What is Statistics? The study of statistics emphasizes careful problem analysis, precision of thought and expression, and the mathematical skills needed for work in many other areas. Mathematicians and statisticians are interested both in the theory and the applications within their disciplines. Applied mathematicians and statisticians use tools growing out of calculus, computing, statistics, and operations research to solve problems in science, industry, government, and other areas. Statisticians may work in highly technical areas such as computer programming, or they may work in economics (as statistical analysts), in operations research, in insurance (as actuaries), or in any other field requiring sophisticated analytical skills. Some of these fields include sciences such as astronomy, chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, oceanography, meteorology, and ecology, or fields as diverse as linguistics, law, or business.

What can I do with this major? Our graduates are very successful in obtaining employment in such areas as statistics, computing and information systems, and operations research. Many important problems in government, private industry, health and environmental fields, and the academic world require sophisticated techniques for their solutions. The study of statistics provides specific analytical and quantitative tools for dealing with these problems. Employers view graduates with a strong background in mathematics and statistics as good problem solvers. There is also a growing demand for graduates with broad mathematical training in addition to experience with computers. Often these graduates can quickly acquire the technical knowledge that is needed in many specialized fields on the job. Job titles held by alumni with degrees in statistics are many and varied, such as actuary, benefits consultant, financial analyst, statistician, internal auditor, scientist, market researcher, biomathematician, operations analyst, systems engineer, software developer, management consultant, and numerical analyst. Those who go on to graduate school find their bachelor's degree is an excellent base to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in mathematics, statistics, operations research, or other fields such as business administration, computer engineering, computer science, economics, law, or medicine.