Statistics & Data Analytics
Making sense of data and uncertainty using rigorous methods.
Statistics studies how to collect, analyze, and draw valid conclusions from data under uncertainty, probability theory, statistical inference, and increasingly the computational tools used to work with large datasets. It's more applied and data-focused than a pure math degree.
Coursework mixes theoretical foundations (probability, inference) with hands-on data analysis using software like R or Python, and many programs include a capstone project analyzing a real dataset from start to finish.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Probability Theory
- ✓Statistical Inference
- ✓Regression Analysis
- ✓Statistical Computing (R/Python)
- ✓Experimental Design
- ✓Applied Data Analysis
- ✓Linear Algebra
- ✓Capstone Data Project
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Probability Theory
- +General education requirement
- ✓Statistical Inference
- +General education requirement
- ✓Regression Analysis
- +General education requirement
- ✓Statistical Computing (R/Python)
- +Free elective
- ✓Experimental Design
- +Free elective
- ✓Applied Data Analysis
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Linear Algebra
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Capstone Data Project
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Enjoys math applied to real, messy data
- ★Curious about evidence, uncertainty, and how conclusions are drawn
- ★Comfortable with both theory and hands-on computing
- ★Interested in research, business analytics, or data-driven fields generally
Common minors & double-major pairings
Data Science · Economics · Computer Science
Roles this major could lead to
Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.
Data Analyst
Turns raw data into reports and insights that inform business decisions.
Data Scientist
Builds statistical models and machine learning systems to find patterns or make predictions.
Actuary
Uses math and statistics to measure and price financial risk, mainly in insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Statistics & Data Analytics major?
Making sense of data and uncertainty using rigorous methods.
What courses do Statistics & Data Analytics majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Probability Theory, Statistical Inference, Regression Analysis, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Statistics & Data Analytics program?
Statistics & Data Analytics coursework typically builds skills like Statistical modeling and inference, Programming for data analysis, Experimental design, Interpreting and communicating uncertainty.
Is Statistics & Data Analytics a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Enjoys math applied to real, messy data" or "Curious about evidence, uncertainty, and how conclusions are drawn" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What can you do with a Statistics & Data Analytics degree?
Majors in this field often go on to roles like Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Actuary. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.
What other majors pair well with Statistics & Data Analytics?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Data Science, Economics, Computer Science.
How is Statistics & Data Analytics different from Data Science?
They're related but distinct. Statistics & Data Analytics: Making sense of data and uncertainty using rigorous methods. Data Science: Turning raw data into insight using statistics and code. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Statistics & Data Analytics degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
From our guides
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