Statistics is the science of the collection, organization, and interpretation of data. Statistics is essential for the proper running of government, central to decision making in industry, and a core component of modern educational curricula at all levels. Statistical ideas and methods are useful in many ways, such as the use of a Gallup Poll to learn about the opinions of the American public about a particular issue, and the use of a designed experiment to link smoking with cancer.

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in statistics are expected to: Understand what mathematics and statistics are, how they are done, and how they relate to other disciplines; Use the language of mathematics and statistics to communicate basic ideas, techniques, and results; Objectively and critically evaluate information and assess performance using mathematical ideas;