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For Prospective Majors

What is Statistics?

Statistics is the mathematical and computational study of randomness and variability of data. It is one of the few major disciplines in which the expertise of a professional can have significant effect in fields as diverse as bioinformatics and medicine, finance and insurance, telecommunication and manufacturing, management and marketing, astrophysics and climatology, agriculture and forestry, as well as economics and education. Wherever one can gather data, the field of statistics is used.


Professionals trained in statistics collect and analyze data based on samples from larger populations, then calculate and interpret results methodologically in order to make inferences about those entire populations. They use quantitative abilities, statistical techniques, and computing and visualization skills to draw and communicate conclusions.


Program Overview

Statistics majors may receive either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. As a statistics major you will begin with preparatory course work in calculus, algebra, statistics, and computer science. At the advanced level, you will take core courses in applied statistical methods and probability theory, special topics courses such as time series analysis, statistical computing, and categorical data analysis, and elective courses where statistics is applied.

  • The A.B. degree is very flexible, facilitating a double major or extensive elective course work in a field in which statistics is applied.
  • The B.S. degree program has two options: one emphasizes mathematics and is especially recommended as preparation for graduate study in statistics; the other emphasizes computer science and it is designed for students particularly interested in the computational and data management aspects of statistical analysis.

Why study Statistics at UC Davis?

  • Internationally renowned faculty
    The UC Davis statistics department has a number of internationally renowned faculty, and as a statistics major, you will have the opportunity to study with these experts at the cutting edge of the field.
  • Outstanding undergraduate teaching
    Our faculty are extensively involved in teaching in addition to research. Two Statistics Professors, Frank Samaniego and Jessica Utts, have been recognized by the UC Davis Academic Senate’s Distinguished Teaching award. This award honors UC Davis faculty who combine extraordinary scholarship with outstanding undergraduate teaching, and both of the professors and other teaching faculty in the Statistics department exemplify these qualities.
  • Interdisciplinary and collaborative learning environment
    Statistics at UC Davis is also an interdisciplinary program. Many of our students combine their statistics studies with another major or minor such as biological sciences, computer science, engineering, economics, psychology, or sociology, depending on the student’s area of interest. This double major makes use of the need for statisticians across a large and increasing number of fields.
  • Close interactions with faculty, staff, and peers
    Because the undergraduate program in statistics is relatively small at UC Davis, students interact more regularly with faculty, staff, and peers to develop knowledge, skills, and important relationships.
  • Great future career prospects
    Probability models and statistical methods are used in a great many fields. The broad applicability of statistics has created in both the public and private sectors a strong demand for graduates with statistical training.
    Business & Industry: market research, insurance, quality control, financial planning, and operations analysis
    Health & Medicine: hospitals, research universities, pharmaceutical companies, and federal and state health agencies
    Government: statistical research, survey statistics, computing, survey methodology and design, quality assurance, operations research, and management

What do the students say about the major?

“My double major in Statistics and Biological Science-Molecular and Cellular Biology has helped me to understand how strongly statistics impacts the sciences. It has been extremely helpful in my research and the skills obtained from these two fields will be life long.”
--Christabel Moy, ‘06


"The undergraduate program prepared me well for my graduate study in Biostatistics. It equipped me with the applied statistical skills as well as a solid theoretical grounding. I decided to continue my education in the statistics field after being in the program for two years as a transfer student, thanks to the professors' encouragement and the challenging and supportive educational environment in the department."
--Yunkai Jiang, Biostatistics Graduate Group


Statistics is an integral part of everyday life as the uses encompass an array of applications and inferences including sports, business, and education. It’s benefited me in understanding the applicability and interpretations of countless results ranging from news reports to studies pertaining to my minor in education. The professors and graduate students are always very welcoming and willing to help, which creates an excellent learning environment.
--David Gonzales,‘06