Statistics

Jay Wood, Interim Chair
Main Office: 3304 Everett Tower
Telephone: (269) 387-1420
Fax: (269) 387-1419

Loren Heun
Joseph McKean
Joshua Naranjo
Magdelena Niewiadomska-Bugaj
Gerald Sievers
Michael Stoline
Jung Chao Wang

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 a major in statistics and two minors, one in applied statistics and one in general statistics. The majority of courses make use of the computer. Course work for the major requires calculus and linear algebra. These are usually taken in the first two years of course work but can be taken later. The applied statistics minor does not require any mathematics courses.

During their first year, students should contact the Department of Statistics in 3306 Everett Tower or write to the Department of Statistics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. All majors must contact a faculty advisor in their first or second year. All minors must contact an advisor.

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

Honors in Statistics

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

Grade point average of at least 3.7 in statistics and mathematics courses
Overall grade point average of at least 3.25
Completion of two of the following:

an honors seminar
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.”