B.A.

Statistics is the art and science of study design and data analysis. Probability theory is the mathematical foundation for the study of statistical methods and for the modeling of random phenomena. The Statistics major builds on a foundation in probability and statistical theory to provide practical training in statistical methods, study design, and data analysis. The Statistics major is an appropriate background for graduate work, including doctoral studies in statistics, social science, public health, genetics, health policy, epidemiology, marketing, opinion polling, economics, finance and banking, government, drug development, and insurance.

The Department offers three undergraduate survey courses: STAT W1001 is designed for students from non-mathematical disciplines; STAT 1111 is designed for students with some mathematical maturity, but who have not taken calculus; W1211 is designed for students who have an understanding of the calculus. Students considering the major should choose W1111 or W1211 rather than W1001.

Three units of credit is given for the AP Statistics exam passed with a score of 5. Students required for their major to take STAT W1111 or W1001 should check with their major advisor to determine if this credit provides exemption from those courses.

 

Requirements


For a Major in Statistics

Program of study:

Students pursuing the major in statistics should meet with the director of undergraduate studies as early as possible to develop a study plan. The usual study plan begins with the calculus-based introductory survey course, proceeds through core courses in probability theory and statistical inference, then elective courses in statistical methods that provide grounding in theory and extensive practical experience.

Courses: 39 points, including:

STAT W1211
STAT W3105 or W4105 STAT W3107, W4315, and W4201 Two additional Statistics Department courses numbered above 4200
MATH V1101-V1102 (calculus) or the equivalent; at least one additional semester of calculus is recommended
MATH V2010 or the equivalent
One of COMS W1003, W1004, W1005, or W1007
6 points of electives (approved by the Departmental Advisor ) in a quantitative discipline.

NOTE: STAT W1001 or W1111 (with a grade of at least A) may be taken in lieu of STAT W1211 with the approval of the Departmental Adviser.

NOTE: STAT W4109 (6 points) may be taken in lieu of SIEO W4105/STAT W3105 and STAT W3107, with the approval of the Departmental Adviser.

NOTE: Only one required course in which the grade of D has been received may be counted toward the major.

For a Concentration in Statistics

Courses: 24 points, including:


STAT W1211

STAT W3105 or W4105 STAT W3107 and W4315 STAT W3701 or one statistics course above the 4200 level

MATH V1101-V1102;at least one additional semester of calculus is recommended

MATH V2010

NOTE:
STAT W1001 or W1111 (with a grade of at least A) may be taken in lieu of STAT W1211 with the approval of the Departmental Adviser.

NOTE:
STAT W4109 (6 points) may be taken in lieu of SIEO W4105/STAT W3105 and STAT W3107/W4107, with the approval of the Departmental Adviser.

NOTE:
Only one required course in which the grade of D has been received may be counted toward the concentration.

For a Major in Mathematics-Statistics

Departmental Advisers:

Mathematics: Prof. Herve Jacquet, 521 Mathematics; 854-4754

Statistics: Prof. Ji Meng Loh, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., Room 1012; 851-2139.


The program is designed to prepare the student for: (1) a possible career in industries that require a high level of mathematical sophistication and a substantial knowledge of probability and statistics, such as finance and insurance; (2) graduate study in various quantitative fields. In this direction, the major offers components in mathematics and statistics together with electives in finance, operations research, computer science, and other quantitative fields. Students who aim toward graduate work may prefer to take electives in mathematics and statistics.


Required courses:

This program requires a minimum of 41 points: at least 14 points in mathematics, 15 points in statistics, 3 points in computer science, and 9 points in electives.


Mathematics:

One of the following sequences:

MATH V1101-V1102, V1201, V2010, and V2500

MATH V1207-V1208 and V2500 (with approval from the adviser)

Statistics:
STAT W1211
STAT W3105 or W4105 STAT W3107 or W4107 STAT W4315 IEOR E4106 or SIEO W4606

Computer Science:
COMS W1004 is strongly recommended

NOTE:

STAT W1001 or W1111 (with a grade of at least A) may be taken in lieu of STAT W1211 with the approval of the Departmental Adviser.

Electives:
An approved selection of advanced courses in mathematics, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science or mathematical methods courses in physics, social science, business, economics, biology, and other fields. Students interested in modeling applications are strongly recommended to take MATH W3027 and W3028; those interested in finance are strongly recommended to take MATH W4071; while those interested in graduate work are strongly recommended to take MATH W4061-W4062.

NOTE:
Students must obtain approval from an adviser in each of the two departments before selecting electives. With the approval of their adviser, students may replace the two requirements STAT W3105 or SIEO W4105, and STAT W3107/ W4107 with the 6-point course STAT W4109.

NOTE:
All required and elective courses must be passed with a grade of CÐ or better to count toward the major.


For a Major in Economics-Statistics

Departmental Advisers:

Economics: Students should check the Economics Departmental Web-site for a listing of advisors.

Statistics: Prof. Ji Meng Loh,1255 Amsterdam Ave., Room 1012; 851-2139; meng@stat.columbia.edu


The degree in economics and statistics provides the student with a grounding in economic theory comparable to that provided by the general economics major, yet additionally exposes the student to a significantly more rigorous and extensive statistics training than is provided by the general major. This program is recommended for students with strong quantitative skills and for those students who are contemplating graduate studies in economics.


Required courses: (for students who declared in or after fall 2003)

This program requires a total of 53 points: 23 in economics, 15 points in statistics, 12 points in mathematics, and 3 points in computer science. This program requires a total of 49 points: 20 points in economics, 15 points in statistics, 11 points in mathematics, and 3 points in computer science.


Economics:

ECON W1105, W3211, W3213, and W4918

ECON W3412 (to be taken after STAT W1211)

Two electives (3000 level or above)

Statistics:
STAT W1211 STAT W3105 or W4105 STAT W3107 or W4107, STAT W4315 One elective (excluding STAT W1001, W1111, and SIEO W4150)

Mathematics and computer science:
One of the following sequences
MATH V1101, V1102, and V1201
MATH V1107, V1108, and V1207
MATH V2010
One of the folowing:
COMS W1003
COMS W1004 (preferred)
COMS W1005
COMS W1007

NOTE:

Students are advised that the regulations outlined in the economics major section regarding core courses, electives, Barnard courses, School of Continuing Education courses, grades, and transfer credits also apply toward the economics-statistics major.


NOTE:

Students who declared prior to Fall 2003 should consult with a past bulletin for requirement details.

For a Major in Political Science–Statistics

Departmental Advisers:

Political Science: Prof. Robert Shapiro, 726 IAB; 854-3944

Statistics: Prof. Ji Meng Loh, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., Room 1012; 851-2139


The interdisciplinary major of political science–statistics is designed for students who desire an understanding of political science to pursue advanced study in this field and who also wish to have at their command a broad range of sophisticated statistical tools to analyze data related to social science and public policy research.


Required courses:

The major requires a minimum of 48 points: 12 points in statistics, 9 points in mathematics, 3 points in computer science, 8 points in quantitative political science, 9 additional points in political science, one 4-point seminar in political science (8 points if the student is admitted to the political science honors program), and 3 points in a quantitatively oriented elective in statistics or a social science discipline (political science, sociology, anthropology, etc.).


Background:

MATH V1101-V1102

MATH V2010

COMS W1003

or W1004 (preferred)

or W1005

or W1007

Statistics:
STAT W1001
or W1111
or W1211
STAT W3105 or W4105 STAT W3107 or W4107 STAT W4315 IEOR E4106 or SIEO W4606

Quantitative Political Science:
POLS W4910
POLS W4911

Political Science:
9 points (three courses) in one of the major subfields of American politics, comparative politics, or international relations, including the introductory course in that subfield (W1201, V1501, V1601, respectively: see requirements for a major in political science).

Seminar:
4 points in a political science junior or senior seminar in the major subfield in which the student has completed 9 points of courses. Students may substitute the political science honors seminar for this, which carries 8 points.

Elective:
3 points in a quantitatively oriented elective, approved by the student's adviser, in statistics or a social science (political science, sociology, anthropology, etc.).

NOTE:
Students should be aware of the rules regarding the use of the Pass/Fail option. Courses in which a grade of D has been received do not count toward the major requirements. Political science–statistics students are eligible for all prizes reserved for political science majors.