The Department of Statistics and Applied Probability at UC Santa Barbara offers a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate students to enhance their academic and professional development. From student clubs to scholarships and research programs, students can engage in activities that build skills, foster connections, and prepare them for future careers.
Student Clubs
PSTAT works closely with several student clubs on campus to provide students with opportunities to network, learn, and grow.
Actuarial Association
The UCSB Actuary Club is a great way to meet motivated peers in the same major and study together for classes and exams. The club provides materials for the first four actuarial exams, hosts career workshops with industry leaders, and fosters a supportive community for students.
Data Science Club
Data Science at UCSB is a student-run club that collaborates with the Statistics and Applied Probability Department to prepare students for careers in data science and analytics. Members engage in group projects, peer education, and industry presentations while learning tools like Python, R, and SQL, and developing soft skills such as teamwork and public speaking.
Data Science Collaborative
The Data Science Collaborative (DS Collab) aims to make data science accessible to everyone by offering resources such as one-on-one mentorships, career check-ins, study halls, foundational project workshops, and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Each year, the organization presents participant deliverables at a showcase that features guest lecturers and industry employers.
Undergraduate Research
Research opportunities allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare for future academic or professional goals.
PSTAT 199: Independent Studies in Statistics
PSTAT 199 provides advanced students the chance to work closely with professors on research projects.
- Eligibility: Upper-division standing, 3.0 GPA, and completion of two upper-division Statistics courses.
- Proposal Deadline: Second Wednesday of the quarter.
- Apply Here: PSTAT 199 Petition
PSTAT 197ABC: Data Science Capstone Projects
This year-long capstone sequence involves real-world data science projects in collaboration with academic and industry partners.
- Eligibility: Strong background in computing and statistics.
- Applications Open: Spring quarter.
CFMAR Undergraduate Lab
The CFMAR Undergraduate Lab offers research opportunities in quantitative finance, risk management, and stochastic process models.
- Eligibility: Junior or senior standing with strong performance in relevant PSTAT courses.
- Commitment: Two quarters (Fall/Winter or Winter/Spring).
- Application: CFMAR Lab Application
PSTAT 296: Team Actuarial Projects
This graduate-level course is open to top seniors and involves team research projects supervised by faculty and industry sponsors.
- Eligibility: Senior status, 3.4 GPA, and strong performance in relevant PSTAT courses.
- Commitment: Two quarters (Fall/Winter).