The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Applied Statistics provides students with a solid grounding the field of statistics, with particular attention paid to applications. Knowledge of statistics is becoming increasingly important in many fields, so that students completing this major will have many options available upon graduation.
Students completing this major will be well prepared to design experimental studies, analyze data, and communicate results in a wide range of subject areas. They will also be well prepared to enter MS programs in statistics and related fields. With a modest amount of advance planning students are able to complete an M.S. in Statistics at UVa with one additional year of study. Students interested in the B.A./M.S. program should see this web link.
Students who declare the B.A. in Applied Statistics have the option of choosing one of three concentrations within the major. These concentrations are Finance and Business, Biostatistics, and Data Science. The details of these concentrations are given below. The prerequisites to declare any of the concentrations are those listed below.
The B.A. in Applied Statistics requires six core courses and four restricted elective courses. In total the B.A. in Applied Statistics requires 30 credit hours, plus prerequisite courses. There are two lists of restricted elective courses, those that focus on data analysis and those that are more computational. Of the four restricted elective courses, at least two must be taken from the Data Analysis list. A grade of C- or higher is required for all prerequisite and major courses.
Students must have completed all prerequisite courses to declare the major. Students may use AP credit to meet prerequisite requirements.
*Note: SEAS students may use equivalent APMA courses for the MATH courses listed above.
*Note: SEAS students may use equivalent APMA courses for the MATH courses listed above.
Students must take four restricted electives, with at least two from the Data Analysis list. At most one of the four restricted electives may be drawn from a non-STAT pneumonic.
Those declaring the B.A. in Applied Statistics have the option of choosing a major concentration. The concentrations are Finance and Business, Biostatistics, and Data Science. The requirements for these concentrations are given below. The prerequisites to declare any of the concentrations are the same as described earlier.
Note: Students choosing a major concentration cannot use the same course as both a core course and a restricted elective; a course can be used to satisfy only one requirement of the B.A. in Applied Statistics.
Expand content Expand content*Note: SEAS students may use equivalent APMA courses for the MATH courses listed above.
Expand content*Note: SEAS students may use equivalent APMA courses for the MATH courses listed above.
Expand contentEight core courses (listed below) and two restricted elective courses, at least one from the Data Analysis list.
*Note: SEAS students may use equivalent APMA courses for the MATH courses listed above.
For the capstone, students will work in teams of 3 or 4 to complete an extensive data analysis project. The students and capstone faculty will work collaboratively to develop a hands-on project for each team to demonstrate knowledge and skill in data analysis, interpretation, and communication. Each project will require the team to determine the nature of the questions of interest; prepare data for analysis; select and perform the appropriate analysis; determine conclusions; and present the results. The capstone project will provide an opportunity to observe how students work through all aspects of a statistical analysis.
Students will be guided and evaluated by the capstone faculty. The capstone experience will culminate with the submission of a final report and a formal presentation. If a student fails the capstone course, the Director of Undergraduate Programs will meet with the student to determine a set of revisions and/or alternative academic activities to complete their project. A student who fails to complete their project may retake the course in a subsequent semester.