Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science

The last decade has seen an explosion in the quantity and variety of data available about virtually everything including pictures, stock prices, purchase patterns, medical information, and voting behavior. However, many agree with the characterization of our time as “drowning in information and starving for knowledge.” This challenge is the essential problem of the field of statistics: seeking understanding and knowledge through the study of data. Statistics has historically played a key role in medical research, and more generally in experimental science, by quantifying the interaction between various “causes” and “effects.” However, many new and exciting applications of statistics are emerging, such as deciphering the human genome, analyzing and facilitating Internet traffic, and the “mining” of very large collections of data to discern patterns and relationships. Statistics is inherently an interdisciplinary field allowing the practitioner to learn from and contribute to a wide variety of different areas.

With this growing prominence of data, there is a high demand for professionals who can extract meaningful information from this data. A degree in Statistics and Data Science equips students with both the theoretical understanding and the tools needed for effective data analysis.

Statistics and Data Science consistently rank among the top fields in terms of demand for graduates, both in the current job market and in future projections, within the Commonwealth and the broader region. On the national level, McKinsey & Company projects that the overall employment of statisticians will grow by 14,800 jobs between 2019 and 2029 —an increase of 33%, which significantly outpaces the expected 3% growth across all occupations during the same period. In Massachusetts, the demand for graduates in Statistics is expected to grow both in the short and long term, with an increasing need for Statistical Assistants and Statisticians (Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, 2021).

Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of industries, including insurance, information technology, marketing, finance, pharmaceuticals, cancer research institutes, and higher education. Many have also pursued advanced graduate studies. 

At the end of the Statistics and Data Science Major curriculum, a student will:

1. Understand the mathematical foundations of classical and modern statistical and data science methods, as well as gain experience with their software implementations.
2. Apply statistical techniques to solve real world problems, including problem formulation, data collection, modeling and analysis, and interpretation and communication of results.
3. Work in a group/team setting using concepts and methods from statistics and data science and communicate results with stakeholders

Prerequisite Mathematics and Computing:

• Differential and integral calculus: MATH 131 and 132, with a grade of C or better in Math 132 (typically freshman year)
• Computer programming: CICS 110 OR INFO 190S OR COMPSCI 121 or equivalent (typically in the first 2 years)

Core Theoretical Statistics and Data Science:

• Probability: STAT 315 (was Stat 515), followed by STAT 516 or 490S  (ideally starting in the second year)

  Core Applied Statistics and Data Science:

• Fundamental concepts of statistics: STAT 310 (typically in the first or second year)
• Statistical computing: STAT 535 (typically in the third year)
• Regression analysis: STAT 525 (typically in the third year)

Core Mathematics Courses:

• Multivariable calculus and linear algebra: MATH 233 and 235 (typically 2nd year)
• Writing in mathematics: MATH 370 (typically junior year)

Electives:

• Four electives, with at least two of the four electives being STATISTC 390+ excluding STAT 501 and STAT 517, and the remainder being STATISTC 390+, MATH 390+, MATH 300, MATH 331 or other approved courses from outside on the approved outside course list (typically in the last 2 years)

All courses used to satisfy these requirements must be completed with a passing grade (D or higher), but not with a “P.” A cumulative quality point average of at least 2.000 is required in all Mathematics and Statistics courses taken.

Q:  What if I would like to add or switch to the new SDS degree?

A:   For UMass students who entered before Fall 2025, please begin by filling out this form.  

For students entering UMass this fall, please do not fill out the form just yet.  You should first attend your New Student Advising and Course Registration meeting.  At that meeting, you can discuss your options with your advisor.  If time allows, your advisor may change your major during the appointment.  If there isn't enough time, then you should go ahead and fill out the above form.  The department will not enroll incoming students in the SDS degree until after they have their New Student Advising meeting.

Q:  If I switch from the Mathematics BS with a concentration in Statistics and Data Science to the Statistics and Data Science BS, can I switch back to the Mathematics BS with a concentration in Statistics and Data Science later?

A:  No, once you switch to the SDS BS, you cannot switch to the SDS concentration in Math.  You can, however, switch back to the Mathematics BS with a different concentration or add the Mathematics BS with a different concentration (in addition to the SDS BS).

Q:  Can I do a double major with the Mathematics BS with a concentration in Statistics and Data Science and the Statistics and Data Science BS?

A:  No.

Q:  Can I do a double major with the Mathematics BS with any concentration other than Statistics and Data Science and the Statistics and Data Science BS?

A:  Yes. However, if you also decide to do a plus-one MS degree, we recommend that you consult with advisors and graduate program directors because each class can count towards at most two degrees.

Q:  What if I have already completed several upper level STAT classes but not STAT 310, and I would like to complete the new SDS major requirements without taking STAT 310?

A:  We strongly encourage all students who would like to complete the new Statistics and Data Science BS to complete STAT 310, “Fundamental Concepts in Statistics,” as it can deepen their intuition for and mastery of common statistical methods they have encountered elsewhere in their coursework through coding and applications to real data (and this is allowed at all times in the program).  However, students who entered UMass Amherst in Fall 2023 or earlier and completed STAT 525 before Fall 2025 are allowed to substitute an additional STAT course numbered 526+, MATH 300, or COMPSCI 250 for STAT 310, providing that this course does not satisfy any other SDS major requirements.

Q:  What if I have already completed more than three courses that are MATH 390+, MATH 331, or approved courses from outside the department, and I would like to complete the new SDS BS upper level elective requirements with just one STAT 390+ course?

A:  We strongly encourage all students who would like to complete the new Statistics and Data Science BS to fulfill the SDS upper level elective requirements with at least two STAT 390+ courses.  However, students who entered UMass Amherst in Fall 2023 or earlier and switched from the Mathematics BS with SDS concentration to the SDS BS can fulfill the SDS upper level elective requirements with one STAT 390+ course (excluding STAT 501 and STAT 517) by using  MATH 545 to satisfy the other upper level Stat elective requirement.  Unfortunately, MATH 411 is not eligible for this substitution.