Each class has four specializations associated with it. These specializations grant stat bonuses too.
For example, a warrior champion gains +2 willpower, +1 cunning; a mage shapeshifter gains +2 constitution, +1 armor; and a rogue duelist gains +2 dexterity, +1 damage.
However, because you don't open your first specialization until level 7, it shouldn't hold much bearing on stat considerations.
Rather, you may consider the specialization abilities on what sort of character you'd like to play down the line. For more information on specializations, their abilities, and the methods to obtain them, see the appropriate class sections of the Classes chapter.
Berserker (Warrior)
Specialization bonuses - +2 strength, +10 health
The first berserkers were dwarves. They would sacrifice finesse for a dark rage that increased their strength and resilience.
Eventually, dwarves taught these skills to others, and now berserkers can be found among all races. They are renowned as terrifying adversaries.
Champion (Warrior)
Specialization bonuses - +2 willpower, +1 cunning
The champion is a veteran warrior and a confident leader in battle. Possessing skill at arms impressive enough to inspire allies, the champion can also intimidate and demoralize foes.
These are the heroes you find commanding an army, or plunging headlong into danger, somehow making it look easy.
Reaver (Warrior)
Specialization bonuses - +1 constitution, +5 physical resistance
Demonic spirits teach more than blood magic. Reavers terrorize their enemies, feast upon the souls of their slain opponents to heal their own flesh, and can unleash a blood frenzy that makes them more powerful as they come nearer to their own deaths.
Templar (Warrior)
Specialization bonuses - +2 magic, +3 mental resistance
Mages who refuse the Circle's control become apostates and live in fear of a templar's powers - the ability to dispel and resist magic.
As servants of the Chantry, the templars have been the most effective means of controlling the spread and use of arcane power for centuries.
Arcane Warrior (Mage)
Specialization bonuses - +1 dexterity, +5 attack
Among the ancient elves, there were mages who trained their magical arts to augment their martial prowess. They channeled magical power through their weapons and bodies, becoming terrors on the battlefield.
Most consider these skills lost forever, but they may still linger in forgotten corners of the world. Arcane warriors may learn to use their magic score to satisfy the strength requirement to equip higher-level weapons and armor.
Blood Mage (Mage)
Specialization bonuses - +2 constitution, +2 spellpower
Every mage can feel the dark lure of blood magic. Originally learned from demons, these dark rites tap into the power of blood, converting life into mana and giving the mage command over the minds of others.
Such power comes with a price, though; a blood mage must sacrifice his own health, or the health of allies, to fuel these abilities.
Shapeshifter (Mage)
Specialization bonuses - +2 constitution, +1 armor
Rumors speak of barbarians who hold secrets of transforming the body into the form of animals. The Circle of Magi denies such rumors, but this rare art survives in the forgotten corners of Thedas.
Mastery of their bodies allows shapeshifters some protection, even in human form, making them durable opponents and staunch allies.
Spirit Healer (Mage)
Specialization bonuses - +2 magic, minor combat health regeneration
Not all entities of the Fade are demonic. Many are benevolent entities consisting of life energy, which can be called upon to mend flesh and heal disease.
Spirit healers focus on channeling the energies granted by these spirits, making them indispensable members of a party of adventurers.
Assassin
(Rogue)
Specialization bonuses - +2 dexterity, +2.5 percent critical chance
The assassin finds any notion of fairness a quaint ideal that has no place in combat. Poisons are their weapon of choice, as are crippling strikes that inflict persistent wounds on their foes. As killers, assassins are a marvel of stealth and efficiency.
Bard (Rogue)
Specialization bonuses - +2 willpower, +1 cunning
Bards follow an Orlesian tradition, acting as assassins, spies, and saboteurs, and following other secretive pursuits in the constant, and sometimes petty, struggles between nobles.
Having taken the minstrel's art to new levels, bards are skilled performers and master manipulators. They can inspire their allies or dishearten their foes through song and tale.
Duelist (Rogue)
Specialization bonuses - +2 dexterity, +1 damage/hit
Duelists are deadly combatants who prefer to fight in light armors and strike with light, but precise attacks.
Experienced duelists have preternatural reflexes that allow them to evade their opponents' clumsy blows, as well as strike with remarkable precision.
Ranger (Rogue)
Specialization bonuses - +1 constitution, +5 nature resistance
Rangers have an affinity for open country and wilderness, but as independent scouts and militia, they are opportunists, not stewards of nature.
They exploit every advantage of their environment, and can lure wild beasts to attack their foes.