Statistics Certification and Certificate Program Information
Certificates in statistics are generally offered as graduate-level programs. An aspiring statistician may earn an Applied Statistics Certificate or a Statistical Theory and Methods Certificate, for example. Certification is offered by SAS, Six Sigma and ASQ.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics
A graduate certificate in applied statistics may be of interest to professionals in engineering, technology, government, health, business, the sciences or education who want to learn more about statistics. Students will hone their analytical and data analysis skills while learning about the basics of statistics. Most institutions allow transfer of credits earned in certificate program to a master's in statistics.
Educational Prerequisites
Applicants generally must be apply and admitted to graduate school. They need to have a bachelor's degree and possibly courses in statistics and calculus.
Program Coursework
Coursework in certificate program may use computer-based applications, but generally go deeper to a more basic understanding of the subject. Students learn to use critical thinking skills, as well as how to apply what they have learnt to data research and interpretation. The following are possible courses.
- Probability and statistics
- Discrete data analysis
- Regression analysis, modeling and time series
- Experimental designs
- Applied statistics
- Exploratory data analysis
Popular Career Options
Because statistics is a diverse field, many career options are available for the graduate of an applied statistics certificate program. Career options could include:
- Project manager
- Statistics consultant
- Economist
- Market researcher
- Public health researcher
Graduate Certificate in Statistical Theory and Methods
This graduate-level program teaches a student the concepts of statistical theory and the methods of application. Students learn to develop methods to explain quantifiable data patterns that develop in the social, natural and physical sciences within industry and business. Graduates may transfer certificate's credits to a master's degree.
Educational Prerequisites
Students must have a bachelor's degree in statistics. Some colleges require completed coursework in calculus, linear algebra or matrix theory. Applicants must apply for admittance to graduate school to enroll in the program.
Program Coursework
This statistics certificate program includes core courses of a master's program in statistics. It requires a strong background in mathematics. Courses may be taken online. Coursework may include the following:
- Mathematical statistics
- Probability theory
- Quantitative spatial analysis
- Data analysis and regression
Popular Career Options
Statisticians have a variety of occupations to choose from. Any company or organization that uses collected data for research, marketing and growth will have a place for a person skilled in statistics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following career options may be available for graduates of the certificate program (www.bls.gov).
- Personal financial advisors
- Economists
- Financial analysts
- Actuaries
- Computer scientists
Certification
Six Sigma (www.isixsigma.com) is a statistical mathematics and statistics DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) methodology that reduces the output variation of a process to only so many defective PPM (parts per million) over a long period of time. It is a method to improve processes. There are various Six Sigma training and certifications offered by private companies and consulting firms. Six Sigma certifications include lean Six Sigma, green belt, black belt, master black belt and DFSS (Design for Six Sigma). DFSS is a method for designing new products or services with a certain reliability when first offered.
SAS (Statistical Analysis System) is a software system use by businesses to run analytics on their financial, customer and other data (www.sas.com). SAS offers various certifications, such as SAS Certified Base Programmer, SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer and SAS Certified Predictive Modeler.
ASQ (American Society for Quality) also offers certification that may be of interest to statisticians, such as the Certified Quality Process Analyst (asq.org). ASQ also offers Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt certifications.
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
Entry-level positions in statistics generally require a master's degree. Jobs in the federal government require the minimum of a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS. Employment growth should be about as fast as average for all occupations, with a projected growth rate of 13% between 2008 and 2018. Median annual wage for statisticians was $72,610 in May 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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