Statistics

Jeffrey Terpstra, Chair
Main Office: 3304 Everett Tower
Telephone: (269) 387-1420

Nichole Andrews
Hyun Bin Kang
Kevin Lee
Joshua Naranjo
Duy Ngo
Yingying Zhang

Statistics is the science of data analysis and inference. The Department of Statistics offers a variety of courses in applied and theoretical statistics. Course work is designed to enable students to function professionally as statisticians in industry or government and to prepare them for graduate study in statistics. Shortages of qualified statisticians are anticipated through the next decade.

The department offers majors in statistics and data science and two minors, one in general statistics and one in data science. The majority of courses make use of the computer and statistical software packages. Course work for the majors requires calculus and linear algebra. These are usually taken in the first two years of course work.

During their first year, students should contact an advisor in the Department of Statistics located at 3306 Everett Tower.

At most one course with a grade below “C” can be applied toward a major or minor.

Honors in Statistics or Data Science

Note: Qualified students may plan a program to graduate with honors in statistics or data science. The following are the requirements for graduation with honors in statistics or data science:

Grade point average of at least 3.7 in all major courses (i.e., cognates, required/core and electives)
Overall grade point average of at least 3.25
Completion of the following:
- an upper-level theoretical course
- an approved independent study project leading to a paper or presentation

Interested students should see their advisor in their junior year or early in their senior year to plan an “honors program.”

The department offers an opportunity that allows students to graduate with a BS then MS degree in statistics or data science in five years. The details about the Accelerated Master’s degrees can be found on the department website wmich.edu/statistics/stat-adp and wmich.edu/statistics/ds-adp.