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Numerical information bombards today's world, challenging us to separate fact from fiction so that we can make informed decisions. Statisticians enjoy this challenge. They work in business, industry, government, and research, helping frame questions and determine what information is needed to answer them. They design experiments or surveys that generate relevant data, then they analyze the data and communicate the results.
Statisticians have been instrumental in countless advances. For example, statisticians designed and analyzed the field trials that demonstrated the effectiveness of the polio vaccine; they used historical data to demonstrate racial bias in the use of the death penalty; and they designed and carried out clinical trials that showed drug treatment in HIV-positive pregnant women reduced the rate of infection in their babies.
Why Study Statistics at Iowa?
Iowa’s statistics program is widely recognized in the United States. Its students, faculty, research, and career services have an excellent reputation.
The undergraduate statistics program is comprehensive. As a statistics major, you'll acquire essential knowledge of statistical methods, applications, and theory, which you'll be able to apply in a number of different fields. You'll also build strength by completing one of three emphasis tracks: statistics in business, industry, government, and research; statistical computing; and mathematical statistics. Class size is generally small to moderate, with 12–40 students, so you'll have ample opportunities to interact with your instructors.
Faculty members of the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science are known worldwide for the quality of their research and teaching. Most statistics faculty contribute regularly to the premier journals in their field, and some serve as journal editors.
Course
Work
Students majoring in statistics earn a Bachelor of Science degree. The BS requires a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including 47 s.h. for the major. You'll complete these core courses:
- Computer Science I: Fundamentals
- Calculus I–II–III
- Introduction to Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I–II
- Statistical Methods and Computing
- Applied Linear Regression
- Experimental Design and Analysis
You'll also develop an interest area by completing four courses in one of the following three tracks.
The Statistics in Business, Industry, Government, and Research Track emphasizes statistical applications and data analysis. It is good preparation for students interested in careers as applied statisticians.
The Statistical Computing Track emphasizes statistical applications but requires additional course work in computer programming. It is good preparation for students with a strong interest in the computational aspects of applied statistics.
The Mathematical Statistics Track offers a solid foundation in statistical theory and applications and prepares students for graduate study.
See Statistics and Actuarial Science in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the statistics major and for information about graduating with honors or earning a minor in statistics.
Careers
Statistics and probability are vital to many fields, so the demand for well-trained statisticians is strong. Thousands of statisticians work in medicine, law, agriculture, public policy making, marketing, manufacturing, engineering, varied social and natural sciences, and numerous other areas. To learn about jobs opportunities, see Careers in Statistics on the American Statistical Association web site.
When you graduate, you'll be prepared to fill an entry-level position as a statistician or go on to graduate school. Your advisor will help you find internships as well as the best-fitting jobs or graduate programs.
Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.
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