Course (1 Course)
The Senior Major Course is a 400-level course in statistics taken in the senior year. Although the specific methodological emphasis of the course may vary from year to year, it is designed to provide an opportunity to integrate statistical knowledge with the individual student’s application area. An in-depth project with both a written report and an oral presentation are typically part of the capstone course.
Colloquium Requirement
Participation as a senior in the Statistics Colloquium series, in which all senior majors present a talk on a statistical topic of their choice.
NOTES
In some cases, an appropriate course from another department may be substituted for one of the electives, with prior permission of the Mathematics and Statistics Department. At least eight courses must be taken in mathematics and statistics at Williams. These can, with prior permission, include courses taken away. Students with transfer credit should contact the department about special arrangements.