2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Statistics, BS (STAT-BS)

CIP Code: 270501

Program Description

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers several programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics, as well as minor programs in mathematics and in statistics. Master of Science and dual major programs are also available.

The Bachelor of Science in mathematics program offers three concentrations: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and mathematics education. These three programs as well as the Bachelor of Science in Statistics program are adaptable to many postgraduation goals, ranging from various scientific or professional careers to graduate school. The Bachelor of Arts program provides a broad background in mathematics with a liberal arts orientation.

Each mathematics major is assigned an advisor from the department faculty. As early as possible in their college career, students should consult with their advisor on the important choice of a concentration. The faculty advisor must approve all courses intended to satisfy program requirements. Students must achieve at least a 2.0 GPA in the mathematics and statistics courses numbered 3000 or higher used to satisfy degree requirements.

Statistics is distinct from mathematics as a field of study, yet is founded upon the theory of probability - the mathematics of chance. The Bachelor of Science in Statistics is a degree program emphasizing statistics both as a science unto itself and as a service science, with powerful applications in such disciplines as biology, medicine, sociology, chemistry, agriculture, education, engineering, economics, psychology, and quality control.

The Bachelor of Science in Statistics features required courses in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra) and in statistics (applied statistics, theory of statistics, statistical methods). Advanced electives in statistics or mathematics are selected from an extensive menu of choices (e.g., experimental design for students interested in the “real-world” use of statistics, or real variables for those preparing for graduate study in theoretical statistics). In addition, students take several courses in a discipline in which statistics can be applied; biology, engineering, management, and psychology are just some of the many possibilities.

Admission Requirements

Students must earn a C or higher in MTH 2300 (or equivalent course), have a 2.0 over-all GPA, and have completed a minimum of 16 semester hours to be accepted in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in this program will learn to:

problem-solving skills in a broad range of significant Mathematics and Statistics;
what constitutes mathematical thinking, including the ability to produce and judge the validity of rigorous mathematical arguments;
to form and communicate mathematical ideas and arguments.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can:

demonstrate problem-solving skills in a broad range of significant mathematics and statistics;
communicate effectively in person and in writing;
apply mathematical and statistical concepts to problems involving uncertainty and risk;
utilize computer software to solve statistical problems and analyze data;
and, for actuarial science majors, pass exams required for an actuarial designation.

Honors Program

Mathematics and statistics majors who have demonstrated superior ability in upper-level mathematics and statistics courses may pursue an honors program with the approval of the department. Further information is available from the departmental office.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program should be well qualified for employment in the many corporations and government agencies for which statisticians design experiments, conduct surveys, and analyze data. Also, the Bachelor of Science in Statistics prepares students for graduate study in statistics (or in a science in which statistics plays a decisive role), after which one has even greater employment possibilities.

For More Information

Program Requirements

I. Wright State Core: 36-37 Credit Hours

As a part of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Wright State University, all students must complete the Wright State Core, a general education curriculum. Most programs require 36 hours in the Core, some programs may require additional hours.

Specific Core classes in some of the Elements may be required by some majors. When this occurs, the specific Core courses required will be listed below. In Elements where a specific course is not required, students can choose any course from the Wright State Core Program Requirements.

First-Year Seminar: 1 Credit Hour

All students must successfully complete a First-Year Seminar during their first year. Transfer students who transfer 24 or more credit hours (post high school graduation) are exempt from this requirement and will need to satisfy one additional credit hour in the Additional Core Courses category.

UVC 1010 - First Year Seminar Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3

Element A - English Composition: 6 Credit Hours

First-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)

All students must successfully complete ENG 1100.  Based on Writing Placement level, some students may be required to enroll in a corequisite course (DEV 0100). 
ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
Second-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)
ENG 2100 - Research Writing and Argumentation Credit Hour(s): 3

Element B - Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic: 4 Credit Hour

Based on Math Placement Level, students may need additional prerequisite or corequisite coursework in mathematics prior to enrollment in the required course below.

Required:

MTH 2300 - Calculus I Credit Hour(s): 4

Element C - Arts and Humanities: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Arts and Humanities courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. One course must fulfill the History requirement.

History Requirement (3 credit hours)

Choose 1 course from the list below:
HST 1100 - Western Civilizations to 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3
HST 1200 - The West and the World since 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3
HST 1500 - Introduction to Greek and Roman Culture Credit Hour(s): 3
Arts and Humanities Course (3 credit hours)

Choose an additional Arts and Humanities course (a different prefix from what is chosen above) from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element D - Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Social and Behavioral Sciences courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Actuarial Science concentration students are required to complete the following:

EC 2040 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit Hour(s): 3

Element E - Natural Sciences: 7 Credit Hours

Students will select two Natural Science courses, from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. At least one course must contain a laboratory.

Additional Core Courses: 6-7 Credit Hours

Students will select up to 6-7 additional credit hours from Elements A-E from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements to reach the 36 minimum hours required in the Core. Unless specified by the student’s major, these are selected by the student. When a major has required courses in this area, the specific Core course(s) required will be listed below.

Required:

MTH 2310 - Calculus II Credit Hour(s): 4
Actuarial Science concentration students are also required to complete the following:
ACC 2010 - Accounting Principles I Credit Hour(s): 3

Additional Core Requirements

Within the 36 credit hours of the Wright State Core students must successfully complete the following:

One Global Inquiry (GI) course

Two Inclusive Excellence (IE) courses

One to two Integrated Writing (IW) courses. To meet degree requirements all students must complete a minimum of 3 IW courses by choosing either (a) 1 in the Core and 2 in the major or (b) 2 in the Core and 1 in the major. Students should check their major program requirements for courses that fulfill Integrated Writing.

Students who do not make choices within the 36 required hours of the Core to fulfill the GI, IE, and IW requirements will take additional Core hours beyond the minimum of 36.

II. Major Core Requirements: 23 Credit Hours

MTH 2001 - Orientation Seminar in Mathematics and Statistics Credit Hour(s): 1
MTH 2320 - Calculus III Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 2530 - Elementary Linear Algebra Credit Hour(s): 3
STT 3700 - Introduction to Statistical Inference Credit Hour(s): 3
STT 4610 - Theory of Statistics I Credit Hour(s): 4
STT 4660 - Statistical Methods I Credit Hour(s): 4
STT 4670 - Statistical Methods II Credit Hour(s): 4

III. Major Concentration Requirements: 34 Credit Hours

Students will select one of the following concentrations:

General Statistics Concentration

Departmental Electives: 18 Hours

At least 18 hours of approved STT or MTH courses, including at least two STT courses numbered 4000 or higher. With advisor’s permission, a student may satisfy departmental electives with suitable mathematics courses.

Related Course Requirements: 16 Hours

CS 1160 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credit Hour(s): 4 OR
CS 1180 - Computer Science I Credit Hour(s): 4 OR
CEG 2170 - Introduction to C Programming for Scientists and Engineers Credit Hour(s): 4
Cognate Area: 12 hours of approved electives in any area to which statistics may be applied; at least 6 hours must be at 3000-level or above.

Actuarial Science Concentration

Core Requirements: 6 Credit Hours

MTH 3120 - Financial Mathematics Credit Hour(s): 3
STT 4110 - Applied Time Series Credit Hour(s): 3

Departmental Electives: 12 Credit Hours

At least 12 hours of approved STT or MTH electives.

Related Course Requirements: 16 Credit Hours

CEG 2170 - Introduction to C Programming for Scientists and Engineers Credit Hour(s): 4 OR
CS 1160 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credit Hour(s): 4 OR
CS 1180 - Computer Science I Credit Hour(s): 4
EC 2050 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credit Hour(s): 3
FIN 2210 - Financial Management I Credit Hour(s): 3
FIN 3110 - Financial Management II Credit Hour(s): 3
Select one course from the following:
ACC 2020 - Accounting Principles II Credit Hour(s): 3
EC 4100 - Mathematical Models for Economics Credit Hour(s): 3
FIN 3260 - Risk and Insurance Credit Hour(s): 3
FIN 4130 - Financial Derivatives Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. General Electives: 26-27 Credit Hours

Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. If the total number of credit hours in the WSU Core (general education program) and the major requirements do not total at least 120 credits, students will choose additional courses (general electives) to meet the minimum required 120 credit hours. Students may choose from any undergraduate course in the Academic Catalog for which they meet the course prerequisites and for which they do not already have earned credit.

Students are encouraged to consider adding a minor, certificate, or microcredential.

The number of General Electives by concentration is as follows:

General Statistics concentration: 27 credit hours
Actuarial Science concentration: 26 credit hours

Total: 120 Credit Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

A Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS), also known as a four-year guide, is an academic tool showing one example of how a program can be completed in a certain amount of time. All Wright State undergraduate majors can be completed in four years with careful planning. Some programs may require summer coursework. Time to degree is dependent on many factors including student placement in mathematics and writing courses, CCP and AP coursework, transfer coursework, and other variables.

These guides are valid for this year’s Academic Catalog only and are subject to change. These guides are a recommendation only and your actual program may vary. Students should consult with their academic advisor on a regular basis and create a personalized plan to degree completion.