Is a statistics major right for me?

College Majors Science Majors
1

I’m going to be going into college next year and I’ve been set on majoring in Statistics for a while now. The college I’m likely going to go to will mean I’ll actually major in mathematics with a concentration in probability/statistics. That first of all has me a bit on edge because I don’t know how different it is from a straight up statistics program.

In high school I’ve been pretty good at math, I’ve always taken honors and AP courses. I’m in AP Statistics right now and I’m doing very well. I am not that advanced however when it comes to calculus and I know statistics will require a high level understanding of calculus. I’m only in pre-calculus right now, and I enjoy it and get everything. It gets a lot harder though I’m sure and with only pre-calculus going into college I’m wondering if I’d be in over my head.

I would love to get a statistics degree though, and move on to a graduates program in statistics. The job prospects are fantastic for it. My dream would be to get into the sports industry with the degree but I’m surely not limiting myself to that. I’d be open to any job as a statistician or something similar.

I just need some advise I guess.

2

You can decide during the sophomore or junior year in college after taking calculus. You will need to complete at least 2, 3 classes in calculus before taking probability/statistics classes. You may perform better in college.

Take other related classes for backup majors.

3

It depends on the college as to what a math major with a concentration in probability and statistics needs to take.

It is likely that such a major will require real analysis and proof-based linear algebra, among other math courses, as well as calculus-based probability and statistics courses. But these courses are typically considered important if you want to go on to graduate study in statistics.

Of course, elective courses in subjects relating to what you want to apply statistics courses to can be helpful.

4

There is really no difference between Mathematics(statistics) and Statistics. You can put Statistics on your resume and it won’t be wrong. The coursework should be the same too. Expect at least one real analysis course though, since it is math.