Applied Statistics | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Applied Statistics

Turn data into knowledge

Would you like to investigate real-world problems in business, health, ecology, human behaviour and more? Are you interested in making sense of the world by analyzing data? Are you ready to contribute to essential decision-making in both public and private sector industries?

ulethbridge.ca/future-student

Statistics is the study of the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. Application of statistical techniques is a critical part of decision making — examined in a wide range of disciplines such as astronomy, biology, education, economics, geography, engineering, genetics, marketing, medicine, psychology, public health and sports.

In an increasingly data-driven world, education in statistical methods is essential to the process of extracting critical knowledge from that data. Statistical techniques are invaluable for evaluating ideas, testing hypotheses and pursuing the truth.

If your passion is the environment, statisticians help manage our natural resources and understand the impact of climate change. If your passion is public policy, statisticians work with governments and non-governmental organizations to measure the health of the economy and assess the effectiveness of government programs. If your passion is sports, statisticians help improve teams through player drafting, signing and development. No matter where your passion lies, you are likely to find statisticians active in that area.

The major in applied statistics is structured to provide a solid theoretical background in statistics and to allow students to apply specific statistical techniques within a discipline of their interest. The program has three possible concentrations:

• Economics

• Geography

• Psychology

Each of these disciplines makes extensive use of statistics in the analysis of realworld data. The strength of the major in applied statistics with a concentration in one of the disciplines listed is that it brings together statistical resources and training from multiple departments to benefit students in the program.

Applied Statistics Degrees. The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in applied statistics is a 40-course program that will provide you with comprehensive science-based training. All students must complete one of the following concentrations: economics, geography or psychology.

Students who complete all requirements for the major in applied statistics with one of the above concentrations will have the concentration acknowledged on their official transcript.

Applied Statistics Courses. Courses for the major in applied statistics include both core and concentration-specific courses. All students must complete the following core classes:

• Fundamentals of Programming

• Elementary Linear Algebra

• Calculus

• Introduction to Probability & Statistics

• Survey Design & Analysis

• Mathematical Probability

• Mathematical Statistics

• Design & Analysis of Experiments

• Independent Study

AND ONE OF

• Statistical Inference

• Economics & Business Statistics

Students must also complete all courses for their selected concentration.

Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is an excellent way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest and is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs.

Learn more at go.uleth.ca/minors.

Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course with a participating department. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Our Faculty & Their Research

Faculty members in all participating departments are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest:

• Statistics

• Applied Microeconomics

• Econometrics/Statistics

• International Aid

• Economics of Amateur & Professional Sport

• Airborne Data Acquisition

• Remote Sensing & GIS

• Rural Economic Development

• Geospatial Technologies & Mapping

• Cognition & Memory

• Sexuality & Gender Issues

• Childhood Development

• Neural Network Modelling

• Algebra

• Logic

• Number Theory

Your Future Prospects

Skills Acquired. You will understand fundamental statistical theory and develop expertise in applying statistical methods of reasoning. Develop exceptional critical and analytical problem-solving skills, along with research and information management. You will leave the program with a solid foundation in statistics, mathematics, computing, data manipulation and the ability to apply your skills to real-world problems.

Related Fields. Students completing the major in applied statistics will develop skills that are highly sought after by both public and private sector industries. Here are just a few of the options potentially open to you once you’ve earned your degree:

• Statistical Analyst

• Data Scientist

• Biostatistician

• Econometrician

• Public Health Statistician

• Sports Statistician

• Statistical Consultant

• Environmental Statistician

“Overall my experience in the applied statistics program at the University of Lethbridge was amazing. Like-minded students surrounded me. This relatively unique program consistently supported me in my academic goals, both by the department and by the professors. It perfectly prepared me for graduate studies, which I went on to do after completing my degree. Because the program allowed for different concentrations, you would often get to work with students who had a variety of interesting but different real-life applications for their degree. I really enjoyed learning about research methods, mathematical probability, and how to use it in an actual scenario. It has lead to many different interesting job opportunities! It was a challenging program, but 100% worth it in the end. Besides, math is fun!!!”

- Emily, Applied Statistics

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in applied statistics also provides an excellent foundation for actuarial science, law, management, engineering, architecture and education.

Turn data into knowledge with Applied Statistics.

Put Your Knowledge to Work

Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies

Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Academic Advising

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research

In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

For more information, scan QR code. Questions? Contact Student Recruitment and Enrolment Services at 403-320-5700 or inquiries@uleth.ca