Though highly related, statistics is different from mathematics as a discipline and a career choice. In fact, the best statistics bachelor’s degrees aim to teach past mathematical statistics. They instead focus on applied statistics in a variety of courses, including psychology, economics, engineering, machine learning, education, agriculture, sociology, medicine, biological sciences, and quality control.
If you wish to pursue a career in statistics, bachelor’s degree jobs are far and plenty both in the government and in large corporations. Here, you will be tasked to analyze data, conduct surveys, and design experiments. Even better, a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics also prepares you to pursue a specialized Master’s Degree in Statistics. While the former already offers countless job opportunities, the latter can do even more.
To help prepare you for a future in this field, we have listed the best programs for a statistics bachelor’s degree. Navigating the field also requires a strong understanding of career opportunities, which is why we’ve also curated a list of statistics bachelor’s degree jobs with lucrative pay and solid growth potential.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics?
Some of the best schools offering Bachelor’s Degrees in Statistics include Arizona State University (ASU), Carnegie Mellon University, Washington University, University of Evansville (UE), Columbia University, and Illinois Institute of Technology Online (IIT). Those with degrees in statistics can land careers as database administrators, financial risk managers, financial advisors, professors in computational or applied statistics, and management accountants.
What Schools Offer the Best Statistics Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Evansville (UE)
- Illinois Institute of Technology Online (IIT)
- University of Iowa (UI)
- Wright State University (WSU)
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics?
The admissions requirements for a statistics bachelor’s degree program include an application, supporting academic documents like transcripts, and standardized test scores. Different institutions may also have other additional requirements depending on if you’re an incoming freshman or a transferring student.
While grades do play an important role in determining admissions, selection committees tend to put a value on having a wide variety of practical experiences. So, in addition to education requirements in mathematics, theoretical statistics, and at least one science subject, hands-on experience with statistical analysis and applied statistics is also incredibly beneficial.
Remember, however, that the Department of Statistics in different universities and colleges set up unique course and admission requirements for concentration in Statistics. The school for statistics of these organizations creates a specialized curriculum to screen students admitted into certificate programs, graduate degree programs, high-quality academic training programs, minor programs, and undergraduate programs.
Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Filled-out application form
- Completion of high school graduation requirements
- American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores
- Transcripts
How to Get a Statistics Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics requires you to enroll in a program covering an average of 120-course credits to be completed across four years. While the core courses remain consistent, the program offerings and admission requirements can also be modified.
Some of the subjects included in this robust statistics program are statistical computing, actuarial statistics, business statistics, environmental statistics, medical statistics, and financial risk management, to name a few.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics?
The minimum number of credits required to obtain a statistics bachelor’s degree is 120. These credits are spread out across eight semesters, and thus break down to about 15 credits per semester. While the main portion of this curriculum will be focused on theoretical statistics and core statistical data science, most colleges also mandate that up to 39 units need to be in the upper-division level of applied statistics.
Statistics Degree Requirements
- 30 credit hours of mandatory core classes like statistical inference, analysis of variance, applied multivariate statistics, and design of experiments
- 12 credit hours of selected industrial statistics and data analysis courses like statistics for decision making and doubt statistics
- 18 credit hours of major-specific courses like data analysis in mathematical and computational sciences, statistical genetics, and actuarial statistics
- 21 credit hours of upper-division electives that are statistics-related like financial risk management
Best Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Statistics | North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission |
| Dartmouth College | Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Duke University | Bachelor of Science in Statistical Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Statistics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Rice University | Bachelor of Science in Statistics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Statistics | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Evansville | Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Iowa | Bachelor of Science in Statistics | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Pennsylvania | Bachelor of Science in Statistics | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Wright State University | Bachelor of Science in Statistics | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Statistics: Top Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Below is a list of the best schools for a statistics bachelor’s degree. It includes details of each school, overviews of each program, and the steps to apply.
What Is a Statistics Bachelor’s Degree?
A statistics bachelor’s degree is proof of undergraduate education in this field of study. They can use this proof when applying for jobs in the research and data analysis sectors. A Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics is math and science-intensive, requiring incoming freshmen to get a higher grade in selected math subjects.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics?
A statistics bachelor’s degree is very important if you plan on pursuing a career in this field. The premise of this program is that big data, while easily available and accessible, is not useful to businesses in the form of data chunks. It needs to be processed and analyzed before it can be used in businesses and institutions for important decisions.
If you earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, you can pursue a career as a risk consultant, statistician, research assistant, or data analyst. Being a statistics major can also easily earn you a spot in entry-level jobs in sports, healthcare, sales, marketing, research, and other important industries.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Statistics?
The types of bachelor’s degrees you can enroll in are a bachelor of science (BS) and a bachelor of arts (BA). The former is typically considered the better undergraduate program because it more thoroughly covers basic statistical principles like a normal distribution, standard deviation, data manipulation and analysis, statistical modeling, and probability theory.
On the other hand, a BA is considered more flexible as it gives the student an opportunity to pursue a wider range of subjects than its BS counterpart. It also affords opportunities to expand the program’s interdisciplinary aspect with hands-on experience. With a BA, students can mesh applied statistics with another field of study, be it management, actuarial science, or even the biological sciences.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree in Statistics?
Whether it is better to get a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics depends entirely on the student. If you want to focus on math-intensive statistics subjects like data manipulation, data analysis, and probabilities, it’s better to choose the BS route. Similarly, a BS degree is also more beneficial if you wish to pursue a graduate-level education or a career in research.
However, if you want more variation and think that you will enjoy a statistics curriculum that incorporates practical experience in a wide variety of fields, including computer science, management, accounting, economics, psychology, and biology, then a BA degree is an advisable route.
What Is the Difference Between a Statistics Bachelor’s Degree and a Statistics Certificate?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics is issued by an accredited university after completing 120 course credits, which takes about four years. It is a prerequisite for a higher education degree like a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. This degree can also open up various career opportunities in research and data analysis.
On the other hand, a statistics certificate program is a means of learning statistics at the entry level. It is issued by a vocational school, a technical school, or a community college in preparation for a formal education and cannot substitute for a degree or a diploma. Instead, it’s proof that you’re ready to pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree in a similar field.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics?
The cost of a statistics bachelor’s degree depends on the institution offering the undergraduate program and whether it is a private or public school. While public schools only require you to pay around $9,349 per year in tuition, private schools can go as high as $32,769 per year and even more.
Moreover, if you pursue your statistics degree in a public university within your own state, you can get a state subsidy that lowers your tuition fee. You might still have to cover other expenses like board and lodging, textbooks, and personal expenditure, but it will be significantly cheaper than going out of state.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Statistics Bachelor’s Degree?
Most Bachelor’s Degrees in Statistics take four years to complete at the rate of 15 credits per semester. However, if you take more credits per semester or even transfer credits from a certification or high school Advanced Placement (AP) course, you can graduate earlier by a semester.
Another factor that can affect the duration of the program is the number of credits. While most universities require 120 course credits to award a statistics bachelor’s degree, there are others that require more. For example, Illinois Institute of Technology requires students to complete 126 course credits. Nonetheless, most deviations in credit requirements still manage to fit within a period of four years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics?
In general, it is not very hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, although the level of difficulty would depend on the student. A statistics degree’s curriculum is inclined towards math, science, and related disciplines. If you excel in these particular subjects, a statistics bachelor’s degree will be a breeze. If you are not as confident, earning this degree is still possible but will require more effort and dedication.
Why Should You Get a Statistics Bachelor’s Degree?
If you’re passionate about decrypting data into accessible information that can be used to analyze situations and make important decisions, getting a statistics bachelor’s degree is an obvious career choice. Data is everywhere, but it needs someone skilled and knowledgeable to process it and put it to good use. This is where statistics majors come in and add value.
A statistics bachelor’s degree will lead you to jobs that will employ your capabilities and interests in a wide variety of fields, including pure mathematical sciences, biological sciences, risk management, actuarial science, and even politics. On top of that, a degree in statistics will also help you earn a high salary, considering the competitive world of data analysis is compensated with lucrative pay.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Statistics?
Some of the most common courses taken during a statistics bachelor’s degree program are calculus, linear algebra, probability, and core mathematical statistics. A statistics degree also involves an applicative curriculum. Courses catering to actuarial statistics, business statistics, environmental statistics, and statistical genetics are commonly included, as well.
Calculus
Calculus 1 deals with calculus sequence, and this is where you’ll learn more about continuity, limits, and functions. In Calculus 2, you’ll be learning about different calculus sequences, differential equations, and the integration process. The last course focuses on the functions of applied multivariate statistics. Here, you will also be introduced to real-life variables and applications.
Linear Algebra
Linear algebra teaches you linear equation solutions. This means you’ll be dealing more with the usage of a variable’s highest power to solve complex questions and challenges. The difficulty level of math is not very high in undergraduate courses, but it does involve complex topics like matrices, euclidean vector spaces, linear transformations, and projections.
Probability
As the foundation of statistics, the probability will be an integral part of your statistics curriculum. During this course, you will learn how to quantify different chance events. You’ll start the subject by learning basic theories of probability. As you progress in the course, you will also deal with more complex probability subjects like the Bayes theorem and conditional probability.
Real Analysis
Real Analysis dwells more on the real number systems. It helps you study calculus concepts like continuity and limits and their implementation in solving physical problems. Real analysis aims to prove different calculus theorems with deductive logic. As a result, this course will also help you develop problem-solving skill sets.
Mathematical Statistics
At its core, a statistics degree is going to be math-intensive. Aside from the basic mathematical subjects, you will also have to deal with mathematical statistics, which is a specialized extension of probability theory. This course deals with math in a more rigorous manner, using mathematical and statistical models to measure, organize, and analyze observed datasets.
Continuing Education Paths for Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After you earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, the next step in higher education is to pursue a master’s degree in a related field. Once you’re done with your master’s degree, you can also pursue a doctoral degree in the same discipline. Given that this field of study is dependent on core STEM subjects, there aren’t many alternatives to the traditional education path from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.
Related Statistics Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
When you select a four-year degree, it’s crucial that you get to know the course thoroughly and explore all of its course inclusions before making a decision. But choosing the statistics bachelor’s degree program that best fits your requirements is not an easy task, especially considering the sheer number of options. Here are certain factors to look out for that can make this selection process easier for you.
Provides a Comprehensive Background
As a university freshman, it’s good to have a solid bird’s eye view of the whole course before fully immersing in it. To make sure your degree prepares you well for an actual career in the field, choose a program that starts with the basics and builds on this foundation to introduce you to the nitty-gritty details of a specialization.
Provides the Most Up-to-Date Curriculum
Students start the process of learning when they read and study the applicable theories of a given discipline. This is even more important for core subjects like statistics that continuously evolve with research. Choose a program that spends the right amount of time immersing learners in classic theories while also updating itself to keep up with the latest developments in the field.
Offers Practical Applications of Taught Theories
Most people who are good in school often lack when it comes to applications of any given theory to real-life situations. Theories are one-dimensional when studied from a textbook. However, they become dynamic and flexible if they’re used situationally. Go for a curriculum with a great balance between theories and their applications. This learned flexibility will also help you do better in your job.
Offers Internship Programs
Internships are an excellent opportunity to further the extent of applied knowledge you can gain from your degree. Enrolling in a degree program that allows you to spend a certain number of hours working as an intern in a certain business is a great way of learning hands-on. Such experiences also help you get a feel of your future job, helping you decide whether this is what you want and envision.
Requires a Culmination Project
A good statistics bachelor’s degree program should offer support to its students by encouraging them to take on a capstone project. Here, students come up with a problem or a question that they will solve by simulating real-life solutions and strategies based on everything they’ve learned from the course. This project is also useful for building the student’s portfolio when they seek employment later on.
What Is the Most Affordable Statistics Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable statistics bachelor’s degree program is offered by Elizabeth City State University. The program is under the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering Technology, and it only costs $3,194 per semester for in-state students and $7,194 per semester for out-of-state students.
Salary and Job Outlook for Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Statistics is not an easy field to study. It requires you to be calculated, keen on details, and passionate about making sense of big chunks of data. It also requires you to be patient when dealing with an overwhelming volume of information that needs to be sifted and processed to be useful. However, despite being challenging, it’s also a lucrative career that pays well.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Statistics Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a statistics bachelor’s degree. In fact, statistician jobs are some of the fastest-growing in this digital age. Like any job, you need to have a stellar background to land a job as a statistics major. But when it comes to hiring, academics are often seen at par with industrial experience and analytical capacity.
To show that you’re competent enough to tackle the responsibilities given by your employer, you have to first work on your resume and portfolio. Highlight courses, experiences, and achievements that show you’re the right fit for the position and can add value to your client’s business.
What’s the Average Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), statisticians enjoy a yearly pay of $96,280, which breaks down to $46.29 hourly. As of 2020, the BLS recorded a total of 44,800 jobs for statistics majors and a job outlook of 33 percent. This means that the field is competitive, which is also why the job is high-paying.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Statistics Bachelor’s Degree?
With a bachelor’s degree in statistics, you become a highly in-demand resource to businesses and industries dealing with large data volumes in a wide variety of sectors. If you are keen on academia, there are also multiple career opportunities that can help you find your niche in research. Here are some of the most enticing and well-paying jobs for statistics degree holders at the undergraduate level.
Statistics Degree Jobs
- Data Analyst
- Financial Risk Analyst
- Insurance Underwriter
- Market Researchers
- University Professor
Potential Careers With a Statistics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that entry-level statisticians enjoy a median wage of $96,280 yearly. As you gain more experience and acquire certifications, you can also expect your rate to go higher. Plus, if you take on challenging projects or more complex roles, you can also expect a significant leap in your annual income in the form of bonuses and promotions.
Highest-Paying Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst | $82,360 |
| Financial Risk Analyst | $81,410 |
| University Professor | $79,640 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $76,390 |
| Market Researcher | $63,920 |
Best Jobs for Statistics Bachelor’s Degree Grads
Below are some of the most sought-after and most highly paid jobs suited for statistics bachelor’s degree-holders. You can use the data here as inspiration and motivation for why you should aim for a statistics degree.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics is worth it, based on the salary, job outlook, and the number of jobs currently offered. The degree teaches you useful concepts and strategies that make you valuable to employers across a very broad range of industries. Most of the jobs also have high outlooks, which means that they can support growth within your career.
Additional Reading About Statistics
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Statistics Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
You can choose numerous career paths with a statistics bachelor’s degree. You can work in academia, large corporations, the retail industry, operational research, and even do freelance work as an analyst on the side. Data is relevant to nearly all institutions, most of which need help in processing these data chunks to make them palatable for business decisions.
Yes, you can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics online. There are numerous schools that offer purely online setups to help students complete their studies and earn a degree. Alternatively, there are also hybrid learning models that require minimal in-person attendance limited to exams and oral tests.
The median wage for a statistics bachelor’s degree holder falls somewhere between $65,000 to $80,000 per year. As this range is well above the average annual income of $58,260, you can say that an undergraduate statistics degree earns a fairly high salary.
According to College Factual, from 2019 to 2020, statistics ranked as the 88th most popular and most common major for university students. This is a strong indication of popularity, especially considering that the competition was among 9,599 other degrees. The very high number of jobs for statisticians is another indicator that this degree is in demand.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
