Data Science Major

A major in data science puts graduates at the forefront of an emerging field and prepares them for an exciting career at the intersection of computer science and statistics. Data Science is the interdisciplinary field of inquiry that uses quantitative and analytical methods to help gain insights and predictions based on big data. Students learn about key computational methods and statistical techniques and develop the deep analytical thinking skills needed to reason reliably, intelligently and creatively from data. The vast amounts of data generated every day has created a data-rich and data-driven world. The data science major will open pathways to careers in virtually every area of society, from healthcare, security and sustainability to education, business and economics.

What is data science?

Data is extremely relevant in today’s world. It’s being generated at all times, arriving from multiple sources at an alarming rate. Everything is generating data, from a farmer’s combine on the fields to a patient’s electronic medical records to the videos you watch on YouTube. 

Data experts say that 90 percent of the data that exists in the world today was created in the last two years. This growth in data shows no signs of slowing down. 

What’s more, we increasingly rely on data to tell us new things about the world. As “big data” has emerged, a new job market has developed with it: businesses in all sectors have realized that they need scientists with the technical knowledge and statistical abilities to analyze, manipulate and act on the available data, and then communicate their findings to the world. 

What will I learn?

As a data science major, you’ll learn about key computational methods and statistical techniques and develop the deep analytical thinking skills you’ll need to reason reliably, intelligently and creatively from data.

• Data science degree requirements (Fall 2020 and forward)
• Data science degree requirements (Fall 2019 - Spring 2020)
• Previous data science degree requirements (Prior to Fall 2019)

Why major in data science?

• Be in high demand by employers from all sectors. The average entry-level salary for data scientists is $86,000, and Glassdoor named the data scientist the #1 occupation on a recent “Best Jobs in America” list.
• Learn state-of-the-art technology and deep analytical skills at a top-ranked university. Purdue was ranked the #4 public university by the Wall Street Journal. Its computer science program is consistently ranked in the top 20 by US News and World Report.
• Take your place in an emerging field with tremendous potential. Lots of data leads to lots of opportunity.

Contact scienceadvising@purdue.edu with questions about our data science undergraduate program.