Statistics major

Statistics: courses, careers, and where to study

Statistics covers the mathematics of collecting, modeling, and drawing conclusions from data, a quantitative major suited to students who like reasoning under uncertainty.

A Statistics major covers probability theory, statistical inference, regression and experimental design, sampling, and the calculus and linear algebra that underpin them. Most bachelor's programs pair this core with applied coursework in statistical computing (R, Python, SAS) and a data-analysis or consulting capstone, and many allow tracks in biostatistics, data science, or applied statistics.

Graduates apply these methods to design studies, build and validate models, and interpret results across fields such as healthcare, government, insurance, technology, and market research. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of statisticians is projected to grow 8.5% from 2024 to 2034, and the 2024 median wage for statisticians was $103,300. Many statistician roles list a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, so undergraduates often plan for graduate study or use the degree as a foundation for analyst and data roles.

Academic classification (CIP)

In the federal Classification of Instructional Programs, Statistics maps to CIP 27.0501, Statistics, General, within the MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS family. The official definition:

A general program that focuses on the relationships between groups of measurements, and similarities and differences, using probability theory and techniques derived from it. Includes instruction in the principles in probability theory, binomial distribution, regression analysis, standard deviation, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo method, Bayesian statistics, non-parametric statistics, sampling theory, and statistical techniques.

Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2020. View on nces.ed.gov

What you'll study

  • Probability theory and random variables
  • Statistical inference: estimation, hypothesis testing, and confidence intervals
  • Linear and logistic regression and generalized linear models
  • Experimental design and analysis of variance (ANOVA)
  • Sampling methods and survey design
  • Bayesian methods and computational statistics
  • Statistical programming in R, Python, and SAS
  • Calculus, linear algebra, and a data-analysis or consulting capstone

Typical careers

Typical salary range: Early-career wages vary by industry and region (BLS, 2024 statisticians median $103,300)Ranges are early-career estimates. Any BLS figure shown is the occupation-wide median across all experience levels, not a starting wage, and is informational only.

Before you commit to a Statistics major

CampusPin does not rank programs. Use these prompts to pressure-test whether a specific Statistics program fits your goals, they are decision questions, not claims about any school.

Ask the Statistics department

  • Which concentrations or specializations are offered, and which faculty lead them?
  • What does the typical course sequence look like, and how much is required vs. elective?
  • What labs, studios, clinical placements, or research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
  • Is there a capstone, thesis, internship, or co-op requirement?

Ask current students & check the curriculum

  • How heavy is the workload, and how accessible is the faculty?
  • What internships or co-ops did you do, and where do recent graduates end up?
  • Does the required curriculum actually match the careers listed above?
  • How easy is it to add a minor, double major, or switch tracks later?
Accreditation & licensure: Most Statistics programs are covered by their institution's regional accreditation; specialized programmatic accreditation is less common in this field. Confirm any field-specific accreditation or licensure that matters for your goals.
Degree level & graduate study: Many Statisticscareers are open with a bachelor's degree, but some, such as research, advanced-practice, or licensure-track roles, require a master's or doctorate. Check the typical entry-level education on each linked career page above before assuming a bachelor's is enough.

Find a Statistics program

CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Statistics programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting, no account required.

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How this guide is sourced

This is an editorial guide from the CampusPin Editorial Team. Career and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages, and link to each career page. Program availability comes from CampusPin's free institution search; CampusPin does not assert that any specific school offers this exact major until that program data is verified. Last reviewed 2026-06-15. How CampusPin sources data · Report a correction.