The department offers programs leading to the award of Bachelor of Science in Statistics (BSc. Statistics), Master Science in Statistics (MSc. Statistics) and Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD. Statistics). It also offers a special minor in Health Statistics which is designed for students pursuing careers as Statisticians in the Ministry of Health. A general minor in Statistics is also offered to students of other majors at the College of Science.

All these programs were in place prior to the existence of the department, so a bit of history is in order. The bachelor degree in Statistics started 1993, together with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, under the then department of Mathematics and Computing (DOMAC). The Department of Computer Science became a separate department in September 1995, and DOMAC became the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (DOMAS). The other statistics programs that started under the DOMAS  are the minor in Health Statistics (1998), Master of Science in Statistics (1999) and PhD in Statistics (2010).

1. Fulfill the role of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) as the reference and national house of expertise in the theory and application of Statistics,
2. Open wider the doors for interdisciplinary research of direct relevance to the Sultanate of Oman,
3. Impact and invigorate the Sultanate Qaboos University's statistics academic programs,
4. Pursue cutting edge research, as well as support it through collaboration
5. Enhance statistical consulting and community services' involvement, and
6. Inspire new ways to work together with the community,

Vision

To offer quality statistics education that produces life-long learners, creative problem-solvers, productive employees and responsible citizens.

Mission

To contribute to the overall objectives of Sultan Qaboos University through excellence in statistics education, research and service to the university community and society at large.

Statistics is the study and manipulation of data, concerned with developing and studying methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting empirical data.

Statistical methods are important for addressing questions in various fields of science such as industry, public policy, medicine, and virtually every branch of human life.

Worldwide, the demand for using statistical methods has increased dramatically with the big abundance of large databases in fields like web traffic, human genome, social media and e-marketing and trading.

It is the actual need to deal with this large flux in data production that drives researchers to develop new statistical methods to answer the questions that the data poses.

Therefore, the department is keen to strengthen its academic staff so as to achieve diversity in their specializations and research interests. The department's staff also follows up on new developments and updates in the fields of data analysis and related technologies; which is reflected in the study plans in the department's programs. From the beginning, the department has been keen to ensure a statistical education of international standards, and for this purpose, it submitted an application for accreditation of the bachelor’s program in statistics from the Accreditation Agency for Study Programs in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN), where the department obtained accreditation for the first period on December 7 from 2018 to September 30, 2024.

We hope that this information will be useful to the visitors of our webpage, and if you need more additional information about the department and its programs, do not hesitate to contact us at the department's e-mail. DeptofStat@squ.edu.om

Program Accreditation (2024-2025)

After a thorough gesture of academic compliance in statistcal education high ranking, the Department of Statistics has had its undergraduate BSc Statistics degree re-accredited by ASIIN. ASIIN is a German-based organisation with over twenty five years of Global Leadership in Quality Assurance in Higher Education. With a successful programme accreditation, ASIIN confirms that our study programme meets a high quality standard. The quality of a study program is determined by the formulation of relevant objectives by the Sultan Qaboos University. The quality is also determined by the success that graduates achieve in the Statistics profession. Two ASIIN seal requirements can be accessed here:

1. (ASIIN 4.1) A module handbook, which contains module descriptions for all modules of the study programme, including those provided by the Department of Mathematics.
2. (ASIIN 5) Information to students about the results and actions taken based on the students' satisfaction questionnaire has been conveyed using different media, and a report can be accessed here.

Program Accreditation (2018-2024)

The Department of Statistics is maintains high and competitive international standard in training and research. The programs of study are internationally accredited. Credit goes to the Adhoc Committee members who participated in this task: Dr. Khilid Abdelbasit (Chair), Dr. Charles Bakheit, Dr. Mohamed Razmy and Dr. Ronald Wesonga (Rapporteur).

Currently, the Department of Statistics is working on the updating the BSc in Statistics Degree Program Accreditation for another five years (2024 - 2029) by ASIIN through the Program Accreditation Committee.  

Community Outreach at the Department of Statistics

University of Technology and Applied Sciences

On the 6th March 2024, Dr. Iman Al Hasani, the Vice Chair of the Data Science Analytics Lab (DSAL), delivered a two-hour seminar at the Applied Sciences Department, University of Technology and Applied Sciences. The title of the seminar was "Data-Driven Research: the Role of Statistics."  Find more information at the link below. Data-Driven Research: the Role of Statistics.

STATISTICS Day commemoration

The Department of Statistics Celebrated the Statistics Day on the 19 October 2023. It is the second time the  department commemorates this day. The event was organised by the Department's Promotion Committee, chaired by Dr. Maryam Al Alawi with Dr. Moh'd Alodat and Dr. Ronald Wesonga as members of the committee. According to It's chair "It was a successful event and a pleasant gathering." The committee plans to conduct a statistics conference in the year 2025. Just watch this space for details. See some of the photos taken during the event.

Department Welcomes New STAT Major students

At the College of Science, its a requirement for students to major and minor in a programme of study by undertaking required courses. The Department of Statistics organized a special meeting, where the new STAT Major students were welcomed and inducted into the necessities for them to succeed, academically as well as professionally. Thanks to Dr. Iman Al Hasani for her tireless efforts in ensuring that this ocassion was a success. The theme of the session was "Partners in Statistics." Below is the day's presentation with all the information and pointers to other necessary information, plus a few photos.

Click for Programme and Presentation

Active Learning and Outcome-based Learning

The Department Active learning & Teaching (DAT) Committee in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CETL)  on the 12 October 2023 organised a training workshop delivered by Dr. Amal Mohammed Salim Al Hadabi. The DAT committee members; Dr. Ronald Wesonga Dr. Maryam Al Alawi and Dr. Moh'd Alodat all agreed that it a sucessful seminar whose outcome could be implemented to enhance design  of course outline as well as assessments. The theme of the session was "Customizing Your Teaching to Outcome-based Learning, Assessmsnt, and Active Learning." Below are a few photos.

Overview

The Data Science Analytics Lab (DSAL) is an initiative whose primary objective is to develop relevant statistical theory for specific data types so as to generate required knowledge to support sustainable development.

Vision

To be a leading Centre of excellence for statistical research, innovations and applications

Objectives

1. To develop statistical theory, algorithms and systems for knowledge extraction and visualization

2. To generate information on patterns, insights and predictions from diverse data for various applications

3. To develop a database of relevant statistical information for timely, evidence-based decision making for sustainable development

4. To develop collaboration across users and producers of statistical information through capacity building.

Activities

1. Collaborative statistical and applications research at national, regional and international levels

2. Capacity building in statistical knowledge and the use of statistical packages, such as R programming language

3. Support industry, policy makers with workable optimal solutions to solve local problems through attachments.

Contact Us

For Appointments, click here. For details, collaboration or otherwise: 

DSAL Outreach Activities

DSAL Launches DataVista Series 

On the 24th April, 2025, Data Science Analytics Lab (DSAL) at the Department of Statistics, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, officially launched the first session of the DataVista series. The theme for first of these series was coded named “Empowering Urban Planning with Data,” which was crafted in collaboration with the Oman National Spatial Strategy Office (ONSS) at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, as a key enabler of Oman Vision 2040. The opening session focused on the field of urban planning, highlighting the critical role of spatial data and advanced analytics in supporting smart and sustainable urban development strategies. The event took place at the University Conference Hall.

DataVista is a knowledge-based initiative by DSAL, aims to demonstrate the practical applications of data science in driving innovation and digital transformation across various sectors. The initiative seeks to foster an engaged knowledge community through regular scientific sessions that bring together academic and professional experts to explore the latest analytical techniques, share practical experiences, and discuss emerging trends in data-driven fields.

The launch commenced with a welcoming address presented by the enthusiastic students’ arm of the DSAL team, outlining the mission, vision, objectives of the initiative, with a particular emphasis on its contribution to applied research in data science. 

This was followed by a keynote address delivered by Eng. Ibrahim Al-Waeli, the Executive Director of the ONSS, who underscored the importance of utilizing statistical analysis and high-quality data in advancing smart urban planning in alignment with Oman’s future development goals.

A team from the National Urban Development Strategy Office delivered a series of interactive presentations showcasing best practices in the application of spatial data to urban planning, the use of smart analytics tools for monitoring strategic implementation, and the integration of data science in the development of structural plans, smart transport systems, and environmental and agricultural planning. The presentations also featured models of data-driven smart cities.

Additionally, Rihal Company presented a scientific session titled “The Future of Jobs in the Data Era”, which addressed the impact of digital transformation, technological advancement, and artificial intelligence on the labor market. The session stressed the need for building analytical and technical capabilities to keep pace with these rapid changes.

The event concluded with an open discussion session that brought together attendees and speakers to reflect on key topics and exchange insights on the role of data and emerging technologies in supporting urban planning and development efforts.

At the close of the session, the DSAL extended her sincere appreciation to all participants and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks were given to the dedicated teams from DSAL and ONSS, as well as to the students and administrative staff whose efforts were instrumental.

This session marks the official launch of the DataVista series, which aims to highlight the role of data science and statistical analysis and modelling in addressing developmental challenges and promoting innovation across key sectors.

DSAL DataVista Series →

The Power of Statistical Methods and Artificial Intelligence

On the 20 October, 2024, during the annual the STATISTICS Day, among the guest presenters were Dr. Yahya Al Hussaini and Mohammed Al Farsi who presented a seminar on "The Power of Statistical Methods and Artificial Intelligence."  The seminar was so informative that it inspired faculty, students, and guests to explore the transformative potential of statistical methods in combination with artificial intelligence.

The Data Storytelling

On the 3rd November, 2024, at the invitation by Dr. Iman Al Hasani, the Vice Chair Data Science Analytics Lab (DSAL), Department of Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University, Dr. Amal Al Amri presented an outstanding seminar on "The Data Storytelling."  The seminar inspired faculty, students, and guests to explore the transformative potential of data in informed decisions for global sustainable development.

High Performance Computing Seminar Series

DSAL Presents at the Oman Second National Big Data & Analytics Meet

Data Science Analytics Applications & Youth Empowerment

Data Science Analytics Applications & Children Empowerment

Department of Statistics Advisory Board

The Department Advisory Board plays a vital role in helping steer the department in the right direction and to ensure that it’s on track to achieve its objectives and to realize its vision. Members of the advisory board are professionals from different authorities and units at both government and private sectors with years of experience and rich knowledge of the market needs and practice in statistics, data science, and its related fields.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Provide feedback on the department’s strategic plan.
2. Review the curricula and assess merits and weaknesses in relation to the department's goals, mission, vision and the accreditation criteria.
3. Provide advice and recommendations to the department’s board on matters relevant to educational programs, research and community services.
4. Evaluate students' performance in terms of the program outcomes and offer suggestions and strategies for improvement.
5. Assist faculty in identifying opportunities for research and development projects.
6. Assist the department to show the vital role statistics plays in the community.
7. Assist to obtain funds for postgraduate scholarships, whenever it is possible.
8. Help students find programs for training, internship and job experience.
9. Engage in scientific and social activities organized by the department.
10. Enhance the visibility of the department in the community.

Membership: The board has a three-year term that can be extended. The advisory board for the Department of Statistics was established by the Chancellor, Sultan Qaboos University on the 13th May 2024.

Meetings & Agenda: The board meets twice a year or once per semester. The agenda is set based on discussions with the department board.

By Invitation: Department Faculty, Technicians, Graduates and Students.

Members of the Advisory Board

• Head, Department of Statistics: Dr. Moh'd Alodat, , Associate Professor, Department of Statistics
• Member: Dr. Iman Al Hasani, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics
• Member: Dr. Maryam Al Alawi, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics
• Special Advisors: