Statistics is the science and art of learning from data. It is an area of science that involves the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, as well as appropriate communication and presentation of data-driven results. The field of statistics provides useful critical-thinking techniques and procedures for evaluating ideas and discovering the world around us.
The study and practice of statistics can be very exciting—and enable you to work in so many diverse settings, including supporting research to make medicine more effective; analyzing information from space on continuous changes in global climatic weather; working at social network sites like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn; or helping to protect endangered species. The ways in which statisticians make the world a better place are vast. Diverse and numerous amounts of data are collected continually and everywhere—and you can be part of how this information is used throughout our world.
Statistics can be applied to a vast number of fields and issues, ranging from the environment and public safety to healthcare and sports. According to the American Statistical Association, statistician was ranked the best business job, and the second-best job in America, by U.S. News & World Report in January 2019.
Earning your Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Statistics at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, will prepare you for exciting and challenging careers, with among the fastest-growing and top-paying jobs in the country.
Why Study Statistics at Marshall?
Our B.S. program in Statistics has a strong background in Mathematics, with diverse and well-structured courses in Statistics that also prepare you for advanced degrees in mathematical and statistical sciences.
Our Department of Mathematics has award-winning faculty who continue to make significant contributions in the fields of mathematics and statistics. Average class sizes are small, providing a closer interaction between faculty and students. Students also can be involved in faculty research projects and are mentored by research faculty in their capstone projects. Travel funds are available for you to attend and present your research work at local, regional and selected national conferences.
Career Outlook for Statistics Majors
Whether you are called a statistician, statistical scientist, data scientist or data analyst, one thing is common to all—using statistics to draw valuable insights or inferences from data. Many education and career paths may lead to becoming a statistician, and employment opportunities are available in a multitude of areas, providing statisticians with professional flexibility, and exciting and rewarding career opportunities.
Employment of statisticians is projected to grow 34 percent through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth is expected to result from more widespread use of statistical analysis to make informed business, healthcare and policy decisions. In addition, the large increase in available data from the Internet will open up new areas for analysis.
Demand for statisticians is growing and their salaries are strong. The median annual wage for statisticians was $87,780 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,350.
As of May 2018, the median annual wages for statisticians in the top industries in which they worked were:
Federal government – $106,670
Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences – $96,290
Insurance carriers and related activities – $81,660
Healthcare and social assistance – $79,370
Colleges, universities and professional schools; state, local, and private – $73,360
Future Prospects
A degree in Statistics from Marshall University opens up many employment opportunities in West Virginia and beyond, including:
Engineering, industry, banking / finance and actuarial positions
Government agencies such as the National Security Agency and federal research laboratories
In addition, statisticians will be needed in the scientific research and development services, and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industries. The aging of the U.S. population is expected to prompt pharmaceutical companies to develop new treatments and medical technologies. Biostatisticians will be needed to conduct the research and clinical trials necessary for companies to obtain approval for their products from the Food and Drug Administration.
If you earn your bachelor’s degree in Statistics, you also will be prepared to go for a graduate program in the statistical sciences, mathematics, economics, engineering and other fields, or professional school in business, law, medicine and related fields.
Opportunities for Statistics Majors
Special Programming
Each semester, the Department of Mathematics offers Math Colloquium talks on a variety of mathematical topics.
The department’s Advanced Research Initiative series features distinguished guest speakers who also meet and talk with undergraduate and graduate students.
Undergraduate Research
The Department of Mathematics mentors and sponsors undergraduate research. Examples of available research programs include:
The Mathematical Biology research group, mentored by Dr. Anna Mummert, is actively studying the spread and control of influenza using discrete mathematical modeling. This research was funded by an NSF mathematical biology research grant.
A PIC Math grant to facilitate applied student research projects. The department continues to offer courses in the same style in which teams of students serve a mathematical consultants for local governments and organizations.