Prospective Student Information

The Department of Statistics at UC Davis offers a large and varied collection of courses in statistical theory, methodology, and application. Based on these offerings, a student can complete a Bachelor's Degree in Data Science or a Bachelor's Degree in Statistics.

students studying

Data Science (B.S.)

The Data Science major program offers a Bachelor of Science degree. This interdisciplinary major emphasizes computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics methodology and theory. The B.S. degree program has one track, the Foundations track. 
lecturing

Statistics (A.B. or B.S.)

The Statistics major program offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics.  The Bachelor of Science has five emphases called tracks. The tracks include:  Applied Statistics, Computational Statistics, General Statistics, Machine Learning, and Statistical Data Science.  

What is Statistics?

Statistics is the mathematical and computational study of randomness and variability of data. 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. 

Who uses Statistics? 

Statistics 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.

What does the media say about the professionals working with Statistics and Data Science? 

Department Rankings

Why should you 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. Most recently in 2019, Professor Ethan Anderes received a College of Letters and Science Award for Distinguished Teaching. Two current Statistics Professors Hans-Georg Müller and George Roussas 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.
  • 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.  

Student Perspectives

What Can I Do With My Statistics Major?

Learn more about what current students and alumni have to say about the Statistics Major from our feature in the UC Davis Majors Blog.  

Also be sure to check out our Statistics Alumni page to learn about what our students do after graduation.  

"Being a part of the statistics program here at UC Davis was a fantastic experience. Double majoring in Statistics and Economics taught me a lot about how useful statistics is in a wide array of fields. I'm incredibly thankful for the amazing faculty and lecturers that made learning statistics so much fun. I would highly recommend everyone take a few statistics courses while they are here at UC Davis."
--Sangeetha Ranamurthy, '19

"I have been so lucky to have called the UC Davis Statistics program, including all of its supportive students, faculty, and staff, home for the past four years. Studying statistics not only teaches many important skills necessary to succeed in today's data driven society, but also helps develop individuals capable of critical thinking, problem solving, and hard work."
--Brian Goebel, '16

"The amazing thing about statistics is how it can be applied in almost any field. What makes statistics at UC Davis special is the community. The professors and staff here genuinely care about your well being and want you to succeed."
--Lydia Tse, '16