Do you want to use data to solve real world problems? From presidential campaigns to pandemic tracking, big data helps power the modern world. Given the growing importance of information in our lives, there is a pressing need for people who can make sense of it all. Whether your goals are to get into academics, government or industry, chances are there will be a demand for statistics skills. The flexibility of the statistics program at UC Davis allows our students to focus their studies while remaining eligible for a broad range of careers and options post-graduation. 

Major Requirements

You will begin with preparatory work in statistics, calculus, linear algebra, computer science and later focus your studies. Statistics majors may receive either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Both the A.B. and the B.S. programs require theoretical and applied course work and all options provide students with in-depth exposure to quantitative reasoning, statistical methodologies and their applications. The B.S. degree program has five tracks: applied statistics, computational statistics, general, machine learning, and statistical data science. The A.B. degree program has one track.

• A.B. in statistics — applied statistics track emphasizes statistical applications. This track is recommended for students who are interested in applications of statistical techniques to various disciplines, especially the social sciences.
• B.S. in statistics — applied statistics track emphasizes statistical applications. This track is recommended for students who are interested in applications of statistical techniques to various disciplines including the biological, physical and social sciences.
• B.S. in statistics — computational statistics track emphasizes computing. This track is recommended for students interested in the computational and data management aspects of statistical analysis.
• B.S. in statistics — general track emphasizes statistical theory and is especially recommended as preparation for graduate study in statistics.
• B.S. in statistics — machine learning track emphasizes data handling skills and statistical computation. This track is recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate programs in statistics, machine learning, or data science, as well as for students interested in learning statistical techniques for industry.
• B.S. in statistics — statistical data science track emphasizes data handling skills and statistical computation. This track is recommended for students interested in statistical learning methodology, advanced data handling techniques and computational aspects of statistical analysis.