Dr. Melissa Pittard
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics
melissa.pittard@uky.eduAvailable beginning Fall 2024, the Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science (SDS) is a four-year degree that provides students with foundational training and marketable skills in statistics and data science. The innovative curriculum is designed to equip students to execute all stages of a data analysis, from data acquisition and exploration to application of statistics and machine learning methods to the creation of data products (e.g., written reports, dashboards, presentations). The program prepares students to enter the workforce directly, or with our specialization in Statistical Theory, as strong candidates for graduate school in statistics. More generally, all students will be well-prepared for roles in other data-driven fields.
Career opportunities for Statistics and Data Science majors are numerous and varied. Employers value SDS majors for their high critical thinking skills and problem solving skills.
Career opportunities in Statistics and Data Science:
Any student earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog.
Total Credit Hours - 30
MA 113: Calculus I or MA 137: Calculus I with Life Science Applications [4 hours]
MA 114: Calculus II or MA 138: Calculus II with Life Science Applications [4 hours]
The Statistics and Data Science major consists of a total of 41 credit hours not including prerequisites or pre-major courses. Students must attain a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in all major requirements courses (including all pre-major courses).
STA 296: Statistical Methods and Motivations [3 hours]
STA 305: Introduction to Data Science [4 hours]
STA 310: Introduction to Probability and Inference [3 hours]
STA 315: Applied Statistical Modeling and Experimental Design [3 hours]
MA 322: Matrix Algebra [3 hours]
STA 300: Data Visualization [3 hours]
STA 415: Predictive Modeling and Introductory Machine Learning [4 hours]
STA 425: Computational Bayesian Statistics [3 hours]
STA 495: Statistics and Data Science in Context: A Practicum [3 hours]
In addition to the core courses, students the option to further specialize their training in statistics and data science. Twelve (or more) credit hours must be proposed by the student and approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. This flexible specialization will allow students from a variety of backgrounds to complete the major with an approved specialty of their choosing and will make it easier for students to double major.
BS Four Year PlanStatisticians use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$79,990
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
30,000
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
10,100
new jobs (average)
About a third of statisticians work for the federal government or for scientific research and development companies. Although statisticians work mostly in offices, they may travel to collect data or to oversee a survey’s design or implementation.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$108,020
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
168,900
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
59,400
new jobs (average)
Data scientists spend much of their time in an office setting. Most work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreActuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$120,000
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
30,000
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
7,000
new jobs (average)
Most actuaries work for insurance companies. Although most work full time in an office setting, some actuaries who work as consultants travel to meet with clients.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Dr. Melissa Pittard
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics
melissa.pittard@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
