Why choose a statistics major?

Statistics may seem like a dry academic subject. It isn’t. It impacts your life every day. When you’re in the middle of a Netflix binge, shopping for your Thanksgiving turkey or checking to see if it’s going to rain on your vacation, statistics are shaping your decisions and experiences. They’re all around us, all the time.

The power of everyday data 

How does Netflix know what you like to watch? When you scroll through its recommendations, that’s statistics at work. Netflix looks at what you usually watch, matches that with millions of other subscribers, and uses algorithms based on statistics to predict your preferences. 

Statistics are at work at the grocery store, too. Have you ever wondered how supermarkets decided how many turkeys to buy for Thanksgiving? They use statistics to analyze past sales, regional trends and current consumer numbers to make sure that if you want a turkey, you’ll have one. 

Is statistics a good major?

Understanding the basics of statistics can open doors to new perspectives. From interpreting news headlines with a critical eye to making informed personal choices, statistics help you see the patterns in the world around you. Plus, with data science and analytics booming as career paths, learning statistics can even boost your earning potential. 

While it’s fascinating to see how statistics affect us every day, its influence extends far beyond convenience. It’s used in many fields, to help people and organizations make informed decisions, improve business, and advance healthcare, science and research.

Statistics and decision-making 

Every choice, big or small, benefits from data. Companies use statistical analysis to predict market trends, customer behaviors and get the right product to the right place at the right time. For instance, an online company might analyze customer purchase patterns and track peak buying times, so they know what to promote and when. 

But it’s not just businesses. Governments use statistics to draft policies on unemployment, housing, healthcare and education. Whether deciding where to build a new school or putting pandemic safety measures in place, these decisions use statistical analysis to make sure it’s done right. 

Statistics and business processes 

Data is the foundation of all successful businesses. Inventory management, supply chain optimization, logistics and financial forecasting all use statistics. By analyzing historical data, logistics companies like UPS and FedEx can determine the best delivery routes or predict changes in demand. 

Statistics also play a role in customer service. Customer satisfaction scores and response time help businesses fine-tune their operations. When companies use data wisely, they deliver value to their customers

Statistics and better healthcare 

Statistics can also save lives. Healthcare relies on statistics for everything from diagnosing illnesses to developing new treatments. Drug trials use statistical analysis to decide when a new medication is safe to bring to market. 

Hospitals and health organizations apply data analytics to improve patient care. By studying trends in hospital admissions or disease outbreaks, healthcare professionals can allocate resources or predict high-risk periods. Cancer research would be unimaginable without statistics guiding researchers and clinicians. 

Statistics and advances in science and research 

Researchers in fields from astronomy to microbiology depend on statistical analysis to validate their findings. Whether it’s the habits of endangered species or measuring climate change, data provides the answers. 

Climate scientists use centuries of temperature and environmental data to model future climate scenarios. Without these statistics, it would be impossible to understand the full scope of human impact on our planet or discover solutions to combat it. 

What can I do with a statistics major?

A statistics degree builds skills that are in high demand in today’s data-driven world. It prepares you for roles that involve predictive modeling, machine learning and decision-making support. Hiring committees look for these traits in all their new hires.

Because so many businesses, industries and organizations depend on statistical data, your statistics degree will provide excellent job stability.  It also provides a great earning potential. 

As of May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicted the median annual pay for statisticians in the following industries would be:

• Computer systems and related services: $136,340
• Federal government: $128,940
• Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences: $125,710
• Healthcare and social assistance: $99,540

Pairing a statistics major with a minor or double major

Pairing statistics with another major or adding a minor can open doors to high-paying career paths. 

• Statistics + computer science: One popular option is a double major in computer science. You’ll develop the skills to analyze data and develop algorithms, making you an ideal candidate for careers in data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Statistics + economics: Combining statistics with economics prepares you for careers in financial analysis, market research or actuarial science. 
• Statistics + healthcare: If you’re interested in healthcare, a double major in statistics and biology can lead to careers in biostatistics or pharmaceutical research. 
• Statistics + business or marketing: Pairing statistics with business or marketing provides the analytical tools necessary for strategic decision-making and market trend analysis.

Statistics major at Central Michigan University

Here at CMU, we offer both a bachelor’s degree in statistics and a master’s degree in applied statistics and analytics. Our bachelor’s program is offered as either a major or a minor. It can be the focus of your degree program or an addition to a major program of your choice.

No matter which you choose, bachelor’s or master’s, your CMU program will prepare you for an important certification exam. We partner with Statistical Analysis System Institute (SAS), so your courses get you ready for the Certified Specialist: SAS Basic Programming Certification exam. Passing the exam and earning the certification will showcase your knowledge and show potential employers that you’re career ready.