Statistics & Biometry (BS)

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Program Website

Program Description

Quantitative prediction and interpretation are increasingly essential components of biological, physical, and social sciences. Complex patterns, structures, and interactions raise fundamental and fascinating questions that can be addressed only using mathematical, statistical, and computational methods. The wealth of data that can be acquired using modern methodologies to address these questions, in turn, requires substantive quantitative approaches to make possible appropriate analysis and interpretation. Computational power, meanwhile, continues to increase exponentially, providing the means for sophisticated analysis of complex phenomena.

The Statistics & Biometry major, in the Department of Statistics and Data Science, focuses on the application of statistical and mathematical techniques to the sciences. Statistics and Data Science is concerned with quantitative aspects of scientific investigation: design, measurement, summarization of data, large-scale data analysis, and reaching conclusions based on probability statements. Students with ability in mathematics and an interest in its applications will find this a rewarding and challenging major.

The work of an applied statistician or data scientist can encompass research, teaching, consulting, and computing in almost any combination and in a wide variety of fields of application. Opportunities for employment are abundant in academics, government, and businesses ranging from large corporations to small firms; salaries are usually excellent. Experience gained through summer employment, undergraduate research, or work as an undergraduate teaching assistant is highly recommended. 

Academic Standards

  • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
  • A grade of C- or better must be earned to meet major requirements.
  • Core requirements minimum is 40 credits.
  • Elective requirements minimum is 15 credits.

Adding the Statistics & Biometry Major

First-year and sophomore students adding Statistics & Biometry as a major (to change majors or add a double major) must have credit in Calculus I, Calculus II and Statistical Methods I.

Juniors and seniors adding Statistics & Biometry as a major (to change majors or add a double major) must have credit in Calculus I, Calculus II, Statistical Methods I, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Statistical Methods II.

All courses must be taken for a letter grade and students must earn a grade of C- or above.

Grades & Good Academic Standing

Courses required for the major must be taken for letter grades. To remain in good standing in the major, a student must have:

  • a GPA of at least 2.30 in all courses required for the major, including advanced electives. A
  • Grades of C- or better in every required course. If a student receives a lower grade in a required course, the course can be retaken until a C- or better is earned, or the requirement can be satisfied by another course.

Transfer and Study Abroad Courses

Students may petition the Director of Undergraduate Studies to count transfer courses, study abroad courses and/or other relevant Cornell coursework towards core or elective requirements. Credits must be approved by the Department of Statistics and Data Science and CALS before courses can be applied towards the major.

Departmental Honors

Beginning with the December 2026 degree conferral date, Statistics & Biometry students can earn “Honors in Statistics and Data Science” by meeting the following requirements:

  1. A cumulative GPA >= 3.50 
  2. Enrollment in STSCI 4990 / BTRY 4990 for 3 or more credits. Through this course the student will complete Independent Research with a Statistics and Data Science faculty member, with grades of A- or better. 

At least one additional STSCI course (at least 3 credit hours) at or above the 4000 level with a grade of A- or better; no seminar or 2-credit project courses.