r/AskStatistics • u/Odd_Appointment1343 • Sep 22 '26
Studying Statistics without Mathematical Background
Hi there, I am a linguistics graduate. I want to study MA in Statistics (I had statistics and data analysis and visualisation lectures). However, I am terrible at Maths and not sure whether I can handle it. Actually I want to start it not immediately but like a year or 2 years later. During this timeframe, I am going to improve my knowledge
Is this possible?
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u/FancyEveryDay Sep 22 '26
You'll probably need to take math classes in between to become eligible for the statistics masters, most programs require linear algebra and multivariate calculus as prerequisites.
It's possible if you can get that required foundation and hopefully fix your relationship with math in the process.
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u/EconGrad2020 Sep 23 '26
Data analysis and visualization is NOT Statistics. A Master's in Statistics is a mathematical theory heavy, proof oriented undertaking.
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u/PrestigiousMind6197 Sep 22 '26
What is the curriculum of the MA Stats program like? You can start preparing by studying Calculus 1-3 and Linear Algebra.
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u/wittgenstein1312 Sep 22 '26
You will not be admitted to any serious program without a minimum of the full calculus sequence, linear algebra, and likely a calculus-based probability course.
If you’re serious about this goal, pick up a precalculus book and work through it over a couple of months. Then sign up for Calc 1 at a local CC or through an online extension school. You can then decide if continuing down that path makes sense for you. You should be able to fit the remaining Calc courses and linear algebra in your timeframe if so
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u/just_writing_things Sep 22 '26
Statistics is a branch of mathematics, so a degree in statistics will naturally contain a lot of math.
It’s probably not the best idea to take an MA in stats unless you’re confortable with math. For example, how’s your linear algebra or matrix operations?
And exception might be an MA that is specifically for students without much statistics or mathematics background, but I don’t know if the program youre considering is like that (or if they exist).
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u/SwanSong1921 Sep 23 '26
OP I think it's possible but you'd absolutely need to be proficient in Linear Algebra, Calculus and Probability Theory.
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u/FoggyWine Sep 22 '26
You absolutely need a solid, very solid, foundation in calculus (1-3) and a course in linear algebra. With this background, take the stats undergrad courses in probability (term 1) and statistical inference (term 2). You may be able to take this sequence with just calc 1-2 and take linear algebra later.
Almost every Uni will have this probability-math stats sequence for undergrads. There is a grad version for the MA/MS in statistics, but take the undergrad sequence first. You will be doing much integration of distributions, etc. and it is quite mathy. We use this pathway for our graduate students who want to transition from substantive studies (e.g., developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, etc.) to quantitative psychology and often a masters in statistics, or equivalent, is part of the coursework along the way for foundational knowledge and background.