Tanya is a graduating senior majoring in Statistics. Below she shares her plans for life after graduation, and how her major helped her prepare for those plans.

My post-graduate goal is to further explore the fields in biostatistics. A thorough grounding in statistics provided a solid foundation for this pursuit, instilling in me the complex language of data and its profound impact on biological research and medical innovation. My undergraduate experience sparked a strong desire to delve deeper into biostatistics, where I could apply statistical methods to unravel complex biological problems. My goal is not only to earn a master’s degree, but also to consider pursuing a PhD where I can immerse myself in research at the exciting intersection of statistics and health sciences. This path represents more than just an academic pursuit; It is a commitment to promote key health discoveries that can shape the future of healthcare and public health policy. 

The statistics program is uniquely diverse, offering courses aimed at a wide range of specialized areas. The curriculum ensures that regardless of a student’s future direction, there are courses designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge. For example, the program offers statistical programming courses such as STAT 385, STAT 447, and STAT 440, which are ideal for those who wish to explore the technical depth of statistical analysis and data manipulation. At the same time, the program also includes biostatistics-focused courses such as STAT 212 and STAT 434 get students well prepared for the intersection of statistics and health sciences. In addition, conceptual courses like STAT 433 require students to think critically about statistical theory and its applications. The program’s expansive offering ensures that as we, the students, pave our individual academic and professional paths, we can do so with confidence, backed by a strong, tailored educational foundation from UIUC.