The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science offers the exceptional student an opportunity to earn a degree with honors in any of the two majors. Any statistics or actuarial student may become a candidate for a degree with honors at the end of the sophomore year provided the student has a 3.00 or higher overall GPA and has a 3.50 or higher GPA in all STAT/ACSC courses completed.
A student with these qualifications who wishes to become a candidate for a degree with honors should go to the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science to fill out a candidacy form and be assigned a departmental honors advisor. After the end of the sophomore year, a student showing exceptional talent may also become a candidate for a degree with honors by obtaining consent from the department.
Most 300-level and 400-level statistics and actuarial courses may be taken as departmental honors courses by filling out a form at the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. A student may also obtain honors credit for this course in the University Honors program by filling out an in-course contract with the Honors program.
Requirements
Maintain a 3.00 or higher overall GPA.
Maintain a 3.50 or higher GPA for STAT/ACSC courses numbered 300 and above.
Take at least four STAT/ACSC courses numbered 300 or higher for departmental honors credit. In one of the 400-level departmental honors courses, prepare and submit an independent study paper on a suitable topic. The paper must be approved by the instructor of the course and by the departmental honors degree advisor. This paper requirement may also be fulfilled by completing an Honors Capstone (in the University Honors program) with a faculty member in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. The Honors Capstone will also count as a departmental honors 400 level course.
In addition to all these requirements, the student needs to show involvement in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. The student must complete at least two (2) departmental involvement activities. The student must submit each activity for approval to the departmental honors advisor. A list of past approved activities may be obtained from the departmental honors advisor.
The University Honors Program is separate but complimentary to the departmental degree with honors. Eligible students may participate in one or both programs simultaneously since there is some overlap in the requirements. Students interested in the University Honors Program are encouraged to contact the University Honors office for more detailed information.
