Statistics is the science of collecting and analyzing data. Statisticians interact with researchers in all the various disciplines of science, engineering, medicine, social science and business to develop scientifically sound methods in those areas. Most course work in the department is devoted to understanding current methods and the reasoning behind them. A degree in statistics prepares students for careers in industry, government, academia, and research institutes, as well as being excellent preparation for professional programs in medicine, law, business administration and public policy and administration.<br><br>Industrial Statistics is concerned with maintaining and improving the quality of goods and services. It involves a broad range of statistical tools but maintaining and improving quality involves an overall approach to the management of industrial processes that transcends the use of these specific tools. Variability is inherent in all processes, whether they be manufacturing processes or service processes. This variability must be controlled to create high quality goods and services and must be reduced to improve quality. Industrial Statistics focuses on the use of statistical thinking, i.e., the appreciation of the inherent variability of all processes. It also focuses on developing skills for modeling data and designing experiments that can lead to improvements in performance and reductions in variablity.