What can I do with a major in Applied Statistics
Statistics is the study of the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. Statistics provide companies, hospitals, media outlets, etc. with the ability to make sound data-based decisions instead of relying on anticipated results or gut instinct. In a world where everyone is trying to do more for less, applied statistics allow organizations to determine the effectiveness of their efforts. No matter where your passion lies, you are likely to find statisticians active in that area.
The Major in Applied Statistics is structured to provide a firm theoretical background in statistics and to allow students to apply specific statistical techniques within a discipline of their interest. Students can choose to take one of 3 concentrations: Economics, Geography, or Psychology.
Students completing a major in applied statistics will develop skills that are highly sought after by both public and private sector industries. Students will also be well prepared to pursue a graduate degree in their concentration discipline, or in statistics.
Students interested in Applied Statistics can complete:
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Bachelor of Science (Applied Statistics)
The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.
Skills
- Analyze and Communicate Results
- Data Analysis Techniques
- Logical Analysis
- Manipulate Numerical Data
- Data Collection
- Ability to Apply Mathematical Concepts to Real World Problems
- Data Delivery Methods
- Project and Task Management
- Reason using Mathematical and Statistical Concepts and Processes
- Teamwork
- Ability to work independently
Work Environment
Students completing the major in applied statistics will develop skills that are highly sought after by both public and private sector industries.
If your passion is the environment, statisticians help manage our natural resources and understand the impact of climate change. If your passion is public policy, statisticians work with governments and non-governmental organizations to measure the health of the economy and assess the effectiveness of programs. If your passion is sports, statisticians help improve teams through player drafting, signing and development.
Application of statistical techniques is an essential part of decision making and study in a wide range of disciplines such as astronomy, biology, education, economics, geography, engineering, genetics, marketing, medicine, psychology, public health, and sports.
Your undergraduate degree in applied statistics also provides an excellent foundation for actuarial science, law, management, engineering, architecture, and education.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Finance
- Bioinformatics
- Economics
- Marketing
- Computing
- Public Health
- Sports
- Technology
- Research
- Data Analysis
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.
- Archaeology Fieldworker
- Archives Assistant
- Curatorial Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Exhibit Assistant
- Foreign Service Officer
- Heritage Interpreter
- Immigration Officer
- Management Trainee
- Museum Host/Hostess
- Program Coordinator/Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Settlement Officer
- Survey Interviewer
- Volunteer Coordinator
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Anthropologist
- Anthropology Teacher
- Archivist
- Art Conservator
- Animal Welfare Worker
- Caseworker
- Community Development Specialist
- Coroner/Medical Examiner
- Cultural Artifact Specialist
- Conservationist
- Exhibit Designer
- Epidemiology
- ESL Teacher
- Ethnologist
- Forensic Anthropologist
- Genealogist
- Historical Archaeologist
- Health & Science Administrator
- Information, Culture & Recreation Program Designer
- Librarian
- Linguist
- Museum Technician
- Museum Curator
- Multiculturalism Educator
- National/Provincial Park Interpreter
- Native Services Worker
- Naturalist
- Paleontologist
- Preservationist
- Public Health Educator
- Professor
- Research Associate
- Rural Development Officer
- Social Scientist/ Analyst
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- Technical Consultant
- Translator
- Toxicologist
- Zookeeper
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Academic Advisor/Counsellor
- Advocate
- Bilingual Administrator
- Ecotourism Director
- Employment Recruiter
- Foreign Affair Officer
- Graphic Design Museum Assistant
- Human Resources Manager
- Immigration Inspector
- Impact Assessment Officer
- Industrial Psychologist
- Internship Coordinator
- Journalist
- Management Consultant
- Market Research Representative
- Marketing Researcher
- Multicultural Program Leader
- Program & Curriculum Coordinator
- Public Relation Specialist
- Regional Campus Coordinator
- Senior Thesis Coordinator
- Travel Agent/Guide
- Undergraduate Coordinator
- Writer/Editor
Useful Resources
- Coming Soon!
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.