<p>Hey guys, I'm a rising freshman at FSU, and right now my major is Exploratory. One major I'm considering switching into is Statistics. I really like the whole data analysis part, I'm a numbers person, but all of those upper-level proof math classes scare me. I'd consider myself at least reasonably good at math, but I'm not sure how I'd fare in those classes. Keeping my GPA up is really important to me, since I want to keep the doors open for grad school. </p>
<p>Do you think it's possible for a non-Einstein to graduate with a 3.7+ GPA? Is there any data on average GPA by major? Or do you guys know any Stats majors and how well they're doing? If you don't happen to know any Stats majors, what about math/engineering majors? I know they're a little different, but I'm curious on how the average person preforms in difficult majors.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard Stats is more like applied math so you will be taking Calc 1-3 and one proof class. So if you did well in trig and Pre-Calculus such as a B or higher then you should be fine. Especially if you have the motivation to get that 3.7 GPA</p>
<p>For Engineering, there’s a number of different types of engineering to choose from (there’s no overall “Engineering” major), but all are going to be math intensive.</p>
<p>If you don’t want to do higher-level math, you’re looking at the wrong majors.</p>
<p>It depends on your plans for grad school. If you’re interested in law or medical school, I would stick to a major where you can maintain a high GPA. Law and med schools don’t care about your undergrad major.</p>
<p>If you plan on going to grad school for math or engineering, then it would be best to have an undergrad degree in the same or related field. I know most MS/PhD programs in engineering require a BS in engineering.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I think (hope) I’ll be able to handle the math. I’m not really worried about the Calc classes (I got an A in Calc 1 in high school), so I can put up with the one proof-based math class. I hope I’ll be able to keep my grades up, though!</p>
<p>Been a while since I’ve posted on here, but saw a thread on statistics and had to reply. I just graduated FSU with a Bachelors in Stats in May.</p>
<p>I HIGHLY recommend the stats program at FSU. When you graduate, you will actually have skills that employers value. Learn some computer languages to go with it, and you’ll be golden (at least learn some SQL and try to get an understanding of relational databases). The stats major also pairs really nicely with Applied Economics if you’re considering a double major. There’s a decent amount of overlap, which not only helps your GPA, but reinforces what you’re learning and gives you an advantage I think in understanding how to apply statistics to real world situations. Game Theory, Applied Microeconomic Analysis, Analysis of Economic Data, and Econometrics are four classes you will have a HUGE leg up in as a statistics major. Not that they’re easy classes, but you will have a definite advantage.</p>
<p>The job search was not all that difficult for me; especially considering the horror stories about college grads not finding jobs. I finished with a 3.7, and am certainly no Einstein. I also really enjoyed statistics though which made it seem easy to me (I’m weird).</p>
<p>You will only take calculus through Calculus II. Courses are:</p>
<p>Applied Statistics (STA2122 - Prereq)
Calc I (Retake it even if you passed AP exam. Get the grade, and it will help for Calc 2)
Calc II
Linear Algebra (Most difficult class in the major IMO)
Statistics for Engineers
Probability
SAS Programming for Data Analysis
4 Elective Courses (Recommend Applied Regression, ANOVA, and Time Series be three of them)</p>
<p>No upper level proofs to speak of. Linear Algebra and Calculus II are as difficult as the math gets. They’re challenging courses, but no proofs, and definitely manageable.</p>
<p>Statistics major being in the college of Arts and Sciences requires a foreign language through the 2220 level (usually requires 3 courses). You can take them pass / fail though, so not too much of a concern.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any questions about the major / classes / professors. Will be glad to answer any.</p>
<p>Statistics is the 10th best “major that pays you back,” and these are all figures for people WITHOUT a graduate degree. It’s 4th if you lump all of the Engineering degrees together.</p>
<p>If you can, I would recommend taking the “more difficult” math classes during a summer term. I’m a first-year Computer Science major and I’m currently taking Calculus II. This is often touted as one of the hardest classes, but it’s not really that bad. The material is challenging, of course, but it’s much easier to master during the summer. My instructor is a graduate student. That might seem like a bad thing, but on the contrary, he’s great. He’s very generous with partial credit on exams and really wants his students to be successful. Calculus I, in my opinion, isn’t particularly difficult and can easily be done during a normal semester. </p>