Graduate Programs and Degrees

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.

   Students are encouraged to complete 16 credit hours each semester. Taking fewer credits substantially increases the cost and the number of semesters to graduate.

   Students who select an emphasis in actuarial science must major in the statistical science emphasis until they have successfully passed the first actuarial exam.

   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.

Major Requirements for All Statistics Emphases

1. Cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0.

2. Complete the following preparation core courses:
   CS 130.
   Engl 316.
   Math 112, 113, 214.

   Complete the following statistics core courses:

   Stat 212, 221, 322, 334, 336, 337, 391, 392, 441, 442.

   Complete one of the emphases listed below.

BS Statistics: Statistical Science Emphasis (63 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

2. Select eight courses from the following:
   Math 311, 315, 316.
   Stat 361, 412, 435, 462, 463, 466, 469, 474, 475.

Recommended Courses

The following are strongly recommended if a student plans on pursuing a PhD. (See the Mathematics section of this catalog for prerequisites.)

Math 315, 316.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

BS Statistics: Actuarial Science Emphasis (66 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

2. Complete the following:
   Econ 110.
   Stat 412.

   Select seven courses from the following:

   Math 311, 315, 316.

   Stat 361, 412, 435, 462, 463, 466, 469, 474, 475.

   See item 3 under the preceding General Information section.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

BS Statistics: Biostatistics Emphasis (65–66 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

2. Complete the following:
   Biol 130.
   Chem 152, 281.
   Zool 371, 372.

   Select one course from the following:

   Math 311, 315, 316.

   Stat 361, 412, 435, 462, 463, 466, 469, 474, 475.

   For a physiology option, complete the following:

   Zool 361, 373, 460.

   For an ecology option, complete the following:

   Zool 204, 350, 475.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

BS Statistics: Business Emphasis (66 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

2. Complete the following:
   Econ 110.
   Stat 361, 462, 463, 469.

   Select four courses from the following:

   Acc 200.

   BusM 300, 340.

   ManEc 300.

   OrgB 320.

   Stat 412.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

BS Statistics: Information Systems Emphasis (63 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

2. Complete the following:
   Acc 200.
   ISys 440, 443, 445, 546.
   Stat 361, 412.

   Select one course from the following:

   ISys 540, 548.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

BS Statistics: Quality Science Emphasis (63 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

Complete the major requirements listed above.
1. Complete the following:
   MeEn 272.
   Mfg 340, 476, 480.
   Stat 361, 462, 466.

   Complete the following:

   Either MeEn 475.

   Or Mfg 475.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

Minor Statistics (16+ hours*)

Minor Requirements

1. Complete the following:
   Stat 221, 322, 336 (8 hours).

   Select 3 additional courses by choosing one of the following options:

   • Methods option:

     • Complete the following:
       Stat 212, 337.

       Select one other statistics course numbered 311 or higher.

   • Survey sampling option:

     • Complete the following:
       Stat 334.

       Select two other statistics courses numbered 311 or higher. Recommended: Stat 435.

   • Quality science option:

     • Complete the following:
       Stat 361.

       Select one course from the following:

       Stat 321, 532.

       Select one course chosen from the following:

       MeEn 272.

       MeEn 475 or Mfg 475.

       Mfg 340, 476, 480.

       Stat 462, 463.

       Note: If any of these are required in your major, they cannot count for a minor in statistics.

   • Math-Statistics option:

     • Select one course from the following:
       Stat 321, 421, 441.

       Select two other statistics courses numbered 321 or higher. (If your major does not require Math 112 or 113, these courses may be used as the two additional courses to complete the minor.)

Note: Stat 510 and 511 can be taken in place of but not in addition to Stat 221 and 336 in item 1. Stat 301, may not be used to fulfill any option of item 2 (an exception will be made for math education majors).

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

Statistics (Stat)

Class Schedule					Major Academic Plan (MAP)

Undergraduate Courses

105. Introduction to Statistics. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Math 97 or equivalent.

Fundamental ideas and applications of statistics. Not a GE course.

199R. Academic Internship. (1–3:Arr.:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: department chair's and cooperative education coordinator's consent.

Work experience evaluated by supervisor and posted on student's transcript.

212. Statistical Computing 1. (2:2:2) F, W Prerequisite: CS 130.

Statistical programming using the data step in SAS; basic statistical Procs; introduction to statistical graphics using Proc Insight.

221. Principles of Statistics. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp, Su Honors and Independent Study also. Prerequisite: Math 110 or equivalent.

Stemplots, boxplots, histograms, scatterplots; central tendency, variability; confidence intervals and hypothesis testing involving one and two means and proportions; contingency tables, regression; computer package.

301. Statistics and Probability for Secondary Educators. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Math 113.

Statistics and probability, emphasizing secondary-specific curriculum. Principles of counting, probability distributions, density functions, graphical methods, descriptive and inferential statistics, computer package.

321. Elements of Mathematical Statistics. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp Independent Study also. Prerequisite: Math 113 or 119 or equivalent.

Probability, random variables, frequency distributions, estimation and tests of hypotheses from a theoretical standpoint.

322. Matrix Computations in Statistics. (2:2:0) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Math 112.

Basic matrix operations, inverse, quadratic forms, rank; symmetric, idempotent, orthogonal, and positive definite matrices; canonical forms, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. .

334. Methods of Survey Sampling. (3:3:2) F, W Prerequisite: Stat 221 or equivalent.

Sampling frames, questionnaire design; simple random, systematic, stratified, and cluster sampling methods, comparing domain means, contingency table analysis.

336. Statistical Methods 1. (3:3:0) F, W Prerequisite: Stat 221, 322; or concurrent registration.

Sample estimation and hypothesis testing, nonparametric analogs for t-tests, contingency tables, simple linear regression, multiple regression, subset selection procedures; residual, influence, and collinearity diagnostics.

337. Statistical Methods 2. (3:3:0) F, W Prerequisite: Stat 336.

Completely randomized, randomized block, Latin square designs; split plots, model writing, fixed model analysis of covariance, nonparametric analogs to classical methods of analysis.

361. Quality Improvement for Industry. (3:3:1) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Math 112 or 119. Recommended: concurrent registration in Stat 336 or 337.

Quality management philosophies (Deming, etc.) Strategies for continuous improvement. Graphical and numerical methods of data analysis. Process control charts. Design and analysis of experiments for process characterization and improvement.

391. Teaching Elementary Statistics in a Laboratory Setting 1. (0.5:0:2) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: Stat 336; concurrent registration in Stat 337.
PREREQUISITE CHANGE (effective for Fall 1999):
Prerequisite: Stat 221.

On-the-job training and experience in teaching statistical concepts, managing lab experiences using learning activities, and evaluating student performance.

392. Teaching Elementary Statistics in a Laboratory Setting 2. (0.5:0:2) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: Stat 391; departmental consent.

Training and experience in teaching statistical concepts, managing lab experiences using learning activities, and evaluating student performance.

412. Statistical Computing 2. (3:3:2) W Prerequisite: Stat 311.

Introduction to S Plus, statistical graphics, SAS macros, SAS Proc IML, and simulation.

421. Probability and Distribution Theory. (3:3:0) F, Sp Prerequisite: Math 113 or equivalent.

Mathematical formulation of continuous and discrete random variables, including underlying probability models, distribution functions, conditional and marginal probability laws, convolutions and other functions of random variables, limiting distributions.

435. Analysis of Categorical and Other Nonparametric Data. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 336 or equivalent.

Nonparametric analogs of classical parametric methods, 2x2 log linear models, contingency tables, the Mantel-Haenszel test, stratified analysis, conditional independence, collapsibility and life tables.

441. Statistical Theory 1. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Math 344.

Axiomatic probability theory for discrete and continuous random variables; moment-generating functions; conditional probability; stochastic independence; transformations; limiting distributions; stochastic convergence; central limit theorem.

442. Statistical Theory 2. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 441.

Sufficiency and completeness; point and interval estimation; hypothesis testing; Cramer-Rao inequality; some asymptotic results; Bayesian methods.

462. Quality Control and Industrial Statistics. (3:3:2) F Prerequisite: Stat 361; 321 or 441. Recommended: Stat 337.

Intermediate concepts in process analysis, process control, and control chart procedures; Pareto diagrams, cause-effect diagrams; acceptance sampling.

463. Operations Research. (3:3:2) F Prerequisite: Math 343; Stat 321 or 441.

Methods of linear, goal, and dynamic programming; queuing theory and applications, network analysis and PERT-CPM, decision analysis, simulation.

466. Introduction to Reliability. (3:3:2) W Prerequisite: Stat 361; 321 or 441; Math 113 or equivalent.

Mathematics, distributions, management, and maintenance of basic reliability concepts; collection and analysis of test data; fault tree analysis; applying reliability in various areas.

469. Applied Time Series and Forecasting. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 336.

Univariate time series, univariate Box-Jenkins methodology, ARIMA models, nonstationary models, model building, forecasting, seasonal analysis, case studies.

471. Actuarial Mathematics. (1:2:0) F Prerequisite: Math 344, Stat 322, or concurrent registration.

Applying mathematical techniques to problems in actuarial science. Prepares for the SOA 100 exam.

472. Actuarial Problems. (1:2:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 441, 442, or concurrent registration.

Applying mathematical statistics in actuarial science. Prepares for the SOA 110 exam.

474. Life Contingencies 1. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Math 344; Stat 441 or concurrent registration.

Theory of interest, annuities, amortization, life tables, life annuities. Prepares for the SOA 140 exam.

475. Life Contingencies 2. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 474.

Contingent annuities, joint annuities, insurance, calculating premiums and reserves. Prepares for the SOA 150 exam.

490R. Special Topics in Statistics. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.) On dem. Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

496R. Academic Internship: Statistics. (0.5–9:Arr:Arr ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: department coordinator's consent.

On-the-job experience or internships for undergraduates. Report is required.

497R. Introduction to Statistical Research. (0.5–3:0:6 ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: department chair's consent.

Review of current literature and survey of present status of significant statistical research; collaborative work between student and faculty.

499R. Honors Thesis. (0.5–6:Arr.:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: departmental consent.

500-Level Graduate Courses (available to advanced undergraduates)

510. Introduction to Statistics for Graduate Students. (3:3:1) F, W, Sp Su Prerequisite: Math 97 or equivalent. Recommended: Math 110 or equivalent.

Introductory statistics course for graduate students outside Statistics Department. Topics include probability, estimation, hypothesis tests, simple linear regression, analysis of variance.

511. Statistical Methods for Research 1. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: Stat 510 or equivalent.

Basic statistical methodologies and experimental design. Topics include analysis of variance, multiple regression, analysis of covariance, common experimental designs.

512. Statistical Methods for Research 2. (3:3:2) W, Su Prerequisite: Stat 511.

Advanced statistical methodologies. Topics include repeated measures models, basic multivariate techniques, logistic regression, log-linear models.

522. Theory of Linear Models. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 322, 442, or equivalents.

Linear hypotheses, with application to regression and design.

525. Statistical Inference. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 322, 442, or equivalents.

Exponential families, likelihood theory, maximum likelihood estimation, likelihood ratio tests, small and large sample tests.

531. Experimental Design. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 337 or 512.

Power for basic designs, hierarchical designs, change-over designs, confounding in symmetric and asymmetric designs, incomplete block designs, bioassay, and response surface designs.

532. Quality Improvement for Engineering. (3:3:2) W Prerequisite: Stat 361, Math 113.

Selected topics in statistical theory, analysis of variance, simple and multiple regression, response surface design and analysis, multilevel experimental designs, blocking designs, confounding.

534. Sampling. (3:3:2) F even yr. Prerequisite: Stat 334; 441 or departmental consent.

Estimation in systematic, simple random, stratified, cluster, and PPS sampling and mixtures of these; ratio estimation, sample size determination and principles of sample allocation.

535. Applied Linear Models. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 322; 336 or 511.

Analysis of full-rank model, over-parameterized model, cell-means model, unequal subclass frequencies, and missing and fused cells. Estimability issues, diagnostics.

536. Modern Regression Methods. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 322; 336 or 511.

Weighted least squares, measurement error models, robust regression, nonlinear regression, local regression, generalized additive models, tree-structured regression.

537. Generalized Linear Models. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 522, 535.

Generalized linear models framework, binary data, polytomous data, log-linear models.

541. Advanced Probability. (3:3:0) W on dem. Prerequisite: Stat 441 or departmental consent.

Stochastic processes, Markov chains, generating functions, birth-death processes, random walks, the gambler's ruin problem, advanced combinatorial methods.

545. (Stat-ECEn 510) Stochastic Processes. (3:3:0) On dem. Prerequisite: Stat 441 or equivalent.

Review of elementary probability: expectation, characteristic functions, limit theorems. Introductory random processes: definitions and properties, covariance and spectral density, time average, stationarity, ergodicity, linear system relations, mean square estimation, Markov processes.

563. Advanced Operations Research. (3:3:0) W on dem. Prerequisite: Stat 441, 463, or equivalents.

Stochastic simulations; integer, nonlinear, and stochastic programming; developments in inventory theory; Markovian decision processes; insurance risks.

590. Statistical Consulting. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: departmental consent.

Introduction to statistical consulting, oral presentations, presentation packages, written reports. Extensive applied experience in the Center for Collaborative Research and Statistical Consulting.

591R. Graduate Seminar in Statistics. (0:1:0 ea.) F, W

599R. Academic Internship: Statistics. (1–9:0:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: departmental consent.

On-the-job experience. Report required.

Graduate Courses

For 600- and 700-level courses, see the 1999–2000 BYU Graduate Catalog.

Statistics Faculty

Professors

Bryce, Gale Rex (1972) AA, Phoenix Coll., 1963; BS, Arizona State U., 1967; MS, Brigham Young U., 1970; PhD, U. of Kentucky, 1974.

Christensen, Howard B. (1967) BS, Brigham Young U., 1964; MS, PhD, North Carolina State U., 1966, 1975.

Collings, Bruce J. (1988) BS, MS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1973, 1975, 1977; MS, PhD, U. of North Carolina, 1980, 1981; ASA, Society of Actuaries, 1994.

Rencher, Alvin C. (1963) BS, MA, Brigham Young U., 1959, 1962; PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Inst., 1968.

Scott, Del T. (1977) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1970, 1973; PhD, Pennsylvania State U., 1977.

Tolley, H. Dennis (1983) BS, Brigham Young U., 1970; PhD, U. of North Carolina, 1974; ASA, Society of Actuaries, 1981.

Associate Professors

Fellingham, Gilbert W. (1990) BA, Occidental Coll., 1971; MS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1976, 1977; MS, PhD, U. of Washington, 1988, 1990.

Lawson, John S. (1986) AA, Los Angeles Valley Coll., 1967; BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1969, 1971; MS, Rutgers U., 1976; PhD, Polytechnic Inst. of New York, 1983.

Schaalje, G. Bruce (1992) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1977, 1979; MS, U. of Washington, 1981; PhD, North Carolina State U., 1988.

Associate Teaching Professor

Larsen, Wayne A. (1998) BS, Brigham Young U., 1961; PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State U., 1967.

Assistant Professors

Grimshaw, Scott D. (1993) BS, Southern Utah State Coll., 1983; MS, PhD, Texas A&M U., 1985, 1989.

Hilton, Sterling C. (1996) BA, MA, MS, Brigham Young U., 1987, 1990; PhD, Johns Hopkins U., 1996.

Whiting, David G. (1995) BA, MS, Brigham Young U., 1988, 1990; PhD, Texas A&M U., 1995.

Wolfson, Lara A. (1999) BS, Simon Fraser U., Canada, 1991; MS, PhD, Carnegie-Mellon U., 1993, 1995.

Lecturer

Collings, Patti Burton (1988) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1971, 1977.

Adjunct Professors

Booth, Gordon D. (1981) BA, BS, Brigham Young U., 1960, 1963; MS, PhD, Iowa State U., 1967, 1973.

Hilton, John L. (1988) AB, Brigham Young U., 1952.

Emeriti

Adams, L. LaMar (1970) BS, MEd, PhD, Brigham Young U., 1961, 1965, 1972.

Beus, Gary B. (1967) BA, Brigham Young U., 1962; MS, PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Inst., 1965, 1968.

Campbell, L. Howard (1962) BS, MBA, U. of Utah, 1955, 1957.

Carter, Melvin W. (1961) BS, Arizona State Coll., 1953; MS, PhD, North Carolina State U., 1954, 1956.

Hendrix, Leland J. (1967) BS, MA, PhD, Brigham Young U., 1960, 1966, 1967.

Hilton, H. Gill (1962) BS, Brigham Young U., 1957; MS,PhD, North Carolina State U., 1960, 1962.

Nielson, Howard C. (1957) BS, U. of Utah, 1947; MS, U. of Oregon, 1949; MBA, PhD, Stanford U., 1956, 1957.

Richards, Dale O. (1963) BS, Utah State U., 1950; MS, PhD, Iowa State U. of Science and Technology, 1957, 1963.

Back

Catalog Homepage

BYU Homepage

Please report any errors. Updated 19 July 1999 by web_ugrad_cat@byu.edu