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.