Statistics Major at Cal Poly: What to Expect?

I'm considering majoring in statistics at Cal Poly, and I'd love to know what the program is like. How rigorous is the coursework, and what kind of projects or applied learning does it involve? Are there good internship or job placement opportunities for stats majors? Additionally, how is the social scene at Cal Poly for someone who might be focusing on their studies a lot?

The Statistics program at Cal Poly is known for its "learn by doing" philosophy. The coursework is quite rigorous; students take a sequence of courses in statistical theory with corresponding labs that teach practical data analysis skills. Your curriculum will include courses in mathematical statistics, regression analysis, statistical programming, and design of experiments, to name a few.

Hand-on projects are integrated throughout the curriculum, and this approach is much appreciated by hiring companies. You might, for instance, find yourself analyzing datasets from real-world scenarios or designing and implementing surveys. These projects typically involve using statistical software packages, which offer a competitive edge when you're looking for jobs.

In terms of internships and job placement, the department has strong ties to industry and often sends students to work internships at major tech and financial companies. Cal Poly's Stat Department hosts an annual Statistics Career Fair that brings in companies interested in hiring students for internships and full-time positions. Additionally, Cal Poly's central location in California makes it an ideal place to find internships in nearby San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The social scene at Cal Poly is generally friendly and collaborative. While you will need to focus on your studies due to the rigor of the program, there is a balance that can be achieved. There are plenty of clubs and activities on campus to help you relax and interact with a diverse group of students. However, as a student in a rigorous program like statistics, you might find the majority of your social circle within your major, which can be beneficial when it comes to study groups and collaborative projects.

Overall, balancing studies and social activities is entirely feasible, and the hands-on, real-world focus of the program sets you up for success after graduation.