Solving complex problems in the social and behavioral sciences requires sophisticated approaches to gathering and analyzing large amounts of data. Creating mathematical models useful in prediction and analysis relies on a broad range of mathematical techniques including graph theoretical analysis, Markov chains and other stochastic processes, or differential equations. The Social and Behavioral Sciences option provides a foundation in commonly-used statistical and computational techniques followed by flexibility in pursuing different sets of advanced courses. It is also ideal as a second major for students in social sciences who want to obtain more background in quantitative methods and mathematical techniques. Program Requirements

Description
Mathematical models and statistical analysis are becoming increasingly important in many social and behavioral sciences. Solving complex problems requires sophisticated approaches to gathering and analyzing large amounts of data. Creating mathematical models useful in prediction and analysis can require a broad range of mathematical techniques including graph theoretical analysis, Markov chains and other stochastic processes, or differential equations. This Option provides a foundation in commonly-used statistical and computational techniques followed by flexibility in pursuing different sets of advanced courses. It is also ideal as a second major for students in social sciences who want to obtain more background in quantitative methods and mathematical techniques.


Option Core (31 credits)

  • PHYS 121, 122, 123 (5,5,5)
  • STAT 340: (4) Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I
  • STAT 341: (4) Introduction to Probability and Statistical Inference I
  • STAT 342: (4) Introduction to Probability and Statistical Inference II
  • STAT 423: (4) Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance

Students may petition to replace some or all of Phys 121, 122, 123 by an equal number of credits of appropriate courses in the intended application area.


Option Electives -- Group I (6 credits)
At least 6 credits from approved courses (at the 300 level or higher) in the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics. The following pre-approved courses are particularly recommended:


Option Electives -- Group II (10 credits)
At least 10 credits of approved courses in a social or behavioral science area. Courses from MATH, STAT, AMATH and CSE will automatically apply.  Students may request to use upper-division courses from PSYCH or SOC but need to contact advising@math.washington.edu for petition link.  In general, we do not approve seminars or independent study courses. .  Unless exempted by petition, at least three courses must be in a single department and all must be at the 300 level or higher. Courses used to satisfy the ACMS Program Core requirement may not be applied as electives.

STAT 311 is prohibited as ACMS students take more rigorous statistics courses.  We advise ACMS majors to run a degree audit or plan audit in MyPlan to confirm a course can be used as an option elective.


Warning: Some courses in other departments are available to non-majors only on a space-available basis. This should be kept in mind when planning a program. It is also the responsibility of the student to determine any prerequisite requirements pertaining to their chosen elective courses.

Double majors / Double degrees Students who complete a double major or double degree in an approved social or behavioral science will naturally have satisfied the Group II Option Electives.