Statistician

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Background –

Statisticians analyze data to help solve real world problems in many different fields – pharmacology, public health, genetics, epidemiology, ecology and biomedical research, chemistry and animal health. Daily duties of a Statisticians include working with computers and computer software programs, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting data and reporting data to colleagues and others.  

What is the average salary of a statistician? $80,500*

What classes at GVSU may help me prepare for this career? Discuss with your advisor which courses among those on this list, along with other courses not listed here, would best serve your career goals. 

1. PSY 300 – Research Methods in Psychology
2. PSY 410 – Tests and Measurement
3. CIS 500 – Fundamentals of Computer Science
4. Minor in Statistics, Applied Statistics or Dual Major in Statistics
   1. Require a variety of courses
   2. For more information - https://www.gvsu.edu/stat/

What additional education is required to work as a statistician? A master’s degree is usually required to work as a statistician. Background work or classes in computer science and statistical software is also important.

1. For more information about Grand Valley’s Master’s Program – www.gvsu.edu/stat/masters-programs-59.htm

What skills are applicable to this career field? Sharp analytical skills, strong computer skills, interpersonal communications (specifically the ability to communicate findings), oral and written communication, and strong problem solving skills are important for a statistician.

Employer Possibilities - Due to the vast difference in fields Statisticians can work, places of employment vary drastically as well. Possible employers could be nonprofit organizations, large companies, hospitals, governmental agencies, etc.

1. Examples of job posting titles: “research analyst” and “senior analyst”

*Bls.gov (2016) median annual salary