Exploring Statistics at the Coast Guard Academy

Is anyone familiar with the statistics program at the Coast Guard Academy? I'm interested in pursuing a degree in stats and would like to know more about the curriculum and the type of projects or opportunities available.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) has a strong undergraduate program in Operations Research and Computer Analysis (ORCA), which is closely aligned with the field of statistics. They emphasize quantitative methods and computing, along with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition to your coursework, you can expect to undertake collaborative projects and simulations that apply statistical methods to real-world challenges.

The curriculum for ORCA includes a blend of mathematics, probability, statistics, and computer science courses, purposefully designed to give you the tools to solve complex operational problems. You'll have opportunities to analyze operations of the Coast Guard's air, sea, and shore units, using mathematical models.

Graduates in the ORCA major are critical to the Coast Guard's strategic objectives and often serve in operations analysis, logistics, search and rescue planning, and various operational command staff positions after graduation.

Academic research is also an important component of the ORCA program. Students often take part in applied projects in their junior and senior years, working with professors or local businesses. In the past, these projects have ranged from analyzing optimal placement of Coast Guard assets to improving local transit systems.

Lastly, the ORCA department coordinates several summer internship opportunities with governmental and non-governmental institutions where you can apply your data analysis and problem-solving skills, providing a hands-on experience that will supplement your classroom learning.

This rigorous program ensures you are well-equipped to make data-driven decisions, a skill increasingly important in today's digital world.