by our College Data Analytics TeamStatistics is an interesting and revealing field where numbers can be applied to solve real-world problems. By majoring in Statistics, you will learn about the science and theories behind data. Your classes will teach you to explore and analyze data in order to reach conclusions about probability. Statisticians interpret data, and analyze trends in order to hypothesize about probable and possible developments in the future. Crunching numbers and performing tests based around your hypothesis will be a huge part of your studies.
Classes that you will take as a statistics major will include calculus, experimental design, probably theory, technical writing, statistical theory, statistical methods, statistical computing, regression analysis, linear regression, analysis of data, statistics for the social sciences, history of statistics, and probability models.
Statistics was the 85th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 9,979 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 380 over the prior year, a growth of 3.8%.
This year's Best Statistics Schools ranking compares 136 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of stats programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
If you have a knack for mathematics and an interest in learning more, study online to achieve your career goals at Southern New Hampshire University. Our mathematics degree can help you enhance your mathematical abilities, including reasoning and problem-solving in three areas: analysis, algebra and statistics.
BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
Put mathematical concepts to work to solve today's most complex real-world problems by studying applied mathematics with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
This major requires a student who can think critically and logically. You will be making conclusions based upon your data. You should be a curious person who is ready to solve intricate and detailed problems. Coursework will involve advanced math classes; students should stay organized in order to keep up with assignments. Much of your work will be done on the computer.
Your classes will involve a combination of lectures and labs. Work in the labs will give you practice collaborating with your peers and learning corporately, an important skill to have as you make your transition into the workforce.
Although much of your work will be done independently, be ready to learn from your peers and professors. You may also have to undertake group projects and presentations. Work on your speaking skills in order to communicate in a professional manner, articulating complex ideas and information. Being able to write accurate and concise reports is also necessary. You will have to share and present results of studies that you have designed, collected, and analyzed.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most stats degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional stats certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Stats degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in statistics to the highest stats degree, a . Different statistics degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to stats, with approximately 42.0% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to stats tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 40.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 26.7% |
| Doctoral Degree | 16.1% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 5.5% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 4.4% |
About 96.3% of workers in careers related to stats obtain at least bachelor's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in statistics have received.
The education level required is different depending on the stats career you are seeking.
You will need a master's degree in order to become a statistician. Businesses will invest a lot of money in a statistician in order to organize, analyst, and sort through the data.
Graduates who want to go straight into a career should find opportunities working as advisors, researchers and analysts for businesses, financial industries or government programs.
Want a job when you graduate with your stats degree? Statistics careers are expected to grow 15.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to statistics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Science Professors | 66,600 | 9.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Statisticians | 49,800 | 33.9% |
| Actuaries | 28,900 | 22.5% |
| Survey Researchers | 14,900 | 2.1% |
Recently graduated statistics students earned an average of $62,447 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $34,767 to as high as $119,416. As you might expect, salaries for stats graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for statistics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers stats grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Actuaries | $116,250 |
| Mathematicians | $104,870 |
| Statisticians | $92,600 |
| Mathematical Science Professors | $87,140 |
With over 654 different stats degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased stats school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Statistics that might interest you.
One of 4 majors within the Mathematics & Statistics area of study, Statistics has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Statistics | 8,503 |
| Other Statistics | 540 |
| Mathematical Statistics & Probability | 500 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 436 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30,202 |
| Applied Mathematics | 11,107 |
| Other Statistics | 644 |
| Applied Statistics | 464 |
