Bachelor in Data Science: Business

The first of its kind in Missouri and the region, Northwest’s Data Science major is an interdisciplinary program with four areas of emphasis: computer science, business , molecular biology and geographic information systems.

The business emphasis is designed for students interested in analyzing data and projecting the best option for a client. Faculty focus on ensuring students have tools to analyze big data and make proper business decisions.

Career Opportunities

Data scientists are in high demand. A McKinsey Global Institute report estimates that by 2018, “the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts with the know-how to use the analysis of big data to make effective decisions.”

Job titles:

• Business intelligence analyst
• Business data analyst
• Quantitative analyst
• Strategy analyst
• Marketing specialist

Examples of employers:

• Banking institutions
• Consulting firms
• Consumer and recreational service providers
• Homeland security and intelligence agencies
• Information management companies
• Internet search engines providers
• Major retailers
• Media consultant agencies

Profession-Based Learning Experiences

Students gain hands-on experience while participating in project-based learning that allows them to interpret actual data with faculty members.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available: faculty-led and traditional study abroad.

The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.

Requirements

Core Requirements for a Major in Data Sciences and Informatics

Note: If MATH 17120 is also used to fulfill a Northwest Core requirement, the hours may be counted only once toward the 124 required for graduation. PHIL 39275 and ECON 52150 fulfill Northwest Core Requirements. CSIS 44130 is a prerequisite for CSIS 44141 and fulfills a Northwest Core Requirement. MATH 17114 is a prerequisite for CSIS 44155 and fulfills a Northwest Requirement. Business (27)

Established in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is a state-assisted, comprehensive four-year regional university that also offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus as well as its Northwest-Kansas City location at the Northland Innovation Center and through Northwest Online.

Northwest offers 127 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate programs. Career Services offers an "Exploring Majors" fair where students may learn about different majors and find a major that is the perfect fit for them. Northwest advocates for profession-based experience in every area of study. At Northwest's Horace Mann Laboratory School, students majoring in education begin observing and practicing in the teaching profession immediately. Other profession-based experiences include work at Northwest's R.T. Wright Farm, radio and television stations, and a variety of internships.