Statistics and Data Science
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    Statistics and Data Science

    Yale University
    Yale University
    United States of America
    United States of America, New Haven
    University Rank:#23
    Go to Official Website
    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    USD 87,705 / Total
    Next IntakeAugust 31, 2023

    Statistics and Data Science

    About

    Director of undergraduate studies: Sekhar Tatikonda, Rm. 338, 17 Hillhouse Ave., 432-4714; statistics.yale.edu; Major FAQ and guide; undergraduate major checklist

    Statistics is the science and art of prediction and explanation. The mathematical foundation of statistics lies in the theory of probability, which is applied to problems of making inferences and decisions under uncertainty. Practical statistical analysis also uses a variety of computational techniques, methods of visualizing and exploring data, methods of seeking and establishing structure and trends in data, and a mode of questioning and reasoning that quantifies uncertainty. Data science expands on statistics to encompass the entire life cycle of data, from its specification, gathering, and cleaning, through its management and analysis, to its use in making decisions and setting policy. This field is a natural outgrowth of statistics that incorporates advances in machine learning, data mining, and high-performance computing, along with domain expertise in the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, management, medicine, and digital humanities.

    Students majoring in Statistics and Data Science take courses in both mathematical and practical foundations. They are also encouraged to take courses in the discipline areas listed below.

    The B.A. in Statistics and Data Science is designed to acquaint students with fundamental techniques in the field. The B.S. prepares students to participate in research efforts or to pursue graduate school in the study of data science.

    Courses for Nonmajors and Majors

    S&DS 100 and S&DS 101-109 and S&DS 123 (YData) assume knowledge of high-school mathematics only. Students who complete one of these courses should consider taking S&DS 230. This sequence provides a solid foundation for the major. Other courses for nonmajors include S&DS 110 and 160.

    Prerequisites

    Multivariable calculus is required and should be taken before or during the sophomore year. This requirement may be satisfied by one of MATH 120, ENAS 151, MATH 230, MATH 302, or the equivalent.

    Requirements of the Major

    Students who wish to major in Statistics and Data Science are encouraged to take S&DS 220 or a 100-level course followed by S&DS 230. Students should complete the calculus prerequisite and linear algebra requirement (MATH 222 or 225 or 226) as early as possible, as they provide mathematical background that is required in many courses.

    B.A. degree program The B.A. degree program requires eleven courses, ten of which are from the seven discipline areas described below: MATH 222 or 225 or MATH 226 from Mathematical Foundations and Theory; two courses from Core Probability and Statistics; two courses that provide Computational Skills; two courses on Methods of Data Science; and three courses from any of the discipline areas subject to DUS approval. The remaining course is fulfilled through the senior requirement.

    B.S. degree program The B.S. degree program requires fourteen courses, including all the requirements for the B.A. degree. Specifically, B.S. degree candidates must take S&DS 242 and starting with the Class of 2024, S&DS 365 to fulfill the B.A. requirements. The three remaining courses include one course chosen from the Mathematical Foundations and Theory discipline and two courses chosen from Core Probability and Statistics (not including S&DS 242), Computational Skills, Methods of Data Science (not including S&DS 365), Mathematical Foundations and Theory, or Efficient Computation and Big Data discipline areas subject to DUS approval. 

    Discipline Areas The seven discipline areas are listed below.

    Core Probability and Statistics These are essential courses in probability and statistics. Every major should take at least two of these courses, and should probably take more. Students completing the B.S. degree must take S&DS 242.

    Examples of such courses include: S&DS 238, 241, 242, 312, 351

    Computational Skills Every major should be able to compute with data. While the main purpose of some of these courses is not computing, students who have taken at least two of these courses will be capable of digesting and processing data. While there are other courses that require more programming, at least two courses from the following list are essential.

    Examples of such courses include: S&DS 220 or 230, 262, 265, 425, CPSC 100 or 112, or 201 or ENAS 130 

    Methods of Data Science These courses teach fundamental methods for dealing with data. They range from practical to theoretical. Every major must take at least two of these courses. Students completing the B.S. degree must take S&DS 365, starting with the Class of 2024.

    Examples of such courses include: S&DS 312, 317, 361, 363, 365, 430, 431, 468, EENG 400, CPSC 446, 452, 477

    Mathematical Foundations and Theory All students in the major must know linear algebra as taught in MATH 222 or 225 or 226. Students who have learned linear algebra through other courses (such as MATH 230, 231) may substitute another course from this category. Students pursuing the B.S. degree must take at least two courses from this list and those students contemplating graduate school should take additional courses from this list as electives.

    Examples of such courses include: S&DS 364, 400, 410, 411, CPSC 365, 366, 469, MATH 222, 225, MATH 226, 244, 250, MATH 255, MATH 256, 260, 300, 301, or MATH 302

    Efficient Computation and Big Data These courses are for students focusing on programming or implementation of large-scale analyses and are not required for the major. Students who wish to work in the software industry should take at least one of these.

    Examples of such courses include: CPSC 223, 323, 424, 437

    Data Science in Context Students are encouraged to take courses that involve the study of data in application areas. Students learn how data are obtained, how reliable they are, how they are used, and the types of inferences that can be made from them. These course selections should be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).

    Examples of such courses include: ANTH 376, EVST 362, GLBL 191, 195, LING 229, 234, 380, PLSC 454, PSYC 258

    Methods in Application Areas These are methods courses in areas of applications. They help expose students to the cultures of fields that explore data. These course selections should be approved by the DUS.

    Examples of such courses include: CPSC 453, 470, 475, ECON 136, 420, EENG 445, S&DS 352, LING 227

    Substitution Some substitution, particularly of advanced courses, may be permitted with DUS approval.

    Credit/D/Fail  Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major (this includes prerequisite courses).

    Roadmap See visual roadmap of the requirements.

    Senior Requirement

    Students in both the B.A. degree program and B.S. degree program complete the senior requirement by taking a capstone course (S&DS 425) or an individual research project course. Courses for research opportunities include S&DS 491 or S&DS 492, and must be advised by a member of the department of Statistics and Data Science or by a faculty member in a related discipline area. Students must complete a research project to be eligible for Distinction in the Major.

    Advising

    Students intending to major in Statistics and Data Science should consult the department guide and FAQ. Statistics and Data Science can be taken either as a primary major or as one of two majors, in consultation with the DUS. Appropriate majors to combine with Statistics and Data Science include programs in the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics. A statistics concentration is also available within the Applied Mathematics major.

    Combined B.S./M.A. degree program Exceptionally able and well-prepared students may complete a course of study leading to the simultaneous award of the B.S. in S&DS and M.A. in Statistics after eight terms of enrollment. See Academic Regulations, section L, Special Academic Arrangements, "Simultaneous Award of the Bachelor's and Master's Degrees." Interested students should consult the DUS at the beginning of their fifth term of enrollment for specific requirements in Statistics and Data Science.

    REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

    Prerequisites Both degrees—one of MATH 120, ENAS 151, MATH 230, MATH 302, or equivalent

    Number of courses B.A.—11 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior req); B.S.—14 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior req)

    Specific courses required B.A.—MATH 222 or 225 or MATH 226; B.S.—same, plus 1 Core Probability and Statistics course must be S&DS 242; and for the Class of 2024 and beyond, 1 Methods of Data Science course must be S&DS 365

    Distribution of courses B.A.—2 courses from Core Probability and Statistics, 2 courses from Computational Skills, 2 courses from Methods of Data Science, and 3 electives chosen from any discipline area with DUS approval; B.S.—same, plus 1 Mathematical Foundations and Theory course and 2 additional electives from any discipline area (except Data Science in Context and Methods in Application Areas) with DUS approval

    Substitution permitted With DUS approval

    Senior requirement Both degrees— Senior Project (S&DS 491 or S&DS 492) or Statistical Case Studies (S&DS 425)

    Disciplines

    FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS and Data Science

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    • $80 application fee or fee waiver
    • Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor
    • School Report with transcript
    • Standardized test results (ACT or SAT) - not required for fall 2023 admission. (See below)
    • English proficiency test results - required for non-native English-speakers (See below)
    • Mid-Year Report & Final Report

    See additional details about these required application components below.

    Please note that if your application materials include any documents that are not in English, you must provide an official English translation in addition to the original documents.

    $80 application fee or fee waiver

    Applicants should pay the $80 application fee via the Common Application or Coalition Application website.

    Applicants using the Common Application or Coalition Application may request that the application fee be waived. Learn more on the fee waiver page. The fee waiver scale is based on family size and income in US dollars but is applicable to all international students.

    Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor

    Request recommendations from two teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects (e.g. English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) who know you well, and who have seen you at your best. It is preferable, but not required, that recommendations come from teachers who have taught you during your final or next-to-final year of secondary school.

    Also request a recommendation from your school’s college counselor. If your counselor does not know you well, the recommendation may still provide helpful contextual information about your school and its academic programs. If your school does not have someone serving as a college counselor, please request a recommendation from a school administrator such as a house master, principal, or academic advisor. 

    School Report with transcript

    Your counselor or other school official should submit a School Report with an official transcript that includes all your secondary school courses. If a question on the School Report form is not applicable to your secondary school, leave it blank. 

    Recommendations and transcripts should be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application website. If necessary, teachers and counselors may also submit their recommendations and transcripts via mail or digital upload. Recommendations may be sent before or after you submit your application; materials that arrive before your application will be kept on file. The admissions office will make reasonable allowances for late school documents in situations where it is not possible for teachers and counselors to meet the application deadlines.

    Standardized test results

    In response to the extraordinary circumstances associated with the pandemic, Yale has temporarily suspended its requirement that first-year and transfer applicants submit results from the ACT or SAT. The change will be in effect during the 2022-23 admissions cycles for applicants who intend to matriculate in fall 2023. 

    More information on Yale’s test policies is available on the standardized testing page. Standardized tests are just one component of a student’s application and are viewed within the context of the student’s entire file. There is no minimum score required for admission, nor is there a score that will guarantee admission.

    English proficiency exams

    Yale requires that non-native English-speakers who have not taken at least two years of secondary education where English is the medium of instruction submit the results from any of the proficiency tests listed below.

    The TOEFL requires pre-registration for available testing dates. Yale’s most competitive applicants have scores of at least 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.

    The IELTS offers proficiency tests in locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have IELTS scores of 7 or higher.

    Cambridge English exams are available at testing locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have Cambridge English scores of 185 or higher on the C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, or B2 First exams.

    Applicants may submit the Duolingo English Test (DET), which combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Duolingo’s technology and format allows applicants to complete the test at any time or place with internet access. Yale’s most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120.

    InitialView provides live, unscripted video interviews that candidates may submit to colleges for consideration with other application materials. Interview times must be reserved in advance. There is no scoring associated with these interviews.

    Mid-Year Report & Final Report

    Students who do not receive new secondary school grades by February 1, including students who have already completed secondary school, are not required to submit a Mid-Year Report. This includes many international students. Applicants who receive new grades by February 1 should submit a Mid-Year Report.

    Only admitted students are required to submit the Final Report, which provides final secondary school grades and examination marks. Admitted students submit the Final Report in the summer before fall matriculation.

    If your secondary school provides predicted results for external exams such as A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and other international or national testing organizations, they should be submitted by your school alongside your transcript or Mid-Year Report.

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 80

    How to Apply

    All applicants for first-year admission must submit one of the following:

    • The Coalition Application with Yale-Specific Questions
    • The Common Application with Yale-Specific Questions
    • The QuestBridge National College Match Application

    Yale will accept any one of these applications, without preference for one over another. Students should submit one—and only one—application per admissions cycle.

    Statistics and Data Science

    Yale University

    Yale University

    United States of America

    United States of America, New Haven

    Go to Official Website