Welcome to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Statistics. We recently celebrated our first 50 years, which gave us a chance to reflect on our direction. We are at an exciting point, with increasing demand for statistics courses at all levels. Scientists of all flavors are collecting massive amounts of data and asking for help with design of experiments, analysis of data, and interpretation of results. The need for scientists trained to think critically about data has never been stronger.

Do you like to ask questions about the world around you? Do you enjoy interpreting data, developing new methods to analyze data, or designing experiments? Many of us found statistics through mathematics, looking for a connection with other sciences, while others discovered the joy of analysis of data outweighed the appeal of their original scientific discipline.

The field of statistics is one of the data sciences, offering a unique blend of math theory, data methods and communication skills. These come together in research experiences, either structured in the classroom or in open-ended, interdisciplinary research teams. We translate cutting edge experiments in many fields—genome biology, preventive health, finance, nanotechnology, public policy—into a mathematical framework for analysis, and back into English to share concepts and results with a wider audience. Jobs for well trained statisticians--at BS, MS and PhD levels--are plentiful, even in these tough economic times. New opportunities are constantly emerging in academia, industry, and government.

Our Department has been a leader in research and training of students for over 50 years. We have 20 faculty members with a wide diversity of expertise, over 100 graduate students and over 50 undergraduates. We have a broad undergraduate program to fulfill needs of students at different levels, with a wide range of math and data courses. Our MS Program trains graduates for careers as statistical consultants with a balanced emphasis on technical and communication skills. The PhD Program provides training for a research career, with many opportunities to collaborate with scientists in other disciplines. Both graduate tracks require a mix of theory and applications, with strong emphasis on acquiring sound computing skills. Courses in the PhD Program cover material at greater depth, include topics in forefront areas. At both the MS and PhD levels, our programs have very strong reputations and virtually all of our graduates obtain excellent jobs. Students in our undergraduate program are finding success with jobs and with graduate school placement.

Our Department is a part of a great University with academic strengths in many areas. As a medium sized city with the state capitol and a major university, Madison contains many of the attributes of a large city--sports, entertainment, cultural offerings, shopping--with the feel of a much smaller community. Our students enjoy living in Madison. Even if the Winter is sometimes cold (although seldom as cold as people anticipate), our University and city communities are always very warm and friendly.

Please peruse the program materials on this website. And please feel free to contact us at any time about our courses, degree programs, or opportunities to collaborate.
Regards,

Brian S. Yandell
Chair