College of Science

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Why Study Statistics?

Statistics and Data Science are some of the fastest growing career fields in the United States. From agriculture to business to psychology to artificial intelligence, statistics is the foundation for many of the best paying jobs in industry and research. The skills gained in a statistics major allow you to transcend across fields of application meaning that you are not restricted to particular field or industry with your degree. In addition, fields that begin with a statistics degree are always among the best jobs, such as Statistician, Operations Research Analyst, Actuary, and Data Scientist, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

Statistics and Data Science Programs at CSUMB

At CSUMB, students can choose from either majoring in Statistics or adding a Statistics Minor or a Data Science Minor to their major. We offer small classes that cover a variety of topics, from experimental design, sampling and survey design, nonparametric (small data) analysis, and advanced statistical modeling. Our faculty are dedicated to student success and regularly integrate real world research projects into their courses or work one-on-one with students conducting independent research. Students can choose the program that best suits their future career path, including coupling a Statistics major with a Data Science minor.

  • There are only 8 total Cal State campuses with a major in Statistics - CSUMB was number 6 establishing the major in 2019. Throughout the program, students build on the mathematical foundations of statistics to gain experience in a variety of applications of statistics, such as experimental design, survey and sampling design, and building models that form the foundation of machine learning. Each course integrates real data collection and analysis experiences so that students engage in the whole process of data analysis. Students learn statistical programming in R and often add SAS or Python programming to their program through different course selections. Faculty regularly work with students on research projects in collaboration with other programs, industry, and within their own research. Students get to present their research at conferences, both local and national and faculty work with students to find funding to pay them for their research time. Finally, students engage in a service learning internship where they provide statistical consulting services to local nonprofits and schools. Students sometimes continue their experiences as summer internships, when available, with the organizations. 

    Learn more about the required courses for the Statistics major below.

    Statistics Major

  • The Statistics Minor is designed to be easily added to any other degree program at CSUMB, such as mathematics, computer science, psychology, kinesiology, health sciences, business, biology, marine science, or environmental science. Students complete two core courses in introductory statistics and data modeling and then can select from a variety of course options depending on their interests. Learn more about the statistics minor course requirements below.

    Statistics Minor

  • The Data Science minor was designed in collaboration with the School of Computing and Design to allow students to complete both the statistical and computational coursework necessary to be proficient in data science. The program overlaps with requirements with many majors so that a students only needs to complete an additional 12 units (the minimum necessary for a minor) to complete the Data Science minor. Students find the combination of advanced modeling, data visualization, with R and Python programming prepare them for jobs in industry or research.

    Learn more about the course requirements below.

    Data Science Minor

Contact Mathematics and Statistics

Phone: 831-582-4118

Email: Send an email

Building: Rm S216, Chapman Science Center (Bldg 53)

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm