Statisticians use their statistical and mathematical knowledge and apply it to experiments and surveys and then they interpret the results. Statisticians apply their statistical knowledge to many different subjects including biology, medicine, sports, economics, public health, engineering, education, psychology, and marketing. Statistical techniques are used to make important decisions in the economic, political, social, and military fields.
Statisticians use a variety of techniques such as sampling, which is gaining information about a group of things or a population of people and surveying a portion of the participants. They also make decisions on how and where to collect data, determine the size and type of sample group, and create forms or questionnaires. They often use computer software to examine, understand, and summarize data.
For majority of positions, statisticians must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in statistics or mathematics. A bachelor degree is, for instance, sufficient for Federal Government positions. Some academic and research positions require a doctoral degree. Many universities offer degree programs in statistics and mathematics. The statistical coursework usually includes statistical methods, differential and integral calculus, probability theory, and mathematical modeling. Statisticians must keep up with current trends on a regular basis to stay up to date on new technologies that influence job performance.
The increasing use of statistics and technological advances will drive job growth. Job prospects are projected to be good especially for statisticians with advanced degrees and extensive experience. Additional job openings will arise from the need to replace statisticians who retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.
A career as a statistician is an excellent choice for people interested in working with numbers and figures on a daily basis. Statisticians must have great communication skills, be precise and pay close attention to details, good problem solving skills, logically thinking, and a strong theoretical background. They must be able to work efficiently independently as well as part of a team.
As UME pre-entry requirements into university, students will be required to write Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Such a student is also expected to have Five (5) ‘O’ level credit to consist of English Language, Mathematics and at least two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Statistics and any Science Subjects.
For Direct entry, what is required is two (2) ‘A’ level pass in Mathematics, physics or chemistry.
