The data science track emphasizes the theory, methodology, and application of techniques for working with and learning from data. This concentration area prepares students to develop new methods for visualizing and modeling data, managing reproducible data analysis workflows, and collaborating with scientists and other data stakeholders. It is excellent preparation for students interested in academic, industrial, or government positions that involve data visualization, modeling, and analysis.<br><br>The Graduate College requires a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 to graduate with a PhD degree, however, the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science requires a higher GPA of at least 3.40 to earn the PhD in Statistics. This includes all courses used to meet degree requirements plus additional courses that are relevant to a student's program.<br><br>PhD students complete required course work, including courses in one of four concentration areas: biostatistics, probability/mathematical statistics, data science, or actuarial science/financial mathematics. They may take course work or seminars in other departments to relate an area of specialization to other fields of knowledge, to acquire the ability to use electronic digital computing equipment, or to learn non-English language skills necessary for reading scientific journals and communicating with scholars in other languages.