Welcome to Statistics at NDSU
Statistics involves the analysis of numerical data. This ranges from the calculation of simple statistics to the mathematical theory behind very sophisticated statistical procedures. Statistical tools are used by professionals in areas such as agriculture, pharmacy, business, human development, and social sciences.
The Department of Statistics offers a major leading to a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree, as well as minors in statistics for both undergraduate and graduate students. The program is flexible enough to be individually planned around prior experience and in accord with professional goals. The program emphasis is on applied statistics, consulting, and computational methods.
Overview
Today, most professional statistical training is received at the undergraduate and the graduate level. NDSU provides a good blend of training suitable for many jobs in industry, government and academia through a major in statistics and a minor in a related area, such as the following:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Agriculture
- Biological Sciences
- Social Sciences
It is becoming increasingly important for those in other disciplines to have familiarity with basic statistical techniques and inference procedures.
The department provides opportunities to study both applied and theoretical aspects of statistics. Computers are extensively used in statistics instruction, and statistical software packages and programs are utilized in various courses. Data analysis is an important aspect in applied statistics courses.
Statisticians work closely with other scientists and researchers to develop new statistical techniques, adapt existing techniques, design experiments and direct analyses of surveys and retrospective studies.
Career Outcomes
Statisticians are ranked number one in best STEM jobs in 2022 according to U.S. News and World Report.
- Average Annual Salary: $82,000
Degrees
The curriculum emphasizes the use of computers in analyzing data. Students tackle real-world problems through various practicum courses. Graduates are nationally competitive and marketable.
- Minor in either applied statistics or statistics
- Bachelor’s degree in statistics
- Bachelor’s degree in behavioral statistics
- Mathematics and statistics dual major
- Mathematics and statistics dual major (pre-actuarial science)
- Master’s degree in applied statistics
- Doctorate in statistics
- Graduate certificate in statistics
- Big data statistical analysis graduate certificate
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Include Data Analysis for:
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Health/insurance companies
- Companies that conduct surveys and opinion polls
- Companies involved with sports statistics
Career Paths
You’ll have excellent career opportunities. Statisticians are involved in a variety of research activities, such as clinical trials for evaluating pharmaceutical agents; experiments for agricultural, ecological and environment studies; opinion polls; forecasting models; and quality control studies.
Where could I go after graduation?
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Department of Defense
- Engineering
- Education
- NASA
- Medicine
- Scientific Consulting
