Program Overview

Statistics (BS) Program

The Statistics (BS) program at Cal Poly requires students to develop a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science, and communication. Coursework in the statistics program can be classified into four areas: mathematical background in probability and theoretical statistics, computational thinking and coding skills with software packages, statistical methods for various types of data analysis, and development of students' skills with oral and written communication and consulting with clients.

Program Learning Objectives

The program has six learning objectives:

1. Have good working knowledge of the most commonly used statistical methods, including statistical modeling and the omnipresent role of variability, efficient design of studies, and construction of effective sampling plans.
2. Have background in probability, statistical theory, and mathematics, including especially calculus, linear algebra, and symbolic and abstract thinking.
3. Be able to synthesize and apply knowledge of common inferential methods, understanding the limitations of procedures and appropriate conclusions.
4. Communicate effectively (written and oral) with skills in collaboration (within and between disciplines) and teamwork, and in organizing and managing projects.
5. Have a good mastery of several standard statistical software packages and facility with data management strategies.
6. Have a focused concentration in an area of application outside the discipline of statistics.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

In addition to the program requirements, students must also satisfy the minimum requirements for graduation, including:

• 40 units of upper-division courses
• 2.0 GPA
• Graduation Writing Requirements (GWR)
• U.S. Cultural Pluralism (USCP) The program requires the following courses:

Major Courses

• DATA 1000: Statistical and Data Literacy
• DATA/STAT 1810: Introduction to Statistical Computing with R
• DATA/STAT 3820: Intermediate Statistical Computing with R
• STAT 1510: Statistics I
• STAT 2610: Introduction to Probability and Simulation
• STAT 3520: Statistics II
• STAT 3530: Applied Linear Models
• STAT 3540: Statistical Methods for Study Design and Analysis
• DATA/STAT 3800: Introduction to Statistical Computing with SAS and SQL
• STAT 4610: Probability Theory
• STAT 4620: Statistical Theory
• STAT 4366: Statistical Communication, Collaboration, and Consulting
• STAT 4460: Senior Project: Statistics Capstone

Statistics Electives

Students must choose from two lists of electives, with a total of 9 units from each list.

Support Courses

• CSC 1001 & 1001L: Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory
• MATH 1151: Linear Algebra
• MATH/DATA 1264: Calculus for Data Science I
• MATH/DATA 1265: Calculus for Data Science II

General Education (GE) Requirements

The program requires 43 units of GE courses, with 3 units specified in Major and/or Support.

General Education (GE) Requirements

The GE requirements include:

• 43 units required, 3 of which are specified in Major and/or Support
• A grade of C- or better is required in one course in each of the following GE Areas: 1A (English Composition), 1B (Critical Thinking), 1C (Oral Communication), and 2 (Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning) The GE course listing includes:

Lower-Division General Education

• Area 1: English Communication and Critical Thinking
• Area 2: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning
• Area 3: Arts and Humanities
• Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Area 5: Physical and Life Sciences
• Area 6: Ethnic Studies

Upper-Division General Education

• Upper-Division 2/5: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning or Physical and Life Sciences
• Upper-Division 3: Arts and Humanities
• Upper-Division 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts

The suggested four-year flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence. Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid

The plan of study grid outlines the suggested course sequence for each term, including:

• First Year: DATA/STAT 1000, STAT 1510, MATH/DATA 1264, and General Education Requirements
• Second Year: DATA/STAT 1810, STAT 3520, MATH/DATA 1265, and General Education Requirements
• Third Year: STAT 3540, DATA/STAT 3820, MATH 1151, and General Education Requirements
• Fourth Year: STAT 4366, STAT 4620, STAT Electives, and General Education Requirements