Bachelor of Applied Science

Collaborative Online Degree

This 100 percent online, consortial program is taught by IU South Bend, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, and IU Southeast. This consortial model allows you to take coursework from several campuses and learn from a wide range of faculty.

This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states.

Many online support services are available to assist you as you progress through the program.

Program Description

The IU Bachelor Science (BS) in Applied Statistics is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue careers in the fields of Statistics, Medical Research and Analysis, Industrial Data Analytics, and Marketing. It may also appeal to individuals working in the financial sector.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment demand and job openings remain strong for graduates pursing STEM occupations in computer science, engineering, and mathematics.

Students transferring into the IU Online BS in Applied Statistics will be able to transfer up to 60 credit hours earned in accredited Associate degree programs, and formal articulation agreements are in place to facilitate transfer into the program from Ivy Tech and Vincennes.

Graduates from the BS in Applied Statistics degree will demonstrate the statistical and computational skills described in the American Statistical Association Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Programs in Statistical Science, and possess strong skills in SQL and familiarity with industrial-leading statistical packages, including SAS or R.

Core skill areas include:

Foundational mathematical knowledge in calculus (differentiation, integration and infinite series), linear algebra and calculus-based probability theory (properties of univariate and multivariate random variables, discrete and continuous distributions).
The application of statistical methods and theory such as distributions of random variables, likelihood theory, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, Bayesian methods and resampling to solve problems.
Design of studies, proficiency in data collection and analysis with a focus on data management skills including organization, design, and drawing inferences from data using appropriate statistical methodology.
Statistical modeling for problem solving in variety of linear and nonlinear parametric, parametric, and semiparametric regression models, including model building and assessment, as well as skills in applying multivariate methods; and statistical learning and statistical data mining techniques for big data analysis.
Statistical computation using statistical tools involving computer programming languages, such as R or SQL, for statistical modeling and data analysis.
Data analytics communication that employs statistical ideas and appropriate technical terms in oral and written presentations to provides critically reasoned analysis for professional as well as non-statistical audiences.

Target Audience

This mathematically focused degree targets students who are interested in becoming statisticians, data scientists, business/financial analysts, market research analysts, and database administrators. With the program’s preparation in statistics, probability, and computer programming in R and SAS, graduates of this program are likely to find entry-level positions in industries such as scientific research and development, banking and finance, government and insurance, operations management, and technical consulting services.

Program Goals and Outcomes

Students graduating from the BS in Applied Statistics degree shall demonstrate competence in the statistical and computational skills described in the American Statistical Association Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Programs in Statistical Science.

Core skills include:

Mathematical Foundations

Students will utilize tools to solve problems in calculus (differentiation, integration, and infinite series), linear algebra, and calculus-based probability theory (properties of univariate and multivariate random variables, discrete and continuous distributions).

Statistical Methods and Theory

Students will define basic terms and concepts in fundamental statistics theory and methods: distributions of random variables, likelihood theory, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, Bayesian methods, and resampling.
Students will be able to apply these methods properly to solve problems.

Design of Studies and Exploratory Data Analysis

Students will apply data management skills.
Students will organize, design, and draw inferences from data, using appropriate statistical methodology.
Students will adhere to ethical standards with regards to data management.

Statistical Modeling

Students will apply appropriate modeling methodologies in a variety of linear and nonlinear parametric, parametric, and semiparametric statistical data mining techniques for big data analysis.
Students will demonstrate flexible problem-solving skills.

Statistical Computation

Students will use statistical tools involving computer programming languages, such as R, SAS, and database languages, for statistical modeling and data analysis.

Data Analytics Communication

Students will communicate and present statistical ideas clearly in oral and written forms using appropriate technical terms and deliver data analysis results to a non-statistical or statistical audience.

This program is for you if you hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) from a regionally accredited institution and seek to supplement the technical skills you acquired through your AAS with knowledge and experience that can prepare you for a managerial or supervisory role.

Admissions

Admissions requirements vary by campus.

Degree Requirements (120 cr.)

To graduate with the BAS, you must complete a total of 120 credit hours. You may apply 60 to 64 credit hours from your AAS to Indiana University. You then complete 56-60 credit hours of courses from IU, with at least 30 credit hours at the 300- and 400-level. Requirements are broken down as follows:

General education courses (33 cr.)
Some of these will likely transfer in from your AAS. You will complete the rest through IU.
Applied science courses (60 cr.)
These will all be transferred in from your AAS.
BAS core courses (12 credit hours)
You will take all of these from IU. Rather than choosing from a specific list of courses, you will have the flexibility to choose from a range of courses that meet defined learning outcomes. See "BAS Core Courses" below.
BAS track courses (12 cr.)
You will take all of these from IU. Rather than choosing from a specific list of courses, you will have the flexibility to choose from a range of courses that meet defined learning outcomes. See the "Courses You'll Take" tab.
Electives (0-12 cr.) Some will likely transfer in from your AAS. You will complete the rest through IU.

BAS Track Courses

As a BAS student, you must choose from one of the three tracks:

Healthcare Management
Sustainability Studies
Informatics
Individualized

You take courses related to the track you choose. These include a capstone course that helps you integrate what you have learned.

Healthcare Track

The healthcare management track may appeal to you if you hold an AAS in one of the many healthcare fields, such as medical assisting, healthcare support, paramedic science, and medical laboratory technology.

As a student in this track, you take courses that prepare you to:

Compare and contrast the US healthcare system (including reimbursement) with other systems around the world.
Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical, legal, financial, and political factors that influence the provision of health services in the United States.
Evaluate access to, and the cost of, US healthcare (including reimbursement practices) for different types of care.
Effectively assess and implement improvements in clinical care, customer service, and human resource planning in a healthcare setting.
Integrate knowledge and skills and apply to health management issues or challenges. This is the capstone course.

Sustainability Studies Track

The sustainability studies track may appeal to you if you hold an AAS in a science field, especially in biology, chemistry, ecology, geosciences, or other similar fields.

As a student in this track, you will learn to:

Articulate how your educational experience applies to work and career choices;
Apply principles of sustainability to innovatively solve problems and implement sustainable practices

Individualized Track

Choose the individualized track if you hold an AAS in a field other than healthcare or the sciences. The individualized track is highly flexible.

As a student in the track, you take courses based on your interests, backgrounds, and needs. These courses prepare you to:

Demonstrate your ability to think critically in the fields you study.
Effectively present central ideas, issues, and methods of inquiry specific to the fields you study.
Apply knowledge and skills from general education, the BAS core, and the individualized track to issues or challenges in your area of technical expertise.

The following examples show how you might tailor this track to meet your individual needs.

If you have an AAS in Criminal Justice and want to advance your career in criminal justice, you might work with your advisor to design an individualized track that includes 300- and 400-level courses in criminal justice, public affairs, psychology, and sociology.
If you have an AAS in Design Technology and want to change careers, you might select courses in web development and graphic design.
If you have an AAS in Advanced Manufacturing and want to become a supervisor or manager, you might choose courses in human resource development, communication, and other management skills.