Statistics courses
Director of undergraduate studies: Andrew Barron, 24 Hillhouse Ave., 432-0634, andrew.barron@yale.edu
FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS
Professors †Donald Andrews, Andrew Barron, Joseph Chang, Mark Hansen (Visiting), John Hartigan (Emeritus), †Theodore Holford, †Peter Phillips, David Pollard, †Heping Zhang, †Hongyu Zhao, Harrison Zhou
Associate Professors John Emerson (Adjunct), †Sekhar Tatikonda
Assistant Professors Lisha Chen, Mokshay Madiman, Jing Zhang
Senior Lecturer Jonathan Reuning-Scherer
Lecturer David Salsburg
†A joint appointment with primary affiliation in another department or school.
Statistics is the science and art of prediction and explanation. The mathematical foundation of statistics lies in the theory of probability, which is applied to problems of making inferences and decisions under uncertainty. Practical statistical analysis also uses a variety of computational techniques, methods of visualizing and exploring data, methods of seeking and establishing structure and trends in data, and a mode of questioning and reasoning that quantifies uncertainty.
The Statistics program at Yale is a blend of the mathematical theory of probability and statistical inference, the philosophy of inference under uncertainty, computational techniques, the practice of data analysis, and statistical analysis applied to economics, biology, medicine, engineering, and other areas. Statistical methods are widely used in the sciences, medicine, industry, business, and government; graduates can work in these areas or go on to graduate study.
The curriculum for the Statistics major is a synthesis of theory, methods, and applications. The requirements are designed to achieve some balance and depth in each of the three directions of probability, statistics, and data analysis. Statistics can be taken either as a primary major or as one of two majors, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. Appropriate majors to combine with Statistics include programs in the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics. A Statistics concentration is also available within the Applied Mathematics major.
Prerequisites Multivariable calculus and linear algebra are required and should be taken before or during the sophomore year. This requirement may be satisfied by MATH 120 and MATH 222 or 225, or equivalents.
Requirements of the major for the B.A. degree program The program requires ten term courses beyond the prerequisites, including the senior project. Majors take two courses in the theory and applications of probability (STAT 241 and 251), two courses emphasizing the theory of statistical inference (STAT 242 and 312), and two courses in the methods and practice of data analysis, chosen from STAT 230, 361, and 363. STAT 238 may be substituted for STAT 241 with the permission of the director of undergraduate studies. All majors are also required to take a course in computing (ENAS 130 or CPSC 112). The two remaining courses are electives chosen from Statistics courses numbered above 200. Appropriate courses in other departments or in the graduate school may count toward the major with permission of the director of undergraduate studies.
Requirements of the major for the B.S. degree program The program requires twelve term courses beyond the prerequisites. In addition to the courses indicated for the B.A. degree, the B.S. degree requires a course in mathematical analysis (MATH 260, 300, or 301) and an additional Statistics elective numbered above 200.
Senior requirement In the senior year, majors in both degree programs complete a research project in STAT 490. Students enrolled in this course work on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, present and share their progress with each other during the seminar meetings, and write a final report.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites Both degrees—MATH 120 and MATH 222 or 225, or equivalents
Number of courses B.A.—10 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior project); B.S.—12 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior project)
Specific courses required B.A.—STAT 241, 242, 251, 312; 2 from STAT 230, 361, 363; ENAS 130 or CPSC 112; B.S.—same, plus MATH 260, 300, or 301
Distribution of courses B.A.—2 Stat electives numbered above 200, as specified; B.S.—3 Stat electives numbered above 200, as specified
Substitution permitted STAT 238 for STAT 241, with DUS permission; courses in other depts or grad courses, with DUS permission
Senior requirement Both degrees—Senior project (STAT 490)
