The Statistics and Data Science major is a designated capstone major. Students are prepared for future academic studies, as well as for careers in which understanding, analyzing, communication, and organizing data are of central importance. The capstone gives students an opportunity to put into practice concepts and ideas that otherwise might remain theoretical and/or abstract, and to synthesize the many topics they have studied. Students should demonstrate ability to restate investigative questions in terms of statistical models or algorithms, find appropriate research literature to support their work, relate theoretical concepts to real-world problems, and clearly communicate their results to nontechnical audiences.

Capstone Statistical Consulting

Required

Mathematics

Select from Statistics 112 through 199 (except courses 147, M148, 184, 186).

Statistics

Select two courses from the following groups:

Upper-Division Electives

The Major

Elective

Preparation for the Major

Requirements

The Statistics and Data Science major is designed to provide a general introduction to the practice of statistics for students who intend to pursue study at the graduate level or seek employment in industry or government. Courses are selected to provide sufficient theoretical background for future graduate-level research work, exposure to modern techniques and practices, and experience in fields of application.
It is strongly recommended that students, in conjunction with the BS degree, pursue a minor in a substantive discipline that applies statistics. Students must consult with the undergraduate faculty adviser to ensure that the minor selected is one in which statistics is applied.
Students interested in the major in Statistics and Data Science should meet with the student affairs officer early in their careers. Students who have completed Mathematics 33A, Statistics 20, and at least one course from Statistics 10 through 15 may declare a pre-major.

Each course must be completed with a grade of C or better, and a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher. Students who repeat more than two of the preparation courses or who repeat any preparation course more than once are automatically denied admission to the major.

Students are strongly encouraged to take electives in departments other than statistics, particularly in mathematics, computer science, and substantive disciplines that apply statistical methods. Elective courses from outside the department may be selected in consultation with the department director of undergraduate education. 
The capstone consists of two courses (Statistics 140XP and 141XP) that must be completed sequentially in the final year. Students must first complete courses 100B and 101B before they can begin the capstone. 
Students planning to continue their study of statistics at the graduate level are strongly advised to include in their schedule as many of the following courses as possible: Mathematics 115A, 115B, 131A, 131B, 151A, 151B, 170B, 171. 
Only 4 units of Statistics 195 and 199 may be applied toward the major. Courses 189 and 189HC may not be applied toward any of the major requirements. 
Each major course must be taken for a letter grade, and students must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better.

Incoming first-year and transfer students may be admitted as Statistics and Data Science pre-majors on acceptance to UCLA. Pre-major students must apply for the major after completing Statistics 20, and one course from Statistics 10 through 15, with grades of C or better, and an overall grade-point average of 2.5. Any student who meets the pre-major requirements may declare the major with the undergraduate student services adviser through <a href="https://sa.ucla.edu/messagecenter/OneStop/Home/PostMessage?deptCode=STATS%20DS">Message Center</a>.

Transfer applicants to the Statistics and Data Science major with 90 or more units must complete as many of the following introductory courses as possible prior to admission: two years of calculus, one linear algebra course, and one statistics course. These courses must be completed with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5. Students must declare the major with the department undergraduate adviser no later than the end of the fall quarter of their junior year.
Refer to the <a href="https://admission.ucla.edu/apply/transfer">UCLA transfer admission guide</a> for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Students who entered as first years must declare the major with the undergraduate adviser no later than the end of the fall quarter of their junior year.

Combining rigorous, inclusive pedagogy with opportunities for co-curricular activities—including research, internships, and community engagement—the College provides students with diverse learning experiences that helps them thrive, become critical thinkers, and transform society.

College of Letters and Science

Demonstrated ability to verbally and orally communicate statistical results to both technical and non-technical audiences

Verbally communicate statistical results clearly to a non-technical audience

Ability to restate an investigative question in terms of a statistical model or algorithm

Successfully relate theoretical concepts to a real-world problem in a written report

Deliver reproducible statistical analyses using accepted practices of the research community

Demonstrated ability to find research literature appropriate to the investigative task

The department introduces students to the science of data through three sequences: theoretical statistics, data analysis, and statistical computing.

General Catalog

Statistics and Data Science BS