Statistics
Every day, around the world, people use data to make decisions. But where does this data come from? Who interprets it, and how does their interpretation influence our decisions? If you like working with data and you’re good with math, then think about statistics as a way to bring together all of your talents, skills and interests. Whether you want to shape public policy, design clinical trials, help organizations grow or improve healthcare outcomes, see how you can change the world as a statistician.
What will I learn?
As a statistics major, you'll learn how to manage and analyze data in different contexts (such as health care and finance) using various types of software to solve real-world problems. You'll typically take a few required courses in statistics methods, probability theory and other key concepts, as well as some classes in calculus. Beyond that, many of your courses will be electives, including advanced statistics classes where you can dive into topics such as surveys, quality control and computing.
What can I do with a statistics degree?
Nearly every type of organization deals with data, which means they need people (like you!) who can understand and interpret it. With a statistics degree, you might find yourself working in:
- Business, analyzing sales for a retail company or helping a hospital provide more effective treatment for patients.
- Education, teaching about statistics or advising on future trends.
- Government, studying the impact of public health initiatives or working as an actuary to help minimize the risk of harmful outcomes.
Some common career choices include:
- Business analyst.
- Consultant.
- Data analyst.
- Data scientist.
- Financial analyst.
- Research assistant.
- Risk analyst.
- Statistician.
You can also choose to continue your education with a graduate degree in applied statistics, theoretical statistics or a related field.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $87,060.00 | $41.86 | Rapid Growth |
| Actuaries | $152,310.00 | $73.23 | Rapid Growth |
| Statisticians | $107,440.00 | $51.65 | Rapid Growth |
| Data Scientists | $75,620.00 | $36.36 | Rapid Growth |
| Survey Researchers | $94,160.00 | $45.27 | |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,160.00 | $32.29 |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.