Statistics is the science of analyzing numerical data and has applications in a variety of fields. At JMU, you will get the best of both worlds: in-depth faculty-student collaborative experiences usually only found in smaller liberal arts institutions, along with the breadth and diversity of offerings of a large institution. Our faculty is committed to incorporating student projects into their research, and guiding undergraduates through the processes of proposing and carrying out professional-level research projects in statistics. In addition, our conferences, clubs, and outreach programs designed specifically for undergraduates make our majors true members of our community. The Statistics major is designed for students who have an interest in the mathematics of statistics or plan to go to graduate school in statistics. Students choose one of two tracks: applied statistics and mathematical statistics. This major emphasizes probability and the theory of statistics and provides opportunities for additional study in applied and theoretical statistics as well as mathematics. Students are encouraged to take elective courses offered by the department that will prepare them for graduate studies.