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Biometry & Statistics Major and Minor

Tackling the life sciences from a new perspective

Biometry is the application of statistics, mathematics, computing and other quantitative methods to phenomena and problems in the life sciences. Statistics is concerned with many aspects of scientific investigations: developing and studying the design and measurement aspects of investigations, executing investigations and collecting numerical information, summarizing the data obtained, and making inferences from the data.

Students learn how to use statistics, mathematics, computing, and other methods to solve problems in diverse fields, from the life and social sciences to business and finance.

Students enter the Biometry and Statistics major as freshmen or as transfer students. A strong background in mathematics is highly recommended for students considering a major in Biometry and Statistics. Students currently enrolled as freshmen or sophomores at other institutions who are considering transferring to the Biometry and Statistics program are encouraged to satisfy as many of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) distribution requirements as possible before transferring. 

Biometry and Statistics is also a part of the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science.

Major in Biometry and Statistics

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Biometry and Statistics majors have many career opportunities and possibilities for graduate study. Career choices are as varied as the fields of application of statistics. Collecting and using data effectively are vital activities in many organizations. 

Recent research in Biometry and Statistics includes discovering human genes and modeling the evolution and domestication of dogs. 

CALS seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum and demonstrate an outstanding record of academic achievement.

  • 4 Units of English
  • 4 Units of Mathematics (including calculus)
  • 3 Units of Science (including biology and chemistry, physics is strongly recommended)
  • An additional unit of science is also strongly recommended
  • Discuss the mathematical basis and foundations of probability and statistics.
  • Explain and apply the fundamentals of applied statistical methodology.
  • Use modern statistical software and a programming language.
  • Effectively communicate the results of a statistical analysis.

Students in the statistics concentration should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of specialized statistical methods

Students in the statistical genomics concentration should be able to:

  • Apply statistical and computational methods for genomic data

Biometry and Statistics Minor

The Minor in Biometry and Statistics is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of statistical techniques and the mathematics necessary to understand and use them. A minor in biometry and statistics is available to all undergraduate students. 

Biometry is the application of statistics, mathematics, computing and other quantitative methods to phenomena and problems in the life sciences. Statistics is concerned with many aspects of scientific investigations: developing and studying the design and measurement aspects of investigations, executing investigations and collecting numerical information, summarizing the data obtained, and making inferences from the data.

Students learn how to use statistics, mathematics, computing, and other methods to solve problems in diverse fields, from the life and social sciences to business and finance.

Directions:

  1. Please submit a Google Form AFTER COMPLETING all minor requirements (or if you are enrolled in your final semester of completing the requirements).
  2. Keeping track of progress in meeting requirements is the student's responsibility. If your course choices change or if the change creates any doubt about meeting the requirements of the minor, confirm its acceptability the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising.
  3. Please contact Julia Aquadro (jra269 [at] cornell.edu (jra269[at]cornell[dot]edu)) with any questions.

Apply to the Minor

Transfer Student Admissions

Apply statistics, mathematics, computing, and other methods to solve problems in diverse fields, from the life and social sciences to business and finance.

Academic Record

  • Strong academic record at the college level. In general, competitive applicants have at least a 3.0 (B) average.
  • CALS Required Coursework should be completed or in-progress with a “B” or better before applying.
  • The most competitive applicants are full-time students who have met the GPA and course requirements.

For information about AP/IB/GCE Credit, Visit our Cornell Policy on Advanced Placement Credit for English, Math, Science, and Foreign Language. CALS adheres to these guidelines unless otherwise noted by the major.  

For information about College Credit Earned in High School, Visit CALS Policy on College Credit While Earned in High School  

Below are requirements for Transfer Students applying to CALS for Fall 2026 

For transfers entering as sophomores or transfers with two full-time college semesters of study (post-high school) completed or in progress at time of application.

Required:

Calculus I  

Statistics 

  • Equivalent to STSCI 2100
  • AP Statistics score of 5 accepted

Two College Writing/English Composition courses or one writing/composition course and Public Speaking course

 

Strongly encouraged (but not required):  

One full academic year of Introductory Biology with labs (for PreMed/PreVet students or those intending to take the Statistical Genomics concentration) 

For transfers entering as juniors or transfers with four full-time college semesters of study (post-high school) completed or in progress at time of application.

Required

Calculus I & II 

Statistical Methods I & II 

Linear Algebra  

Multivariable Calculus 

Two College Writing/English Composition courses OR one writing/composition course and one Public Speaking  course

Strongly encouraged (but not required):  

One full academic year of Introductory Biology with labs (for PreMed/PreVet students or those intending to take the Statistical Genomics concentration) 

Apply

Careers in Biometry and Statistics

Biometry and Statistics professor giving a lecture.

Business

  • Banking analyst
  • Actuarial analyst
  • Management consulting analyst
  • Financial services analyst
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Business development associate
  • Project analyst
  • Implementation consultant
  • Assurance associate
  • Global benefits analyst
  • Assistant trader
  • Life sciences consultant
  • Options trader
  • Web analyst
  • Risk analyst

Communication/Education/Gov't

  • Strategic planning analyst
  • Math teacher
  • Census bureau survey statistician
  • Media data management associate
  • MLB advanced media analyst

Healthcare/Research

  • Cancer center data analyst
  • Computer scientist
  • Medical research data scientist
  • Research associate
  • Research fellow
  • Healthcare technical services

Technology

  • Information security practitioner
  • Data analyst
  • Technology analyst

NEWS SPOTLIGHT

Study reveals new insights about the origin of dogs

Three types of dogs sitting on a doorstep.

Resources for Biometry Students

A CALS education goes beyond the classroom and gives students frequent opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings.