Data science
Data scientists extract meaningful insights from large volumes of data. This includes numbers, text, images, video, and audio. They know how to identify patterns and trends, and make predictions. All of which can help companies make better decisions and products or shape customer service and customer behavior.
As a data scientist, you will use a combination of skills, knowledge, and data analysis techniques such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The field of data science is experiencing a much faster than average growth rate. No surprise—with smartphones, social media, online shopping driving this need. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reported that 90 percent of the world's data was produced in just two years. So, we need the right people to help sift through all this digital information!
This could be you. When you major in data science at the University of Minnesota, you will learn more about “big data” and what it means. You will understand how to organize unstructured data by building computational models and algorithms.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to increase 31 percent over 10 years—with 10,300 new jobs by 2029.
Careers
- Big data engineer
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data engineer
- Data mining analyst
- Data scientist
- Data warehouse architect
- Database administrator
- Information officer
- Machine learning engineer
- Statistician
What will I study?
The curriculum for our Bachelor of Science degree in data science includes:
- Required data science coursework—these classes provide you with a solid foundation in computer science, math, and statistics.
- Upper division major electives—you can take approved courses from the. following departments: computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, math, and statistics.
- Electives—you can study other topics that interest you, get a minor, work on interdisciplinary projects, or take additional related courses to dive deeper into a particular area.
Major and career exploration resources
