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Undergraduate FAQs

Q: What do I do to declare a major in Data Science, Informatics or Statistics or a minor in Statistics?

A: To declare your major or minor you will be required to complete the following steps:

  1. Complete several required modules on a Canvas page we have created for newly declaring students. These modules contain information for students majoring or minoring in our programs.
  2. After completing the required modules, you will unlock a short quiz. Successful completion of the quiz unlocks the declaration request form.
  3. After completing the declaration request form, you will need to schedule an appointment with a major advisor in the Statistics Department.
  4. After meeting with a major advisor, and indicating your intent to declare, the advisor will direct department staff to process your request. Your declaration request will then be processed by department staff within 2-3 weeks.

*Please note that you must have a declared major to declare a Statistics or Data Science minor. If you have any questions or problems, please contact us at statsugradprogram@umich.edu.

Q: How do I make an appointment to declare a major in Data Science, Informatics or Statistics, or a minor in Statistics?

A: You can schedule an advising appointment in the Department of Statistics online. You will be required to login using your U-M uniqname and Kerberos password. Once logged in, simply choose a reason for your appointment, advisor preference if you have one and then select a time frame in which you would like to meet with an advisor. Hit the “List Appointments” button and a list of all available appointments matching your criteria will be returned. If you don’t get any results, try expanding your search criteria.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact us at statsugradprogram@umich.edu.

Q: What do I do if I want to drop my major or minor?

A: Please fill out this form to request that your Data Science or Statistics major or minor be dropped, or changed (ex. changing a major to a minor).

Q: Will credits from a course taken at another college or university transfer to the University of Michigan? What is the transfer equivalency?

A: See our page on Transfer Credit

Q: If I pass the AP exam, what course will this credit replace?

A: A score of a 4 or 5 on the AP Statistics test will transfer as 3 credits of STATS 180. Those with STATS 180 credit may proceed to STATS 280 (while keeping full credit for STATS 180) or may take STATS 250, in which case they receive full credit for STATS 250 but lose their credit for STATS 180.

Students with STATS 180 may also bypass both STATS 250 and STATS 280 and take any Statistics class for which STATS 250 is a prerequisite. It is an individual choice which Statistics course to take following AP Statistics, but here is some guidance.

Those who took AP Statistics several years ago, or do not feel ready to proceed to a more advanced course, are encouraged to take STATS 250. Otherwise, STATS 280 may be a suitable choice, particularly for those considering a Statistics major. Those considering a Statistics or Applied Statistics minor can take either STATS 280 or STATS 401.

LSA's AP Credits Summary

Q: How do I get into the STATS 250 lecture and lab of my choice if it is closed?

A: Please monitor Wolverine Access for openings (other students may drop or switch sections), and follow waitlist instructions. Remember, STATS 250 is offered in the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer terms, so you may want to elect an alternative course this term and take STATS 250 in the future.

Q: If I enroll in a STATS 250 lecture but that time slot does not fit my schedule, may I attend another lecture?

A: No. You must attend the lecture that you registered for.

Q: The lecture and lab in a course in which I am currently enrolled in does not fit my schedule. May I switch to another lecture and lab?

A: Yes, if the alternative lecture and lab have open seats. If seats are not available in another section, please monitor Wolverine for openings (other students may drop or switch sections), and follow waitlist instructions

Q: What are the other accepted ways to fulfill the STATS 412 core requirement in the Data Science major?

A: The following are accepted ways to fulfill the STATS 412 core requirement in the Data Science major:
• STATS 206 + STATS/MATH 425 (STATS/MATH 425 credits will be counted as Advanced Technical Electives)
• STATS 250 + STATS/MATH 425 (STATS/MATH 425 credits will be counted as Advanced Technical Electives)
• STATS/MATH 425 + STATS 426 (STATS 426 credits will be counted as Advanced Technical Electives)
• EECS 301 + STATS 426 (STATS 426 credits will be counted as Advanced Technical Electives)
• IOE 265 + STATS/MATH 425 or STATS 426 (STATS/MATH 425 or STATS 426 credits will be counted as Advanced Technical Electives)
• ECON 451 + STATS/MATH 425 (STATS/MATH 425 credits will be counted as Advanced Technical Electives)

Q: I need a certain course in order to graduate on time. May I get an override?

A: If space is available, overrides will be issued based on multiple criteria, including expected date of graduation, status as a Statistics student, and so on. Please contact statsugradprogram@umich.edu with your request.

Request permission into STATS 306 or STATS 412 without enforced prerequisites and/or without meeting reserves. 

Q: I would like to enroll in a STATS course but it says that the seats are reserved for Statistics students.  How can I get into the class?

A: Once all Statistics students have had the opportunity to enroll, the course will be open to non-statistics students.

Request permission into STATS 306 or STATS 412 without enforced prerequisites and/or without meeting reserves. 

Q: I would like to contact an instructor for an override, but the instructor’s name is not listed in Wolverine Access. Could you please let me know who will be teaching the class?

A: Instructors do not issue overrides. Please communicate with statsugradprogram@umich.edu regarding requests for overrides.

Q: May I get an override for MATH/STATS 425?

A: Overrides for MATH/STATS 425 are processed by the Department of Mathematics.

Q: I am a Statistics student (major or minor) and will be applying for graduation. I need to complete a release form for LSA.  What do I need to do?

A: First you will need to apply for graduation by submitting a diploma application online through Wolverine Access Student Business. You will then need to make an appointment with one of our academic advisors to discuss your progress toward degree. After the audit, your advisor will submit the online release to the LSA Academic Auditors Office.