Applying to the program.
Below, you'll find the essential information you need to prepare a strong application to our undergraduate program, including qualifications, expectations, and application steps.
The Application Process
Here’s what you need to apply (also known as “affiliate”) based on where you are in the process.
Studying Statistics + Data Science at Cornell.
Bowers gives students interested in majoring in Statistics and Data Science at Cornell two options:
Bachelor of Arts in Statistical Science through the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) or
Bachelor of Science in Biometry and Statistics through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
If you’re interested in pursuing the B.A. in Statistical Science, you should apply directly to A&S. While you’ll indicate your interest in Statistical Science on the common app, admission is to A&S itself and not directly to the major. This path combines Statistics and Data Science studies with Cornell’s liberal arts curriculum.
Once you’re enrolled at Cornell, you’ll complete a set of prerequisite courses before applying to--also known as “affiliating with”--the Statistical Science major.
Cornell A&S students typically apply to (also known as “affiliate with”) the Statistical Science major during the second semester of their second year.
See the “Cornell Students” tab for more details.
Becoming a Bowers' major.
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible to apply (also known as “affiliate”):
Applicants to the major must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and have fulfilled the following coursework requirements with a grade of “C” (not “C-”) or higher in each:
Calculus Requirements
- MATH 1110 - Calculus I. Also accepted:
- a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam;
- an “A-level” score on the IB exam or GCE exam in Singapore;
- an “S” grade on the MATH 1110 CASE exam (administered during orientation; or,
- approved external transfer credit.
- MATH 1120 - Calculus II or MATH 1910 - Calculus for Engineers. Also accepted:
- a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam;
- an “S” grade on the MATH 1120 or MATH 1910 CASE exams (administered during orientation); or,
- GCE “A-level” exam score in Singapore.
Statistical Methods I Requirement
- STSCI 2200 Statistics I (crosslisted) or
- BTRY 6010 Statistical Methods I (crosslisted) or
- An equivalent course:
- Students may have this requirement waived by adequate performance in AP Statistics. For Statistical Science majors, Arts and Sciences requires a score of 4 or 5 in AP Statistics (see Introductory Statistics - Advanced Placement).
Additional Requirements for Juniors and Seniors
Applicants with junior or senior class standing who wish to add Statistical Science must first complete Statistical Methods II, Multivariable Calculus, and Linear Algebra (or be enrolled in those courses) before submitting their applications.
Cornell A&S students can apply to (also known as "affiliate with") the Statistical Science major after completing our affiliation requirements.
Pro-tip: You can also apply while you are enrolled in the last courses you need to affiliate. Your application will be reviewed after that semester’s final grades are posted.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Explore your degree options.
You can pursue a statistical science degree through the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) or biometry and statistics through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). This program is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S).
A&S | CALS | |
|---|---|---|
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Arts in Statistical Science | Bachelor of Science in Biometry and Statistics |
Overview | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with liberal arts study. | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with interdisciplinary sciences. |
Degree Similarities | As with CALS, core requirements and elective coursework are the same. | As with A&S, core requirements and elective coursework are the same. |
Degree Differences | Course requirements include a foreign language and distribution areas across A&S. | Course requirements span written and oral communication, physical and life sciences, and social sciences and humanities. |
