Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Statistical Science Pathway Guide


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Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.

Preparation for Transfer as a Statistical Science Major


The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a statistical science major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed. If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide  for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

Save all of your course syllabi! 

Please note: These plans assume students are ready to take calculus. If you are not “calculus ready,” take math courses to prepare you for calculus so that you advance to calculus as soon as possible. Also, if you are planning a minor, typically only one or two transfer courses will be applied.

B.S. in Statistical Science


SCHs = Semester Credit Hours

First Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I  ENGL 1301 3
MATH 1337 - Calculus I   MATH 2413 3
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 3
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 3
World Language Course* 4
  SCHs 16
Spring TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II ENGL 1302 3
MATH 1338 - Calculus II   MATH 2414 3
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 3
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 3
World Language Course* 4
  SCHs 16

Second Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
STAT 2331 - Introduction to Statistical Methods   MATH 1342 3
CC Breadth Course - Exploring Science Choose One: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1411, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, CHEM 1405, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, ENVR 1402, GEOL 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1405, GEOL 1445, PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1403, PHYS 1405, PHYS 1404, PHYS 1407, PHYS 1415, PHYS 1417, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426 4
Second major, minor or elective courses 9
  SCHs 16
Spring TCCN SCHs
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 3
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances and Society Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 3
Second major, minor or elective courses 9
  SCHs 15

Note


*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.

Statistical Science


The Department of Statistical Science  is nationally recognized as being at the forefront of statistical research and innovation.  Its graduates are highly sought after in the job markets of many different fields.  Its faculty is widely recognized for expertise in applying statistical science in diverse settings, including clinical trials, air pollution, medical imagery, census adjustment, educational testing and genetics.

A dramatic increase in the number of people trained in statistics and data analysis is required to fill the ever-increasing data analysis needs of our society.  Consequently, professionals who can appropriately analyze and interpret data are in high demand.

Wide Variety of Career Options


The wide variety of jobs available is a key asset of the statistics profession.  The explosion of data from devices such as sensors, cell phones and medical instruments has created a demand for specialists in data collection and analysis.  Government agencies, banks, insurance companies, medical schools and research hospitals are just a few of the many industries actively hiring statisticians.  Perhaps that is why Google Chief Economist Hal Varian has named “statistician” as the “sexy job of the next decade.”

Resources and Enrichment


SMU’s Science Library has one of the most extensive collections of statistical literature in the Southwest, including more than 150 statistics and mathematics journals and all major abstracting services.  Students have open-stack access.  The Don Owen Library, located within the department, has more than 500 key reference books on statistics and a collection of over 20 statistics journals.  The department also has its own computer lab with access to national super-computer centers.  Students have the opportunity to pursue common interests with faculty members through informal discussions and joint research activities.  In addition, weekly seminars within the department expose students to research efforts by other students, faculty members, and departmental visitors.  The seminars are also a forum for discussing statistical topics not covered in regular courses.

Majoring in Statistical Science


The department offers one major and one minor.  To major in Statistical Science, students must complete 18 hours of required mathematics and statistics courses and 24 hours of upper division electives

The Bachelor of Science in Statistical Science  prepares students for careers in data analysis.  The degree also prepares students for advanced studies in statistical science, such as graduate work in the field or in a related discipline.

SMU graduates with a B.S. in Statistical Science can obtain a M.S. in Applied Statistics and Data Analytics (MASDA) degree in one year by taking four STAT 6000-level courses in their senior year of undergraduate work and a further 24 credit hours of MASDA courses at the 6000-level or higher.

Minoring in Statistical Science


To Minor in Statistical Science , students must have a total of 15 term hours, 12 of which are required STAT courses.

Preparing for a Smooth Transition


A seamless transfer to SMU and the Statistical Science Program requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition. Taking the time to prepare for your move lays the best foundation for success. The following are a few important points to remember:

  • The second language requirement of the Common Curriculum  may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
  • SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
  • Work on the Common Curriculum  prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
  • Compare Course Descriptions  found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
  • For additional information on the Statistical Science major, visit our department homepage or call 214-768-3262.
  • For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

SMU Degree


A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 122 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:

  • Courses in your major.
  • Courses required for the Common Curriculum (CC) 
  • Elective courses.  These electives may be used to add a second major or minor.

The Common Curriculum (CC)


The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components: 

  1. Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language. 
  2. Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
  3. Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.                                                                                                                           

NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.

Apply Now!


Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.

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