B.S. in Statistics

Statistics is the science of analyzing numerical data and has applications in a variety of fields.

At JMU, you will get the best of both worlds: in-depth faculty-student collaborative experiences usually only found in smaller liberal arts institutions, along with the breadth and diversity of offerings of a large institution. Our faculty is committed to incorporating student projects into their research and guiding undergraduates through the processes of proposing and carrying out professional-level research projects in statistics. In addition, our conferences, clubs, and outreach programs designed specifically for undergraduates make our majors true members of our community.

The Statistics major is designed for students who have an interest in the mathematics of statistics or plan to go to graduate school in statistics. Students choose one of two tracks: applied statistics and mathematical statistics. This major emphasizes probability and the theory of statistics and provides opportunities for additional study in applied and theoretical statistics as well as mathematics. Students are encouraged to take elective courses offered by the department that will prepare them for graduate studies.

If students are interested in the applications of statistics and they are planning to seek employment upon graduation as practicing statistician, they are advised to choose the applied statistics track. The emphasis in this track is on the applications of statistics to various fields of study. Students will take courses on the design and analysis of experiments, regression analysis, and sample surveys, as well as other courses in applied and theoretical statistics, probability, and mathematics. Students who choose the applied statistics track are encouraged to take as many elective courses as possible in applied fields of their choice.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.