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)