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Statistics, General

Program Description

Just the Facts

Statistics, General. A general program that focuses on the relationships between groups of measurements, and similarities and differences, using probability theory and techniques derived from it. Includes instruction in the principles in probability theory, binomial distribution, regression analysis, standard deviation, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo method, Bayesian statistics, non-parametric statistics, sampling theory, and statistical techniques.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:



Additional Information

The number one love of any prospective statistics student should be math. This program takes number crunching to a new level.

A degree in statistics can lead to job opportunities in medical research, polling, environmental protection agencies, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture or consumer marketing.

You may want to take a math or science degree with a statistics minor. Generally, statisticians have an interest in an additional field of study, and they apply statistics to that -- biostatistics combines biology and statistics, for example.

The number one necessity is mathematics, though, so if you love numbers, statistics could be right up your alley.

Many employers accept applicants with a community college diploma. Generally, you'll start in a lower position, but you could work your way up. You may eventually have to pursue more advanced degrees to get the job you want.

Most undergraduate programs take four or five years. For more advanced jobs, you may need to take a master's, which usually takes another year or two. Some schools require you to take a placement test to qualify for admission.

Michael Tarter, a statistics professor at the University of California at Berkeley, says high school students should take all the math and computer courses they can. Students need to know the language of mathematics, he says.

"Forget about statistics and probability per se -- statistics has become conceptual. You have computers that can figure out the numbers, but you need to know what to do with those numbers," he says.

You need math and computer science, but being able to convey your ideas is equally important, says statistician Janet McDougall.

"You have to be able to understand the area. It is equally important to be able to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, because you are a team member and you must be able to get your ideas understood," she says.

Tuition and books are the main costs in this program.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Mathematicians and Statisticians

Mudd Math Fun Facts
Including the renowned ham sandwich theorem

This is Statistics
Blogs, quizzes, information, stats and more

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support