What can you do with a Statistics degree?

First, some facts. Of the Statistics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 359 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 77%, Statistics graduates have a higher likelihood (+10%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 77%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 47% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Statistics graduate.

See the details:

View a random Statistics graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from University of Vermont with a Bachelor's of Mathematical Sciences in Statistics. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Assistant Data Scientist Intern
The Hanover Insurance Group
May 2023 - Aug 2023
The role of Assistant Data Scientist Intern directly applies statistical knowledge and analytical skills developed during the Bachelor's program in Mathematical Sciences and Statistics.

Assistant Data Scientist
The Hanover Insurance Group
Aug 2023 - Jun 2024
As an Assistant Data Scientist, the job requires the use of statistical methods and data analysis skills which are core components of the Bachelor's degree in Statistics.

Assistant Data Scientist
The Hanover Insurance Group
Jun 2024 - Present
This position as an Assistant Data Scientist continues to utilize the statistical knowledge and analytical skills from the Bachelor's degree on a daily basis, maintaining strong relevance.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Science - MS
University of Vermont
2022 - 2024
ABOUT

Currently pursuing a master's degree in Complex Systems and Data Science at UVM, with a focus in honing skills in data science and applied mathematics. Working to improve professional skills in all areas. As well as working part time as an Assistant Data Scientist.

What jobs can you get with a Statistics degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When analyzing the job market for graduates with a degree in Statistics, it's evident that many graduates end up pursuing positions that make use of their statistical training, while others find themselves in roles that only partially apply their skills. The most common career paths among these graduates are data analyst, data scientist, and various analyst roles in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology. These positions tend to have a strong correlation with the core principles learned during their studies, emphasizing data analysis, statistical methods, and quantitative reasoning. Positions like Data Scientist, Senior Analyst, and roles within data-heavy sectors often utilize statistical modeling, data manipulation, and interpretation regularly, aligning closely with the academic knowledge gained at university.

However, it's important to note that not all jobs listed afterward are directly relevant to the field of Statistics. Many individuals with a statistics background have ventured into areas such as marketing, management, finance, and consulting where the job requirements don't explicitly call for an in-depth understanding of statistical methods. For instance, roles like Financial Consultant, Business Analyst, and various managerial positions may utilize some analytical skills but often pivot more towards business strategy or client relations instead of rigorous data analysis and statistical applications. Consequently, while many statistics graduates do find opportunities that leverage their academic training, a significant number appear to be in positions where their statistical expertise is not fully exercised or is only a minor part of the job.

In summary, graduates with a statistics degree frequently secure positions that are directly related to data analysis and statistical reasoning, which is a positive reflection of the utility of their education. Nonetheless, there is a notable division, with many others stepping into roles that, while potentially benefitting from statistical knowledge, do not fundamentally require it as a primary skill set. This variation highlights the diversity of career options available for statistics graduates, even as it calls attention to the need for clarity among students regarding the paths they wish to pursue post-graduation.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Statistics graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Statistics graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When analyzing the career trajectories of individuals with degrees in Statistics, it’s clear that their paths can vary widely, showcasing a mix of both successful and less relevant job placements. Graduates often start their careers in analytical or consulting roles. For instance, early positions such as data analysts, research assistants, or statistical consultants are common. Many graduates find themselves in roles that capitalize on their statistical knowledge, like data science or analytics positions in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology.

Over a span of 5 to 10 years, those who began in entry-level analyst positions experience notable advancements. For many, the typical progression leads to more specialized roles such as data scientists, statistical consultants, or managerial positions in analytics. Some pursue academia, while others take on higher corporate roles, including leadership positions, like Chief Data Officers or Senior Analytics Managers. However, the paths aren’t universally successful. Some graduates find themselves in career roles that are only tangentially related to their field of study or in roles that may not represent a fulfilling use of their skills. Examples can include shifts into marketing, project management, or roles that lack the quantitative focus that their training in statistics would have prepared them for.

In summary, while many graduates successfully navigate into fulfilling careers that use their statistical skills, a significant number take detours into unrelated fields or roles that do not fully utilize their education. This fluctuation between well-matched and mismatched careers presents a nuanced picture of how a degree in Statistics translates into the job market. Overall, a general trend indicates a promising start for statisticians, with many encountering substantial opportunities that leverage their specialized knowledge, albeit with some variance in outcomes.

How hard is a Statistics degree?

A Bachelor's degree in Statistics can be quite challenging, but it really depends on your strengths and interests. If you enjoy math, problem-solving, and working with data, you might find it engaging rather than hard. There are definitely some rigorous courses that dive deep into concepts like probability, regression, and hypothesis testing, and it can feel like a lot of work, especially during exam times or when you're tackling projects. However, if you’re someone who thrives in analytical situations and is willing to put in the effort, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Overall, I’d say it's on the harder side compared to some other degrees, but it's totally manageable with the right mindset and support!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Statistics.

Do Statistics graduates tend to make good money?

Looking through these graduates' LinkedIn profiles, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to their potential earnings. Many of them have landed solid jobs, especially those in tech-related fields like data science and engineering, which tend to pay pretty well. For instance, graduates from universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and the University of Michigan are working with major companies like Amazon and Google; these roles usually come with a six-figure salary, especially as they gain more experience. However, some graduates seem to have taken a more winding path, starting in roles that might not yield the highest pay at first, like in education or admin positions. Overall, those in more technical and data-driven fields appear to be in a good spot for making decent money.

On the flip side, it's clear some individuals may take a bit longer to reach that financial success, especially with transitional roles or internships that don’t offer high compensation. The variability in job roles and companies shows that while a degree in statistics can open doors, how quickly one climbs the financial ladder really depends on the industry, location, and individual choices post-graduation. So, while many of these graduates are well on their way to earning decent salaries, others might have to navigate a more gradual path to financial stability.

What buzzwords do Statistics graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Statistics. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Statistics?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Statistics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Statistics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
University of California, Los Angeles 87 12
Brigham Young University 81 17
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 81 10
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 79 14