Program Purpose

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This program prepares men and women of character for statistical careers or top PhD statistics or biostatistics programs. Graduates can perform and will understand the theoretical foundation of advanced statistical methods. Graduates will be able to identify applicable statisical methods to collaborative research and consulting problems. The curriculum consists of a first year core curriculum and second year electives in advanced statistical methods reflecting faculty expertise.

Curricular Structure

Graduate Catalog

Learning Outcomes

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Statistical Modeling

Graduates will select and implement appropriate statistical methods to analyze diverse real-world problems with rigor and care.

Theoretical Proficiency

Graduates will articulate and apply foundational statistical theory, including understanding assumptions, limitations, and the potential for misuse.

Data Analysis Process

Graduates will conceptualize complex problems clearly, formulate quantitative approaches, and develop effective strategies for data analysis.

Communication

Graduates will communicate statistical ideas, methods, and results clearly and appropriately for technical and non-technical audiences.

Collaboration

Graduates will engage in collaborative work by seeking input, offering support, and demonstrating growth in interpersonal and professional relationships.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will show initiative in learning new statistical methods and tools, drawing on appropriate resources to support continued professional development.

Act Ethically and Faithfully

Graduates will apply statistical methods in ways that reflect ethical integrity and gospel-centered values in professional and personal contexts

Evidence of Learning

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Assessment Tools

1. Students are evaluated using problem sets, term papers, and exams.

2. All courses and instructors in the department are evaluated each term by the students. These evaluations are discussed with the faculty by the department chair at the annual faculty interview.

3. The Comprehensive Exam evaluates student learning at the end of the first-year core curriculum.

4. The BYU Senior and Alumni Surveys provide feedback on Department programs.

Direct Measures

Academic and Professional Preparation

1. Evaluation of program graduates' performance collected from employers
2. Evaluation of program interns' performance from internship supervisor
3. Master's Project or Thesis
4. Internship Report

Statistics Theory

1. Performance on Stat 641 and Stat 642 final exams. Exams will be similar to first-year theory exams in top PhD statistics and biostatistics programs.
2. Performance on Comprehensive Exam.

Research Skills

1. Performance on Stat 535 and Stat 536 final exams.
2. Performance on Comprehensive Exam.
3. Master's Project or Thesis
4. Internship Report
5. Conference Poster or Presentation
6. College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Spring Research Conference presentation
7. Reports for Center of Statistical Consultation and Collaboration
8. Report from Stat 631, 635, 651, 666

Software Competency

1. Performance on Stat 624 final exam.
2. Performance on computational questions on Stat 535 and Stat 536 final exams.
3. Master's Project or Thesis
4. Internship Report
5. Conference Poster or Presentation
6. College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Spring Research Conference presentation
7. Reports for Center of Statistical Consultation and Collaboration
8. Report from Stat 631, 635, 651, 666

Consulting Skills

1. Master's Project or Thesis
2. Internship Report
3. Conference Poster or Presentation
4. College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Spring Research Conference presentation
5. Reports for Center of Statistical Consultation and Collaboration
6. Report from Stat 631, 635, 651, 666

Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

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Learning Outcomes Committee Chair: Shannon Tass (2013-2015)

Each Fall, the Learning Outcomes Committe will review the acheivement of the program learning outcomes and present the result to the Statistics Department faculty.  The faculty will discuss the results in a faculty meeting and propose changes and improvements to the program as needed.