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.

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.

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.

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.

What is your highest level of education?

What subject are you interested in?

Where do you want to attend class?

Enter zip:

Statistics, General Related Articles

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

1 Grand Canyon University

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)
Get Started with Grand Canyon University

What is your highest level of education?
2 Capella University

School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:

Must complete an application online and submit transcripts for their highest degree earned.
School locations:

Online Learning
Program Info

Online Programs
Master

MS - Analytics

Bachelor

BS - Data Analytics (ABET-accredited)
Get Started with Capella University

What is your highest level of education completed?
3 Northcentral University

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
Doctorate

PhD-TIM in Data Science

PhD in Data Science

Master

MSTIM in Data Science

MS in Data Science
Get Started with Northcentral University

What is your highest level of education?
4 Utica College

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
Get Started with Utica College

What is your highest level of education completed?
5 Abilene Christian University

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
Get Started with Abilene Christian University

What is your highest level of education completed?
6 Penn Foster High School

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

Penn Foster High School with Early College Courses

High School Diploma
Get Started with Penn Foster High School

What is your age?
7 Baker College Online

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
Get Started with Baker College Online

What is your highest level of education?
8 Harvard University

School Info
School locations:

Massachusetts (1 campus)
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
Get Started with Harvard University

Research Harvard University's Programs
9 University of Pennsylvania

School Info
School locations:

Pennsylvania (1 campus)
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

Research University of Pennsylvania's Programs & Degrees
10 Duke University

School Info
School locations:

North Carolina (1 campus)
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
Get Started with Duke University

Research Duke University's Degree Programs

The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.

1

Grand Canyon University
- DBA with an Emphasis in Data Analytics
- Bridge (Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Data Analytics)
What is your highest level of education?
2

Capella University
- MS - Analytics
- BS - Data Analytics (ABET-accredited)
What is your highest level of education completed?
3

Northcentral University
- PhD-TIM in Data Science
- PhD in Data Science
- MSTIM in Data Science
- MS in Data Science
- View more
What is your highest level of education?
4

Utica College
- MS in Data Science: Social Science Analytics
- MS in Data Science
- MS in Data Science: Business Analytics
- MBA - Data Analytics
- View more
What is your highest level of education completed?
5

Abilene Christian University
- MBA - Performance Analytics
What is your highest level of education completed?
6

Penn Foster High School
- Penn Foster High School with Early College Courses
- High School Diploma
What is your age?
7

Baker College Online
- Elementary Mathematics - Additional Endorsement - Certificate
- Secondary Mathematics - Additional Endorsement - Certificate
What is your highest level of education?
8

Harvard University
9

University of Pennsylvania
10

Duke University
Show more schools…