This paper is from Session 1F: Statistics as a Liberal Art and the Real World
which comes under Topic 1: Statistics education: Looking back, looking forward
Paper 1F2 (Thursday 12th, 11:00-12:30)
Statistics IS a liberal arts major
Presenter
- K. Scott Alberts (Truman State University, United States)
Co-authors
- Hyun-Joo Kim (Truman State University, United States)
- Jillian Downey (Truman State University, United States)
Abstract
A liberal arts education transcends any particular major, preparing engaged citizens ready to serve as future leaders of a free people. Specific definitions of “The Liberal Arts” vary from evoking classical disciplines to exploring the human condition, from focusing on simple breadth, to developing skills in communication, critical thinking, and unstructured problem solving. As opportunities grow, many new statistics majors emerge from pre-professional programs in computer science, medicine, engineering, or business programs. A well-crafted statistics major exemplifies the liberal arts, regardless of one’s definition, while preparing students for success in technical fields, leadership in business and industry, and graduate/professional study. Such a major requires students to intentionally develop skills through activities and projects embedded in statistics courses, evolving beyond standard mathematics, coding, and statistical analysis.