Statistics

The Harvard Statistics Department has always had a strong methodological and applicational focus, and it has consequently attracted students with their primary focus in another discipline, such as Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Government, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Biology (both OEB and MCB). These students aim to gain a solid background in statistics so that they can apply it in their primary field or fields of interest.

Requirements: 6 half-courses

1. Statistics 110: Introduction to Probability.

2. Statistics 111: Introduction to Theoretical Statistics.

3. Four additional half-courses in Statistics. Students may receive credit for only one course at the level of Statistics 100, namely Statistics 100/101/102/104. One mathematics course at the level of Mathematics 19a or above may be substituted for one of the six required Statistics courses.

Other Information

All courses must be letter-graded and taken during the academic year. Harvard Summer School courses do not count towards the requirements. Courses taken during study abroad would not normally count towards the secondary field requirements. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all secondary field courses.

Mathematics preparation at the level of Mathematics 19a and 19b or above or equivalent (such as Mathematics 21a and 21b and Applied Math 21a and 21b) is required. Completion of the mathematics requirement by the end of sophomore year is strongly recommended.

Advising Resources and Expectations

Interested students should contact the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Joseph Blitzstein (blitzstein@stat.harvard.edu), or Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor David Harrington (david_harrington@harvard.edu) who will serve as adviser for the secondary field in Statistics. Students are urged to consult the Head Tutor as early as possible to discuss their plan of study.