There is a dearth of new PhD-level and Masters-level students who choose to work in official statistics or survey methodology, especially in the sub-area of data dissemination. However, students with expertise in data dissemination and official statistics are in high demand by federal statistical agencies, academic organizations, and the private sector, leading to opportunities for careers and internships.
Several programs offer educational opportunities in survey research and official statistics. We list some of these below.
- Joint Program in Survey Methodology: offers Masters and PhD degrees in survey methodology, and summer opportunities for students
- The Odum Institute at UNC Chapel Hill: offers variety of short courses in areas related to survey methodology
- Institute of Social Research at the University of Michigan: offers many courses in survey methods, including summer short courses
- University of Nebraska Survey Research and Methodology: offers Masters and PhD degrees in survey methodology
Students also can find useful information about official statistics and survey research on websites of professional organizations, some of which are listed below.
- Survey Research Methods Section of the American Statistical Association
- International Association of Official Statisticians of the International Statistical Institute
- American Association of Public Opinion Research
- Privacy and Confidentiality Committee of the American Statistical Association
Government agencies offer opportunities for careers and internships, such as those linked below.
- Clearinghouse for government statistician and related jobs: continuously updated list of government jobs (state and federal) for statisticians, computer scientists, and more.
- Careers at the Bureau of the Census
- Careers at the National Science Foundation
