Duke Statistics -- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

The Major in Statistical Science

The major is structured to teach students about statistical science and to provide them with a substantial undergraduate research experience. The major requires the following courses:

i) Four pre-requisite courses from mathematics, including calculus I, II, and III and linear algebra. The skills developed and techniques explored in these courses are necessary for study of advanced statistical methods in the major.

ii) One course in probability (STA 104 or MTH 135) and one course in mathematical statistics (STA 114 or MTH 136). These courses provide instruction in the foundations of probability and mathematical statistics.

iii) One course in applied regression models (STA 121) and one course in modern statistical models (STA 122). The first course emphasizes the central methods of exploratory and model-based statistical analysis, namely regression analysis. The second course emphasizes modern, computationally intensive techniques for statistical analysis. Students can take Economics 139 in place of STA 121. Although Economics 139 covers regression analysis differently than does STA 121, it provides sufficient background in applied regression modeling.

iv) Two additional statistical courses for the A.B., and three additional statistical courses for the B.S. These courses must contain statistical content beyond what is covered in STA 121. They provide breadth in statistical thinking and methods. At least one of these courses must be in Duke Statistics. Faculty advisors and the Director of Undergraduate Studies will help majors to select elective courses in accordance with their academic goals.

v) A year-long mentored research experience. Majors are required to complete a research project under the supervision of one or more members of the Duke Statistics faculty. Projects will include substantial development of applied research in a disciplinary field of application, model development and data analyses for which students fit non-standard statistical models, computational experimentation and implementation, as well as theoretical projects for which students develop new techniques or extend existing ones. The Director of Undergraduate Studies will approve students' proposed research projects and link students with Duke Statistics faculty members in accordance with their mutual interests. Students will participate in STA 190AS and STA 190BS as part of the research experience. These courses are the vehicles by which students earn credit for their required research projects. Students registered for these courses will present to other students and Duke Statistics faculty at least twice during the semester on their research progress, as well as complete assignments related to the methods underpinning the research of other students in the class. Successful completion of STA 190BS includes development and presentation of a term paper on the research project.

vi) For the Bachelor of Science, students must complete one course in an applied field, such as engineering, mathematics, one of the natural sciences, or one of the quantitative social sciences. This course must be a 100-level or higher course in one of these fields.

The specific courses for the major are as follows.

Bachelor of Arts

Prerequisites: MTH 31 (or 31L), 32 (or 32L or 32X), 103 (or 103X), and 104 (or 104C, 104X, or 107).

Requirements: STA 104/MTH 135. STA 114/MTH 136, or STA 213. STA 121 or Economics 139/239. STA 122, 190AS, and 190BS. Two additional courses above STA 114 (excluding 210, 213, 240, and 242). Only one independent study in Duke Statistics can be used towards the major. Up to one statistical course from other departments can be used towards the major, provided the course is pre-approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Bachelor of Science

Prerequisites: MTH 31 (or 31L), 32 (or 32L or 32X), 103 (or 103X), and 104 (or 104C, 104X, or 107).

Requirements: STA 104/MTH 135. STA 114/MTH 136, or STA 213. STA 121 or Economics 139/239. STA 122, 190AS, and 190BS. Three additional courses above STA 114 (excluding 210, 213, 240, and 242). Only one independent study in Duke Statistics can be used towards the major. Up to two statistical courses from other departments can be used towards the major, provided the courses are pre-approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. One 100-level or higher course in an applied quantitative area other than Duke Statistics, such as engineering, mathematics, one of the natural sciences, or one of the quantitative social sciences.