Statistics is the practical science of dealing with data-information in the form of numbers, often from many sources. In this major, you study the most efficient ways to collect data and to analyze and interpret it. Statistics, which forms the backbone of all research methods, includes the study of experimental design, regression analysis (the relationships between measurements), probability, and sampling theory.
Statistics is the science of handling data in the most effective way. It’s not just a branch of mathematics, but a separate discipline that uses a great deal of math relies heavily on computers. Most statistics departments are in colleges of liberal arts and sciences, but several are in business colleges and a few are in colleges of engineering or agriculture. Combined departments of mathematics and statistics also exist, primarily in small- to medium-size institutions.
If you want to complete an undergraduate degree (B.S.) in statistics, be prepared to take a fairly vigorous math curriculum. In your first year, you concentrate on general courses and mathematics, including a year of calculus. Introductory courses in statistics and computers most often begin in the second year, after you have developed sufficient math skills. In you third year, statistics becomes the dominant part of year studies.
Courses in the applied technique of describing and analyzing data to extract information require strong skills in algebra and computing. For courses focusing on probability and the mathematical theory of statistics, you’ll need to sharpen your abilities in calculus and in logic. In courses that deal with the preparation of sample surveys, small groups of students design a study, collect and analyze the data, and present a report of the results. If you plan on going to graduate school, you should study advanced calculus.
To be a successful statistician, you must understand both the theory and the application of statistics. In an important application, statisticians routinely advise scientists and researchers in business, government, non-profit organizations, and industry on how to handle data in a wide variety of projects. The work that statisticians do demands not only mathematical tools but also communication, teamwork, and technical writing skills, as well as familiarity with the concepts and terminology of the business or organization they’re assisting. In fact, statisticians must rely on the business executives or professionals in these organizations to supply the data they’ll be examining. Therefore, courses in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences are essential. You are strongly encouraged to strengthen your oral and written communication skills by taking writing and speech courses or participating in related extracurricular activities.
Statistics programs that emphasize actuarial science tend to focus on preparing you for actuarial exams. Other programs concentrate on a particular discipline. For example, biostatistics is more likely to be taught in a college that has a medical education program. In still other programs, geared to preparing students to pursue advanced degrees, the math curriculum is usually much more rigorous.
Actuary; data analyst*; statistician*; statistical analyst*; statistical programmer; professor*; project statistician.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment opportunities for those skilled in statistics to grow through 2018. Statisticians work in a wide variety of areas, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, insurance, government agencies, consulting firms, and agricultural research. Statistics majors also find jobs in actuarial science, statistical programming, operations research, and mathematical analysis. A graduate degree can increase your career opportunities.
Most high school students haven’t heard of statistics and thus don’t consider it as a major, this situation seems unlikely to change. Therefore, there are always more jobs available than there are college graduates to fill the positions.
Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors
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