In fact, applied statistics is one of the fastest growing fields in the US, and it’s only expected to get bigger. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the current field will grow 33 percent by 2026. This means industries across the country will need an additional 12,400 statisticians who are well-versed in the science of data to drive important business decisions. These professionals will consider everything from the most effective movie genres to promote on Netflix to what mix of MLB players could help the Los Angeles Dodgers win a World Series title.
As the top-ranked job in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Business Jobs” category, statisticians are in high demand—and the Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science is regarded as one of the most versatile degrees a school can offer. Take a look at this sampling of six dream jobs you could pursue with a master’s in applied statistics.
1. Data Scientist
Do you know anyone who doesn’t use a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu? Pretty much everyone streams TV these days. It takes an in-depth understanding of data to make sure viewers’ nightly binges play smoothly and offer the right variety. This is where data scientists come in. Professional analysts model, analyze, and predict the performance of streaming services, and develop content distribution algorithms to make sure everyone experiences the best video quality.
2. Director of Sports Analytics
Sports teams want to win, and sweeping the World Series or clinching a national championship trophy takes more than just having the best players. As you may have seen in the movie Moneyball, data has become an integral part of running a successful sports program on both the professional and collegiate levels. Sports analysts use historical team and player data to predict outcomes, and often use information systems to help coaches and teams gain a competitive advantage on the playing field.
3. Industrial Statistician
Have you ever wondered how top companies know when, where, and how to sell their popular products? For global brands like Coca-Cola and Nike, industrial statisticians play an important role in the decision-making process. These experts analyze the reliability of different markets and provide forecasts for companies that sell goods nationally and internationally.
4. Environmental Statistician
It seems the world is rapidly changing these days, which makes it even more important to understand how our environment is affected by growing development. Environmental statisticians work to analyze data impacting plants, animals, and ecosystems for organizations like the United Nations, helping to find the optimal balance between industry and nature.
5. Biostatistician
Biostatisticians play a big part in understanding space and space travel, analyzing data from space exploration and atmospheric research for groups like NASA and SpaceX. You can also find biostatisticians in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contributing their analysis skills to efforts to prevent epidemics, or in the pharmaceutical industry, developing and analyzing clinical trial results for important new drugs.
6. Statistician
Analyzing (and understanding) data isn’t just helpful in selling unique products or giving sports teams the upper hand. In fact, statisticians can help keep people safe every day. For instance, when statisticians use the science of data to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize data for government organizations like the National Security Agency, their work helps guide decisions about matters of international security.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! As the field of applied statistics continues to grow, more jobs will be added across a spectrum of industries—ultimately giving you more opportunities to pursue your dream job.
If you’re thinking about working toward a master’s in applied statistics, consider the program offered at Azusa Pacific University. The school’s MS in Applied Statistics and Analytics can provide you with a versatile degree, a variety of career options, and the training you need to succeed.