Harvard University Statistics Department

The Stat 100 courses (100-101-102-104) are introductory STATISTICS courses designed to present an overview of many concepts and methods in statistics (such as linear regression, estimation, hypothesis testing, and analysis of variance). The emphasis is on exploratory data analysis and exposure to a variety of methods at an introductory level. The rationale for statistical tools is more often intuitive than theoretical, so a knowledge of elementary algebra is more than sufficient background for these courses. The material is also designed to prepare students for more specialized courses in applied statistics such as Stat 139, 149, and 140.

Stat 110, on the other hand, is an introduction to PROBABILITY. The emphasis is on random variables and their distributions, and the theorems and tools of probability, which are an important part of the foundation and language of statistics. The approach relies heavily on calculus (both single and multivariate) to explore implications of probability. Stat 110 also serves as preparation for Stat 111, an introduction to the standard approaches to statistical inference. Together, Stat 110 and 111 are prerequisites to many more advanced courses such as Stat 160, 170, and 171. The mathematical prerequisite for Stat 110 is Math 19a or above.

Stat 100 and Stat 104 cover the same material, with Stat 104 going at a faster pace and and covering more topics. Stat 101 emphasizes applications to psychology and other behavioral sciences. Finally, Stat 102 emphasizes applications to biomedical problems.

Stat 100 is not a prerequisite for Stat 110, but neither is Stat 110 a substitute for Stat 100: the material covered is quite different and in many ways complementary.

Stat 110 serves as preparation for Stat 111, an introduction to the standard approaches to statistical inference. Together, Stat 110 and 111 are prerequisites to many more advanced courses such as Stat 160 (Design and Analysis of Sample Survey), Stat 170 (Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Finance), and Stat 171 (Introduction to Stochastic Processes).

Stat 110 and 111 are also prerequisites to some Quantitative Methods and Econometrics classes in Economics (check the Economics Department's website for more details).

Topic: AB-AM program

Harvard College undergraduate students with Advanced Standing may apply for the AB/AM program that awards a Masters in Statistics. For more information on advance standing and bracketing courses you, please see http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~advising/advanced/addendum.html.

To be considered for this program, one must formally apply for the Masters in Statistics from the Graduate School at Harvard (GSAS), and the application has to be approved by the Statistics Department. Applications are usually due by December of one's third year; check the GSAS website for information on the application's deadline.

The Statistics Department is highly selective in approving the Masters applications. Successful applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in statistics, excellent grades and letters of recommendations, and a clear statement of purpose explaining their interests and goals in learning statistics.

What are my chances of getting in the program, and how many people do you accept every year?

We cannot give you the likelihood of being accepted into the program. The number of accepted applications in the Masters program depends on the quality of the applications and available resources. There is no quota on the number of students admitted every year, but the number (both of outside Masters applicants and of AB/AM) is limited by our resources. We have accepted about 5 students/year in the past few years.

Other questions should be addressed to:
Professor Joseph Blitzstein (blitzstein

stat.harvard.edu) and
Professor David Harrington (dph

hsph.harvard.edu).