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Statistics helps professionals extract meaningful patterns and trends from complex datasets. This career guide explores jobs in statistics, their applications, and the essential skills needed to succeed in this data-driven field.

What is statistics?

Statistics is a branch of mathematics focused on gathering, organizing, and analyzing data to draw reliable conclusions that inform decision-making. If you're interested in numbers, you could qualify for a career in scientific research, business, finance, healthcare, or other related fields.

A statistics course, degree, or certification can give you the ability to:

  • Analyze trends and behavior
  • Support or disprove hypotheses
  • Use tools that provide in-depth analysis

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Choosing the right statistics program for you

No matter where you are in your educational journey, there are many convenient and flexible statistics programs. Here are a few to consider.

Courses

A course in statistics is an excellent option for individuals curious about this field or looking to develop specific knowledge or skills in a certain area of statistics, such as probability, statistical inference, or regression analysis. Courses are typically a few weeks or months long.

Certificates

Many universities offer beginner and advanced statistics certificates. These are helpful if you're just starting or want to specialize. Statistics courses for certification can range from one to six months.

Executive education programs

If you're a working professional, an online executive education program could help you build a statistics specialization. These one-to-two-month programs feature statistics courses like marketing analytics, data science, business risk management, financial management, and market investments.

Degrees

Consider earning a degree if you're interested in a comprehensive statistics education that can prepare you for most entry-level careers. Degrees offered include:

  • Bachelor of arts, which combines statistics courses with liberal arts electives.
  • Bachelor of science, which provides a math or science concentration.
  • Master's (MS) or doctorate (PhD), which is helpful for advanced studies or research.

Jobs in statistics

Data scientist

Data scientists are responsible for extracting insights from datasets using a combination of machine learning, statistical analysis, data mining, and programming skills. They rely on statistical methods for hypothesis testing, predictive modeling, and inferential analysis to derive meaningful conclusions from data and drive actionable insights.

In most cases, you'll need a bachelor's degree to qualify. Some employers might require a master's or PhD.

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2024): $112,590
  • BLS projected job growth (2024–34): 34%
Market research analyst

Market research analysts study consumer behavior, market conditions and forecasts, and economics to determine the success of a product or service. They use statistics to analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes to develop business strategies.

A bachelor's degree is generally needed; some employers might require a master's.

  • BLS median annual salary (2024): $76,950
  • BLS projected job growth (2024–34): 7%
Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve real-world problems. They may design surveys, develop statistical models, and interpret and present findings. Statisticians can work in diverse settings, such as government agencies, research institutions, healthcare organizations, financial firms, consulting companies, and tech firms.

A career as a statistician typically requires a master's in statistics.

  • BLS median annual salary (2024): $104,350
  • BLS projected job growth (2024–34): 8%

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    FAQs about learning statistics

    Why should I learn statistics?

    A background in statistics can qualify you for many career opportunities. Most industries need trained individuals who can collect, organize, and analyze data to aid in decision-making.

    On a personal level, statistics training can help improve your reasoning and critical-thinking skills.

    How long does it take to learn statistics?

    At the undergraduate level, it typically takes four years to earn a degree. You might spend one to two years more studying for a master's level course. Executive education programs and certificates can last anywhere from two to six months.

    How hard is it to learn statistics?

    The difficulty of learning statistics may depend on your comfort level with mathematical principles and concepts. However, you don't need to be a brilliant mathematician to succeed in a statistics career. Statistics applies to real-world scenarios, which can make it easier to learn than theoretical mathematics.