Essential Information
Associate's degree programs in applied statistics offer foundational knowledge in how to collect and interpret data. Students seeking a higher level of education can opt for a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics, which is required by many employers. These programs offer basic information along with mathematics courses related to statistics.
Associate's degrees typically last two years, with bachelor's lasting four. The prerequisites for an associate's are simply submission of a high school transcript, GPA requirements set by the admitting college, and satisfactory ACT or SAT scores. A bachelor's program may require that students have already completed an associate's degree in applied statistics before enrolling to transfer credit, as well as maintaining a high GPA.
Associate of Science in Applied Statistics
An Associate of Science in Applied Statistics degree paves the way for entry-level jobs in the statistics field. Students learn the methodology used to collect and interpret data and how it applies to specific research. He or she learns to analyze data using the proper methods to answer the questions that concern the research questions.
An Associate of Science in Applied Statistics gives the student foundation classes that allows him or her to advance to a higher level of education. Coursework will include the following classes:
- Fundamental theories of statistics
- Sampling fundamentals
- Calculus
- Categorical data analysis
- Psychological research methods
- Laboratory science
Bachelor of Arts in Statistics
The Bachelor of Arts in Statistics degree program is geared toward statistical data collection, interpretation, and analysis. Students learn the theory of statistics, including how to interpret the results of data collection and how to make analytical decisions. Successful completion of the bachelor's degree program prepares the student for graduate study or positions in market analysis, research, or quality management.
Coursework in the Bachelor of Arts in Statistics degree program requires 120 credits, including liberal education requirements. Study is focused on mathematics, and it covers:
- Intro to statistics
- Statistical analysis
- Linear algebra
- Differential equations
- Calculus
- Statistical theory
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
Employment for a statistician will grow by 35% during the projection decade 2019 through 2029. This growth is a lot faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Statisticians have job opportunities in a variety of fields, including engineering, economics, software development and computer science. The BLS reported that the median annual salary for statisticians was $92,270 as of May 2020.
Associate's and bachelor's degrees in a statistics major teach students how to work with numbers to examine and explain data as statistics. Job opportunities for this field are growing rapidly, meaning graduates have a good chance of finding employment.
