About Statistics
Students who major in statistics are prepared to use data to solve problems in the real world. Learning how to gather and decipher complicated information can help majors contribute to public policy, commercial decisions, and other areas ranging from disease prevention to storm prediction. Moreover, students majoring in statistics learn how to collect, examine, and interpret data. Those who select this degree may be motivated to work in government, banking, or finance, among other professions. They can have a diverse range of interests because statistics are useful in so many different applications.
Study Statistics in the USA
International students frequently choose the US as their preferred destination since it has retained its leadership in educational achievement. Both public and private colleges offer higher education in the US. State universities receive public funding. The US state system frequently has a single administration managing a number of campuses dispersed throughout the state. Each campus has its own unique identity as an independent university and is totally autonomous. Compared to private institutions, where tuition costs can be very high, state universities are often less expensive. The university system maintains a high degree of competency and excellence thanks to its autonomy, independence, and total self-regulation. There are lots of universities and colleges which provide statistics education in the USA. Most universities provide the necessary equipment for statistics, such as computer labs. Most campuses have computer labs that a statistics student needs. Faculty members also care about students and take into account what students suggest. Accordingly, the workload can sometimes be compelling since the instructors want to teach the best and expect students to perform well.
Advantages of Studying Statistics in the USA
Some universities in the USA offer a high caliber of professors and a breadth of courses. Thanks to the course works and projects, they prepare students to secure a good position in companies. Most new graduate students feel empty and do not know what to do when they first experience a working environment. However, most new statistics graduates in the USA feel ready to use their knowledge in work.
Career Paths for Statistics Degree Major
A statistics degree can equip you to follow a number of fulfilling and important job choices. Jobs for statistics degrees are plentiful and could be found in a variety of industries, from marketing and finance to information technology, cybersecurity, and medical research. Here are some of the options a statistics graduate can head for;
Statistician: Statisticians handle a variety of issues and using mathematical and analytical techniques provide comprehending and resolving them. Accordingly, Politics and computer science are two areas where statisticians are employed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for statisticians was $93,290 as of May 2020. That is more than twice the $41,950 median yearly wage for all workers. Moreover, mathematicians and statisticians benefit from an auspicious job outlook. The average growth rate for jobs in these industries through 2030 is predicted to be 33%. The 8% prediction for all occupations throughout the same era is more than four times lower than this figure.
Data Scientist: Data scientists frequently concentrate on using modeling and analysis to resolve particularly challenging problems involving big data collections, both organized and unstructured. Along with other tools, they use data-focused programming languages and statistical software to illustrate issues and findings. The BLS estimates that the median annual salary for data science professionals is $103,930. According to O*NET, there is predicted to be favorable job growth for data scientists until 2030, with opportunities available expected to increase by at least 15%.
Financial Analyst: Financial analysts develop deep market expertise that they employ for research and statistical analysis. The ultimate goal is to effectively use the tools already in place to better financial outcomes, so they then share their findings. These specialists work with a variety of clientele, from small businesses to giant global corporations. According to the BLS, the typical annual salary for a financial analyst was $83,660 as of May 2020. Although the field as a whole is expected to have average job growth of 6% through 2030, there are hundreds of thousands of such positions in the U.S. due to the widespread need for this type of support.
Marketing Research Analyst: Market research analysts help organizations by analyzing both existing and new markets for their products, forecasting sales, drawing inferences from relevant historical data, and assessing the success of marketing initiatives. This is a well-liked job option for statistics majors among the many available ones. Market research analyst positions are expected to rise by 22% by 2030, outperforming many other data analysis fields, according to the BLS. This position's typical annual salary is $65,810, which is much more than the national average for all jobs.
Biostatistician: To generate analysis and reporting for disciplines including public health, medicine, and environmental research, biostatisticians integrate the living sciences and statistics. They choose the finest data-gathering techniques for the current project, develop studies and clinical trials, and do much more. According to O*NET, the average salary for biostatisticians in 2020 was $92,270.
Business Intelligence Analyst: Analysts in business intelligence use applied statistics to present clear pictures of current market conditions. An analyst may assess sales data to show how customers reacted to the launch of a brand-new product or the emergence of new competitors. This job entails creating analytical methods, identifying data anomalies, and validating incoming data. In 2020, the median yearly wage for business intelligence analysts was $98,230, according to O*NET. There will likely be a 15% increase in employment opportunities for graduates in applied statistics by 2030.
These are some opportunities for statistics degree graduates, but there are many more, indeed.
What Skills Do I Need to Become a Statistician?
It is obvious that one must rely heavily on the mathematical mind as a statistician. In addition to that, these are some of the skills you need to consider as a candidate;
- proficiency with computers and math
- a thorough comprehension of statistical concepts and terminology
- problem-solving skills
- analytical skills
- written and oral communication skills
- the capability to explain findings and results to non-statisticians
- the ability to influence others
- practical and strategic working methods
- a great level of accuracy and care for details
- the ability to set and meet deadlines for your work
- the ability to work both independently and in groups.
Some of these skills can be gained through experience, yet some are important to have. For instance, mathematical ability and computer literacy are a must.
Is Statistics Right for Me?
Statistics could be the right major for you if you are a skilled mathematician who sees yourself applying your skills in fields ranging from climate change research to accounting. Statistics majors may aspire to work in the business or government sectors. If you believe that you are keen on mathematics and the job opportunities are attractive, you may study statistics. If you still have confusion, you should fill out forms and benefit from our qualified education advisors. They will help you to remove the question marks and clear your mind.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Statistician?
In the United States, bachelor's degree in statistics usually takes four years to complete, and a master's degree usually takes two years, depending on your program. If you decide to pursue a doctorate in this field, it could take you another four to five years.
The Best Universities to Study Statistics
- Columbia University: Columbia University in New York City includes nine Statistics degree programs. It is a large, private non-profit, four-year university in a large metropolis. 749 Statistics students graduated in 2020 with 645 Master's degrees, 49 Certificates, 34 Bachelor's degrees, and 21 Doctoral degrees.
- George Washington University: George Washington University has eight Statistics degree programs to choose from. It is a big, private non-profit, four-year university in a major city. In 2020, 134 Statistics students graduated, with 91 Master's degrees, 34 Bachelor's degrees, and 9 Doctoral degrees being awarded.
- University of California-Berkeley: The University of California-Berkeley offers five degree programs in statistics. Located in a medium-sized city, it is a relatively sizable public four-year university. 309 students majoring in statistics graduated in 2020, with 233 receiving bachelor's degrees, 59 receiving master's degrees, and 17 receiving doctoral degrees.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers seven degree programs in statistics. Located in a medium-sized city, it is a relatively large public four-year university. 282 graduates in the field of statistics received 181 master's degrees, 72 bachelor's degrees, and 29 doctoral degrees in 2020.
- University of California-Los Angeles: There are 7 degree programs in statistics offered by University of California, Los Angeles. A vast public four-year institution is located in a big city. 237 Bachelor's degrees, 59 Master's degrees, and 9 Doctoral degrees were given to 305 Statistics graduates in 2020.
Statistics Admission Requirements
Universities mostly require a high grade in math in some exams such as SAT and ACT. They also ask for IELTS or TOEFL for fluent English. The exams can vary according to universities, but a high degree in math and English is necessary.