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What Classes are in a Statistics Degree Program?

A degree in statistic requires students to learn the methods and mathematics used to extrapolate information from data. Students may study statistics at the bachelor or graduate level. Statistics is very mathematics intensive, requiring students to learn various forms of mathematics to develop and utilize statistical models. A bachelor's degree is not necessary to pursue graduate level degrees in statistics, though a math background is required.

It is also important to know top colleges and universities offering degrees in statistics will require students to understand the intricacies with a variety of social sciences such as sociology, economics, psychology, anthropology, geography, linguistics, and political science given the overlap and applicability in each domain.

A curriculum in statistics may include:

  • Data Analyses
  • Regression
  • Linear and Experimental Models
  • Statistical Methods and Models
  • Probability

Prerequisites for a Statistics Degree

If you are applying to an accredited college or university’s statistics program, you will need to meet certain requirements prior to earning admissions to their program.  In addition to a robust background in mathematics, you will need to have exceptional grades in both math and sciences.  Since math permeates every discipline in life, a strong grasp of mathematical principles is an essential key to expanding your knowledge in the field of statistics.  It is recommended you have taken classes in computer software, computational math, or data analysis as these areas are in demand across disparate sectors of our economy.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$85,160

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

56.47%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

33,440

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Statistics Degree

Both undergraduate and graduate programs in Statistics are available at Harvard University. The undergraduate statistics degree program provides the conceptual, computational and mathematical tools used in making sense of complex data that arises from many applications. The graduate degree in statistics posits a mission is to develop statisticians for academia and beyond. This program can be a stepping stone to a successful career in statistics.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Yale University offers programs for BA and BS in Statistics and Data Science. The BA in Statistics and Data Science degree program familiarizes students with the fundamental techniques in the field. The BS degree program trains students to participate in research efforts. This can also lead the way to a graduate school in Data Science.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York offers the BA/MA option in Statistics. The concentration in the undergraduate statistics major is suitable for students who aspire to pursue an academic or professional work in fields where data analysis is valued. The MA program is structured for students who are preparing for professional positions or in any other quantitative fields. The BA and MA option can be completed in a shorter period of time, making it more financially advantageous to the students.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics at Brown University provides foundations which includes basic statistical concepts and methodologies. This program exposes the students to the role of statistical thinking and analysis in the public sphere. Graduates had been able to manipulate data using software in a reproducible way. They can perform exploratory data analysis approaches as well as graphical data analysis.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

BS in Statistics at the University of Pennsylvania develops the skills and insights needed to make effective quantitative methods, apply techniques and communicate statistical results. This will help their future graduates to find employment by being able to interpret vast amounts of data generated by computing systems, a problem that managers usually face. They provide the skills that can augment substantive managerial abilities to students. They let their students be exposed to computer software that implements key techniques, as a result, they gain more valuable experiences.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Master’s Program in Statistics at the University of Chicago provides several constituent parts that go together to establish a comprehensive education. Through seminars and special courses, their students will have exposure to the cutting edge of research fields. Students may choose a Master’s subject with the guidance of the faculty advisor. University of Chicago also offers undergraduate programs in Statistics that can be checked via the school's primary web portal. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Stanford University offers a minor in Statistics in Undergraduate Programs. This Minor subject complement degree programs in economics, social and natural sciences, and computer science. MS degree program in Statistics is also available. It had become exceedingly popular whether as a terminal degree or together with a doctorate in another field.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Students who majored in Statistical Science at Duke University are exposed to a wide range of statistical methods. They will learn how to use mathematical and computational sciences tools. The program they offer is designed to teach students about the discipline of statistics. It should also provide the majors the opportunity to develop a substantial undergraduate research experience. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The statistics major at Amherst College leads a way in many stimulating and exciting careers. Graduates of this major have developed computational and data analysis skills. They successfully acquired proficiency with the application of a broad range of statistical techniques. They have been skilled in communicating results of statistical analyses.

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Bachelor of Arts in Statistical Science major at Cornell University provides an interdisciplinary academic program in the study of empirical quantitative reasoning in its social context. This major is designed to integrate with three major themes in Statistical Science: Mathematical Science, Applied Statistics, Computational Statistics. They focus on establishing a firm grounding in both the major area and the substantial depth in a specific area. It also has features that support double majors through the requirement of external specialization. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Students who chose Mathematics or Statistics as their major subject at Williams College learn with faculty by receiving hands-on training. Majors are taught how to think, understand and solve problems. Each of the majors are required to give a full colloquium talk and will be expected to participate in a senior seminar. They are allowed to take tutorials and do original research.

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The uindergraduate degree in Statistics at Northwestern University gives a strong emphasis on the application of statistical methods. In addition to the introductory and basic courses that they offer, they also provide the opportunity to take more advanced courses which reflect the expertise of the faculty. MS in Statistics is also available in this University. Those accepted in this program will take a total of nine courses. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The BA Degree in Statistics at Rice University teaches the students how to apply fundamental theory in statistical reference and in probability. Majors will also learn how to apply and evaluate statistical models. Professional Master's degree in Statistics can also be taken for students seeking to extend their acumen in the statistical field of study.  This Master’s Degree program’s goal is to provide advanced training that will prepare the students for an industry career as a statistician.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Johns Hopkins University offers a degree in Statistics in addition to degree pathways in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, a Master of Science in Engineering, and an Applied Mathematics in Statistics.  The Master’s program in Applied Mathematics and Statistics covers probability theory, applied and theoretical statistics and stochastic processes. The Master’s program in Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Statistics span modern applied mathematics. Game theory, network programming, and numerical optimization are all included in this program.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Master of Arts in Statistics program at Washington University in St. Louis prepares students to perform a data-driven, information-rich workforce which requires general and specialized skills necessary in statistical analysis. This program covers important elements of statistical studies. Along with a required practicum, they strive to establish foundation for further doctoral-level study in mathematics and statistics. They also give emphasis on making reliable and productive business decisions and how to use the present technology available efficiently.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Barnard College offers a major in Economics-Statistics. This major is designed to provide a grounding in economic theory that is comparable to what a general major in economics offers. Students can expect to be exposed to a rigorous and extensive training in Statistics. There are two tracks in this major in which students may choose from, the Computational Track and the Theoretical Track.

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

A Masters of Science in Statistics program is available at the University of Southern California. This program guarantees to provide a strong mathematical foundation in statistical theory. They also included some aspects of probability theory as they emphasize applications to real world problems. Those who aspire or already have a position or job that involves statistical methods and practice are welcome in this program.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Virginia offers an interdisciplinary Major in Applied Statistics. This offers the opportunity to integrate the study of statistics to another quantitatively intensive discipline. Since knowledge in statistics has an increasing value, graduates of this major will receive many employment options available. Students here are trained to design experimental studies and analyze data.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of California-Los Angeles offers a Graduate Program in Statistics. Applicants in Master of Science in Statistics should have a cumulative grade-point average of not lower than 3.2 upper division courses. For admission at the PhD in Statistics, a qualifying grade of at least 3.5 must be presented. Other important details can be checked via the school’s primary web portal.  Learn more about this exciting, highly regarded degree program today.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Bachelor of Arts in Statistics at the University of California-Berkeley provides a systematic and thorough grinding in applied theoretical statistics and probability. This program is known to have faculty and teaching staff with extremely high dedication. This program gives the best preparation for a career in science or industry. They also offer a minor subject in Statistics that is designed to study a significant number of statistics at the upper division level.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The major in Statistics at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is designed to prepare students for careers in industry, government or for graduate programs. It focuses on the skills in critical thinking and problem-solving that are useful in data analysis and empirical research. These offer a core set of courses in statistical theory, computational statistics, and applied statistics. Some of these focus on research areas while some cover specific classes of statistical techniques.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The degrees in Statistics and Data Science at Carnegie Mellon University strive to help their students master the diverse skills in mathematics, forecasting, design of meaningful comparisons, computing and many other more that is needed by a Statistician. They teach them how to collaborate effectively with people in other fields. They do this by first putting effort on helping them have insight about the substance of other fields. As a result, their graduates are highly sought-after in the marketplace.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The degree programs in Statistics offered at Emory University includes a BS, Master’s and Doctoral degree programs. These programs thrive to produce graduates that know how to look at complex data sets. They aim to develop skills in extracting meaningful insights in their students. These are the reasons why students who complete their degree programs are well prepared to immediately go to a workforce and pursue advanced degrees.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

major in Statistics can be taken at Carleton College. This major teaches how to model real-world problems. This imparts knowledge on how statistics is applied in a variety of fields. Students who chose this major gained experience with statistical software.

Acceptance Rate

19.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The School of Mathematics at Georgia Institute of Technology provides a degree program in Masters of Science in Statistics. This is offered for students with BS in mathematics or to those who have engineering backgrounds. 30 credit hours of coursework is what this program requires. There is also no thesis option.

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Top Statistics Degrees

When considering what type of statistic degree to obtain, it is important to place your priorities first.  Meaning, if you desire to teach advanced statistics at a private college you will most likely need to obtain a doctorate degree while a research analyst for an ad agency may only require a bachelor’s degree to enter the field.  A cross-section of degrees for statisticians are listed below for you to research further.

Bachelor Degree in Statistics

A bachelor’s degree in statistics focuses on the basics of statistics: collecting, analyzing, interpreting, formatting, and presenting data in coherent ways.  A bachelor degree is the entry-point to a variety of vocations that include working with various government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, research & development firms, software companies, advertising agencies, market research organizations, accounting firms, financial entities, and quality control in fabrication or manufacturing companies.

Master Degree in Statistics

The master degdree programs for soon-to-be statisticians often comes in two flavors: Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Education (EdM).  A Master of Science in Applied Statistics is a 2-year program for full-time students that includes classes like: statistical inference, linear models, experimental design, computational statistics, regression analysis, longitudinal data analysis, multivariant analysis, and latent structure analysis.  The Master of Education, on the other hand, includes more social sciences like psychology, psychometric theory, public health, social services, and empirical research.

Doctorate Degree in Statistics

Doctorate degree programs in statistics are offered by colleges and universities as a EdD or a PhD program.  Both and EdD and PhD are terminal degrees in statistics as there is no degree beyond the doctorate level.  While both degrees are recognized by the National Sciences Foundation as equivalent to a PhD in medicine, the differences between a PhD and EdD comes down to the curricular design and post-graduation intent of the degree.  A graduate with a research-based PhD in Statistics will typically pursue a career in teaching or academic research while disciplined-based EdD degree holders can pursue careers in clinical, research, or administrative fields.

Can I Specialize Within Statistics?

Yes, most statisticians specialize in a particular discipline within a sector of the economy. We will cover a short list of areas of specialization for you to consider as you think about the right college program for you. A list of highly specialized career options for a statistician include:

Employment Opportunities for Statisticians

A career in statistics will involve the design, implementation and interpretation of statistical models in order to obtain information for specific purpose. This may be performed through the development of surveys, experiments, polls or other methods where the collection of data takes place. The statistician will then examine this data and interpret the results in order to present a conclusion. The use of statisticians in business and government is widespread. Statisticians work with government most agencies in order to determine probabilities and recognize trends. Private companies will utilize statisticians to track trends in markets, compile historical data, determine demographics, and more.

Largest Employers of Statisticians

  • Scientific Research Centers
  • Federal Government
  • Management Consultants
  • State Government
  • Insurance Carriers

States with the Highest Employment of Statisticians

  • California 4,120
  • Maryland 3,000
  • Massachusetts 2,640
  • Pennsylvania 2,510
  • Texas 1,590

Top Paying States for Statisticians

  1. New Jersey $129,320
  2. Delaware $112,500
  3. Connecticut $109,060
  4. District of Columbia $104,680
  5. Maine $102,940

Statistician Career Outlook

Jobs for statisticians are expected to grow 6 times as fast as the average over the next decade at a rate of 34% adding some 10,100 jobs during that time. Increased growth will come from the need for data analyses for tech companies, increased data efficiency for government agencies, and the need for data to make informed decisions for businesses in general. Additionally, statisticians are heavily used by pharmaceutical companies, particularly to extrapolate data from drug tests to see the effectiveness of new medications.

Statisticians with master or doctoral degrees will be able to consult privately, as well as develop new test model for data collection. Independent researchers are able to propose project ideas, and often work alongside agencies or private firms in order to tackle specific issues. Graduate degrees will also open up teaching opportunities in statistics.

The average pay for statisticians:

  • Federal Government - $95,000
  • Research and Development $83,000
  • Insurance Companies - $66,000
  • Teachers (all levels) $65,000
  • State Government - $45,000

Individuals interested in statistics may also be interested in mathematics, demography and population study, or business statistics. For further research, consider visiting the ASA to learn more about member benefits and professional networking opportunities in this field of study.

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