Statistical ideas and methods are useful in many ways. When the Gallup Poll reports that 42 percent of the American public currently approves of the President’s performance, this statement is meaningful even though only a small group was questioned. Similarly, statistical conclusions are made from the results of experiments which link smoking with cancer.

The use of numerical data and the analysis through statistical means are common in the areas of psychology, sociology and economics; in fact, much of public policy is directed by statistical inferences.

Career Opportunities

A wide range of career opportunities is available.

Statisticians design experiments to test the acceptance of new products for pharmaceutical and agricultural companies. Others work for insurance companies as actuaries, improving and revising estimates of life expectancy, accident rates and damages.

Statisticians are key members of health teams who work with research organizations collecting and analyzing data to further medical knowledge in medicine and improve health care.