Statistics, Operations, and Management Science

http://stat.bus.utk.edu
http://www.bus.utk.edu/mgmtsci

Kenneth C. Gilbert, Head

Statistics

The general perception of statisticians is most often associated with sporting events. The life of a professional statistician, however, is much more varied and interesting than computing the average rushing yards per play. Actually, statistics is the science of learning from data and all processes generate data. Statisticians determine how to collect and manage this necessary information. They interrogate the data and present the results in a clear fashion so that wise decisions can be made.

Statistics is used in various areas of business, industry, science, and government. The fields of opportunity for statisticians are numerous – e.g., economics, finance, market research, e-commerce, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, education, medicine, psychology, agriculture, and computer and social sciences.

There are two basic types of statisticians – applied and theoretical. The focus of the undergraduate program is on applied statistics. Applied statisticians help to improve processes and solve real-world problems. They may forecast economic or population growth, evaluate results of a new marketing program or the effectiveness of a new drug, identify quality control issues in manufacturing, or design experiments to help engineers and scientists determine the best design for a jet airplane.

Prospective statisticians must have a strong aptitude for mathematics, a solid computing background, and an earnest curiosity to explore the practical application of statistics. The skills students will learn as a statistics major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will enable them to understand and convey the scope and power of statistical thinking and will result in significant contributions toward solutions to a variety of important jobs. Well-paying jobs are available at the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and doctoral levels.