The statistics major may be right for you if you really love doing math, analyzing data, writing computer code, and solving real-world problems to benefit the sciences, health, medicine, economics, environment, national employment, food production, energy conservation and advancement, natural resources, and business.

• MTH courses typically must be taken in specific orders to satisfy prerequisite requirements. As you plan your MTH courses based on the transfer guide, work backwards from the highest numbered courses to determine a path of courses that will take you from your initial course placement to the higher numbered courses. Be sure to consult an advisor at your community college for information about the semesters in which specific courses are offered.
• It is essential that you complete VCCS MTH 245 prior to transfer. MTH 245 satisfies the prerequisites for many 300-level statistics courses at JMU, so you’ll be able to start taking applied statistics courses right away at JMU if you have MTH 245 credit.
• Beginning Fall 2023, the Statistics major includes an optional Concentration in Data Science, which includes more courses based on computing but one less calculus course.
• Students who are interested in double-majoring in statistics and mathematics should also consult the mathematics major transfer guide for guidance when selecting courses.
• Create a schedule for all required courses that are shown on the VCCS to JMU transfer guide for this major. Pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered. Complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Statistics majors might choose to attend graduate school or work in government, pharmaceutical industries, or other businesses.  Due to the overlaps in courses between the Statistics major and the Mathematics major, some students choose to double major in these two fields.  Scientific research involves proper data analysis, often performed by statisticians, so knowing other scientific fields is useful when performing statistical consulting.  Statistics majors are encouraged to earn either a minor or a second major, since statisticians need to communicate with specialists in other fields of study. JMU’S Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a distinctive National Science Foundation funded Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program and numerous other opportunities for students to participate in research with award-winning faculty (up to 80% of students in the College participate in research or internships).

JMU Mathematics and Statistics is an undergraduate-oriented department, so our primary focus will be on you, the undergraduate student. Our classes, student research projects, and professional opportunities are all designed to prepare you for your chosen career path. The department offers a close-knit community environment where faculty know students by name and engage with them directly, both inside and outside the classroom. The department offers exciting undergraduate research opportunities during the summer and academic year, and the annual Shenandoah Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics (SUMS) conference brings student researchers from around the region to JMU each year to present their work. Many statistics majors are actively involved in the department’s student organizations and community outreach activities.

Statistics is a major area of data science, and many job opportunities are available for those who call themselves statisticians or data scientists.? Our graduates tend to be quite successful in finding jobs and being accepted into graduate programs, with up to 94% of students in our College entering the STEM workforce or advanced training after graduation.? Student academic success is supported by our relatively small class sizes and by tutoring support from the Science and Mathematics Learning Center and the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Suite.

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: James Madison University