Cours de Applied Statistics

Applied statistics is the use of statistical techniques to solve real-world data analysis problems. In contrast to the pure study of mathematical statistics, applied statistics is typically used by and for non-mathematicians in fields ranging from social science to business. Indeed, in the big data era, applied statistics has become important for deriving insights and guiding decision-making in virtually every industry.

The increased reliance on data and statistics to help understand our world has made the careful application of these techniques even more essential; too often, statistics can be used erroneously or even misleadingly when methods of analysis are not properly connected to research questions. Thus, a major aspect of applied statistics is the accurate communication of findings for a non-technical audience, including specifics about data sources, relevance to the problem at hand, and degrees of uncertainty.

That said, the statistical approaches used in this field are the same as in the study of mathematical statistics. Rigorous use of statistical hypothesis testing, statistical inference, linear regression techniques, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are core to the work of applied statistics. And, as in other areas of data science, Python programming and R programming are often used to analyze large datasets when Microsoft Excel is not sufficiently powerful.‎

Demand for data-driven insights is growing fast across all fields, making a background in applied statistics the gateway to a wide variety of careers. Financial institutions and companies of all kinds rely on business analytics to guide investments and operations; political candidates and advocacy groups need to conduct surveys and understand public polling data to understand popular opinion on today’s issues; and even sports teams are increasingly hiring experts in applied statistics to make decisions regarding personnel as well as in-game strategy.

While many jobs in applied statistics may require only a bachelor’s degree in fields such as mathematics or computer science, high-level roles often expect a master’s degree in statistics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional statisticians earn a median annual salary of $91,160 as of May 2019, and these jobs are expected to grow much faster than average due to the need to analyze fast-growing volumes of electronic data.‎

Yes, with absolute certainty. Coursera offers courses and Specializations in applied statistics for business, social science, and other areas, as well as related topics such as data science and Python programming. These courses are offered by top-ranked universities and leading companies from around the world, including the University of Michigan, the University of Amsterdam, and the University of Virginia, and IBM. Regardless of whether you’re a student looking to learn more about this exciting field or a mid-career professional upgrading their skill set, the combination of a high-quality education and the flexibility of learning online makes Coursera a great choice.‎

It's very helpful to have strong math skills, analytical skills, and experience solving problems before starting to learn applied statistics. It's also good to have experience and a good comfort level with technology and computers. Previous experience in statistics is also helpful, although not required. You may also benefit from having prior experience using Excel spreadsheets as you begin to learn applied statistics.‎

People best suited for roles in applied statistics are analytical thinkers. They enjoy problem-solving by taking available data and analyzing it to arrive at solutions. They also have effective communication skills so that information can flow clearly to all stakeholders within an organization. Organization and multitasking come easily to people best suited for roles in applied statistics because these individuals need to deal with large amounts of information and manage their time and resources efficiently. People well suited for these roles also pay close attention to detail to make sure the outcomes they're tasked with delivering meet or exceed expectations.‎

While the use of applied statistics can be found in almost every industry, learning applied statistics may be especially interesting to you if you're seeking a career in the insurance, web analytics, or energy sectors. These are some of the top industries that currently utilize applied statistics. However, a person in any position in which data is gathered and analyzed to create solutions, innovations, or improvements would benefit from learning applied statistics, from coaches and hospital administrators to bloggers, data scientists, and bankers. If you would like to know how to ensure you're collecting the right data, how to analyze data correctly, and how to effectively report your findings so they can be applied in real-world situations, learning applied statistics may be right for you.‎