- Subject Categories
- /
- Engineering
- /
- Math
- /
- Statistics, General
Statistics, General
Statisticians work in virtually every area of industry and government, helping corporations, politicians and bureaucrats interpret data. Read on to find out about the education and training you need for a career in general statistics.
Inside General Statistics
Statistics is a branch of mathematics primarily concerned with the analysis of large sets of data. Its objectives are to transform otherwise unwieldy bodies of data into forms that are easy to present and understand, as well as to make predictions from that data using the core principles of mathematics. The American Statistical Association (ASA) indicates that statisticians contribute to important government decisions, such as on social and economic issues (www.amstat.org). They also help investigators and scientists make accurate predictions by ensuring information is valid and precise. Find out more about this career field by exploring some of the Study.com articles linked below.
Education Information
The ASA recommends that undergraduate students planning on a career in statistics major in applied mathematics or another related field. A bachelor's degree with sufficient coursework in statistics and math is generally the minimum requirement for entry-level employment with the federal government. A strong background in applicable fields, like biology, economics and computer science, may also increase chances of employment.
Upper-level and non-government positions in the field typically require a master's degree in statistics. In addition, some positions, such as in industrial research, entail several years of experience beyond graduate school, while university-level teaching and research positions require a doctoral degree. Here are a few articles describing some of the possible degree options for aspiring statisticians.
- Applied Mathematics Degrees by Level
- Statistics Degrees by Level
- Mathematics Degrees by Level
- Master's Degree in Statistics
- Ph.D. in Statistics
Distance Learning Options
A great deal of statistics coursework can be completed through distance education. While some online courses don't count as credit towards a degree, they may serve as continuing education for professional statisticians. Review the links below for more details about online learning programs.
- Choosing an Online Statistics Program
- Online Statistics Degrees
- Free Online Statistics Courses
- Online Statistics Ph.D.
- Online Probability Courses
Career Options
After earning an education in statistics, you may qualify for employment in a wide range of government and private sectors. Below are just a few possible career paths to consider.
- Statistician
- Clinical Statistician
- Economist
- Biostatistician
- Career Information for Statistics Majors
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most statisticians were employed by the federal government in 2013 (www.bls.gov). Other industries with high employment of statisticians included scientific research and development services; colleges, universities and professional schools; and insurance carriers. The bureau reported that employment of statisticians was expected to increase 27 percent from 2012-2022. For statisticians across all industries, the BLS reported an average annual salary of $83,310 in May 2013. The federal executive branch offered an average annual salary of $98,050.
Perfect School Search
Statistics, General Related Articles
-
Master of Biostatistics Vs. Statistics
Master degree programs in biostatistics and statistics have some overlapping coursework and requirements, but are very unique programs....
-
Careers Involving Statistics
Statistics is a versatile kind of mathematics that is highly used in many different careers. Learn about some of the available careers...
-
Finance & Statistics Double Major
Learn about what a double major in finance and statistics entails. Get information on admission requirements, courses, and potential...
-
Earning Your Vermont High School Diploma!
A high school diploma is generally considered to be the first step necessary to achieve educational or career goals. The state of Vermont...
-
Best Jobs for High Schoolers
Between balancing classes, homework, and extracurricular activities, it is important for high schoolers to choose a job that best fits their...
-
How to Become an Internet Specialist Education and Career Roadmap
Learn how to become an internet specialist. Research the education requirements, training and experience you will need to start a career...
-
Undergrad in Herbal Studies
Herbal studies undergraduate degree programs teach students how to recognize the medicinal properties of plants and herbs and how to use...
Schools you may like:





Popular Schools
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:
- programs & curriculum
- career opportunities
- tuition & financial aid
- admissions & starting dates
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Doctorate
-
- DBA with an Emphasis in Data Analytics
-
- Bridge (Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Data Analytics)
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must complete an application online and submit transcripts for their highest degree earned.
School locations:
- Online Learning
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- MS in Data Science: Social Science Analytics
- MS in Data Science
-
- MS in Data Science: Business Analytics
- MBA - Data Analytics
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- MBA - Performance Analytics
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Students must be at least 14 years old and have completed the 8th grade.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
- High School Diploma
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or above.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- Elementary Mathematics - Additional Endorsement - Certificate
-
- Secondary Mathematics - Additional Endorsement - Certificate
-
-
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at Harvard University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Math
- Applied Math
- Statistics, General
- Math
-
-
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at University of Pennsylvania include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Statistics, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Get Started with University of Pennsylvania
-
-
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at Duke University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Math
- Statistics, General
- Mechanical Engineering
-
10 Popular Schools
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
-
- DBA with an Emphasis in Data Analytics
- Bridge (Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Data Analytics)
-
- MS in Data Science: Social Science Analytics
- MS in Data Science
- MS in Data Science: Business Analytics
- MBA - Data Analytics
- View more
-
- MBA - Performance Analytics
-
- Elementary Mathematics - Additional Endorsement - Certificate
- Secondary Mathematics - Additional Endorsement - Certificate
- Show more schools…
Find your perfect school
What is your highest level of education?