Learn to Uncover Valuable Insights from Big Data
The ability to transform vast amounts of data into useful information is a crucial skill in our data-driven world. A minor in Statistics from St. Edward’s prepares you to use statistical methods to analyze real-world data, design experiments, present findings and create solutions to problems in almost any career field.
Why choose a Statistics minor?
With massive volumes of numerical data underpinning the global economy, jobs that require statistics and modeling are growing rapidly. This minor gives you significant experience with statistical theory and practice. It also provides the option to delve into machine learning and advanced computing. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that help prepare you for a broad range of high-tech and in-demand jobs, and to attend graduate school in analytical fields.
What majors does a Statistics minor complement?
A minor in Statistics is a strong choice for students studying the natural sciences, behavioral sciences and business, in which analyzing and leveraging data is vital to problem-solving and successful outcomes.
For students majoring in Mathematics, a minor in Statistics gives you a specialization within the broader discipline of mathematics that can be applied across numerous areas of interest. Statistical methods are also foundational for many data analysis techniques, making this minor beneficial for students pursuing our Certificate in Data Analysis.
Explore Details About a Minor in Statistics
Students pursuing a minor in Statistics must complete the following six core courses plus one elective, totaling 24 credit hours.
Required Courses
- Computing Science Concepts 1 – COSC 2413 (4 hours)
- Calculus 1 – MATH 2413 (4 hours)
- Calculus 2 – MATH 2414 (4 hours)
- Introduction to Mathematical Statistics – MATH 3326 (3 hours)
- Statistical Modeling – MATH 3337 (3 hours)
- Probability Theory – MATH 3334 (3 hours)
Electives
Choose at least one:
- Linear Algebra – MATH 3305 (3 hours)
- Numerical and Scientific Methods – MATH 3338 (3 hours)
- Introduction to Data Science – MATH 3339 (3 hours)
- Special Topics in Statistics – MATH 3335 (3 hours)
For course descriptions, view the current Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF).
Minoring in Statistics gives you a comprehensive understanding of statistical methods. It sharpens your critical thinking, a key skill in data-driven decision-making. The program’s core courses and electives are reinforced through practical applications and projects. You’ll learn to:
- Identify and apply appropriate statistical models to analyze real-world data, recognizing the assumptions and limitations of each method, and critically evaluating the validity of conclusions drawn from the analysis.
- Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental mathematical concepts that support statistical reasoning by solving relevant mathematical problems in statistics.
- Utilize statistical software proficiently to explore, visualize and analyze data, producing clear, data-supported conclusions through hands-on projects and assignments.
- Communicate statistical findings effectively through written reports, presentations and visualizations, ensuring clarity for both technical and non-technical audiences
The impact of statistical principles on society is far-reaching — from calculating population growth or predicting economic business trends to measuring the effects of environmental pollution or analyzing the effectiveness of a new drug treatment.
Accordingly, the need for professionals with the mathematical and statistical expertise to inspect, analyze, visualize and make conclusions from data is accelerating across industries, including healthcare, engineering, finance, government, marketing and technology.
Increased demand is seen in the rise of statistician, data scientist and data analyst roles, as well as related careers such as business analyst, biostatistician, quantitative analyst, marketing research analyst and more.
Faculty at St. Edward’s bring a wealth of expertise and industry experience to the classroom. They are passionate about connecting and cultivating lifelong learners, and many are involved with professional organizations and business communities that students can leverage as they pursue internships or full-time employment.
View a list of our faculty members on the Department of Mathematics webpage. Learn about their credentials, and feel free to contact them for more details about the minor in Statistics program.