Department of Statistics, University of Illinois
   Department of Statistics                               UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Minor in Statistics

Overview

Knowledge of statistical methods and theory has become increasingly important to students in many disciplines such as the life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, engineering, and business. As more and more data are collected, stored and analyzed,  students are finding it increasingly beneficial to gain expertise in statistics to bolster their research skills and enhance their career opportunities. To help prepare such students the Department of Statistics offers an undergraduate minor for non-majors who take a significant number of courses in Statistics. Coursework for the degree exposes students to statistical computation, theory of mathematical statistics, and many common techniques of statistical analysis.

Course Requirements

To satisfy degree requirements, students must complete either the Applied Statistics Track or the Mathematical Statistics Track.

Applied Statistics Track (18-21 hrs)

  1. Mathematics 125 or 225 or 415
  2. One of Statistics100, Sociology 280, Psychology 235, Agricultural and Consumer Economics 261, Economics 202, Crop Sciences 241, Educational Psychology 280
  3. Statistics 200 or Statistics 212
  4. Statistics 400 (or Statistics 408 and 409)
  5. Statistics 420
  6. One of Statistics 430, Community Health 474, Economics 471, Mathematics 471, Mathematics 477, Industrial Engineering 400, Psychology 407, Animal Sciences 445, Sociology 481, or other courses if approved by the advisor.

Mathematical Statistics Track (19 hrs)

  1. Mathematics 415
  2. Statistics 200 or Statistics 212
  3. Statistics 400 (or Statistics 408 and 409)
  4. Statistics 410 or Electrical and Computer Engineering 313
  5. Two of Statistics 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 440, 448, 458 or 466

Prerequisites

To complete all required courses, students will need to take calculus through multivariable calculus. Statistics 200 requires only first-semester calculus. The following courses have no calculus prerequisites: Statistics100, Sociology 280, Psychology 235, Agricultural and Consumer Economics 261, Economics 202, Crop Sciences 241, Educational Psychology 280.

Careers in Statistics

Virtually every industry and major organization is becoming increasingly data intensive in planning processes and business decision making. There is a strong and increasing demand nationwide for people with training in statistics, data mining, predictive modeling and analysis with complex datasets for problems in risk analysis and demand forecasting.

A good source of general career information is the American Statistical Association Careers Center Website. For further information visit the ASA web site or write to:

American Statistical Association

1429 Duke Street

Alexandria, VA 22314-3402

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 Department of Statistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
725 South Wright Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA
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