Del T. Scott, Chair
230 TMCB, (801) 422-4505

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Advisement Center
N-179 ESC, (801) 422-6270

Admission to Degree Program

All degree programs in the Department of Statistics are open enrollment.

The Discipline

The statistician's job is to help determine what data are to be collected, how to collect them to avoid biases and distortions, and then how to turn those data into information that other people can understand to help solve problems and reach sound decisions. From the predictions of the political pollster to exacting analyses of pharmaceutical research, the breadth and diversity of statistical applications are injected into nearly all aspects of modern life.

Career Opportunities

The curriculum and degrees offered through the Department of Statistics are designed to equip students with decision-making skills for careers as professional statisticians in industrial organizations, government agencies, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutes. The technical tools statisticians acquire are useful in many areas, and for this reason a statistics degree is also excellent preparation for professional programs in law, business administration, and public administration.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:

• The university core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (See the University Core section of this catalog for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
• A minimum of 30 credit hours in residence
• A minimum of 120 credit hours
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BS	Actuarial Science
BS	Statistics Emphases: Statistical Science Biostatistics Business Analysis Quality Science
BS-MS	Integrated Master's Program
Minor	Statistics

Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

MS	Statistics

For more information see the BYU 2007–2008 Graduate Catalog.

General Information

1. It is recommended that a student complete the following courses in high school:
   • 3 units of English
   • 1 unit of physical science, either chemistry or physics.
   • 4 units of mathematics, consisting of 2.5 units of algebra, 1 unit of geometry, and 0.5 unit of trigonometry. This should qualify students to begin college mathematics with Math 112, analytic geometry and calculus.
     Because mathematics provides the foundation for all work in the physical and mathematical sciences, particular attention is paid to high school preparation in this subject.
     To decide which mathematics course should be taken first, write to the Mathematics Department, 292 TMCB, and request a mathematics placement test.

2. Students are encouraged to complete 15 credit hours each semester. Taking fewer credits substantially increases the cost and the number of semesters to graduate.

3. An integrated BS/MS program is available. This program allows students in all undergraduate emphases to receive their bachelor's and master's degree in five years of schooling. It is available only if students begin a major in statistics as freshmen or start early enough in the program to match the pace required to progress through it in a five-year period.