Data Science

Start your standout story.

Data Science + Statistics

We live in the Information Age, a time when experts say human knowledge is doubling every 13 months. The challenge with that much data is how to turn it into something useful. As a data scientist/statistician, you’ll interpret data to inform decisions and direct resources—making you an influential member of any organization or business team.

Major requirements

Why NWC?

Northwestern’s data science + statistics major will prepare you for immediate employment or graduate school. Here's what else you'll gain:

Skills in math and computer science that will help you analyze data and draw accurate conclusions
Growth in critical thinking and communication skills to tell the story of that data to others
Christian professors who will teach you to use data ethically so your research benefits the common good

Your courses will include calculus, probability and statistics, data visualization, statistical programming, and database management systems. Related minors include accounting, business administration, computer science, economics, entrepreneurship, and mathematics.

CONTACT

Dr. Kim Jongerius
Department Chair

$93,170 PER YEAR Median annual salary of math occupations (including jobs requiring advanced degrees)

TOP 10 CAREERS U.S. News & World Report ranked statisticians among the top 10 best jobs.

VERSATILE SKILLS The analytical thinking skills you’ll develop will apply to a wide variety of careers.

Outcomes

Jobs for statisticians are expected to grow the fastest of any occupation in the mathematical sciences—up 34% between 2016 and 2026. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings of the best STEM jobs, statistician was ranked No. 5 and data scientist, No. 6. For both jobs, the median salary is more than $90,000 per year.

Join our standout alumni in roles such as:

Research assistant

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Web developer

Northwestern College, IA

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STUDENTS

**Hailey** A statistics major, Hailey values the real-world experience and spiritual emphasis her professors bring to the classroom.

ALUMNI

**Ryan** Northwestern’s math professors taught Ryan to be a lifelong learner, confident in facing technologies and problems as he makes data understandable to others.

FACULTY

**Jennifer** Combining her interests in math and communications, Dr. Schon helps students understand how abstract concepts and data can apply to everyday life.

Experience

Expert professors

You’ll learn from professors who are gifted analytical thinkers and problem solvers. They include an author who has researched the mathematical and linguistic abilities of C.S. Lewis, a developer whose practice software helps prepare students for actuarial exams, and a member of Northwestern’s institutional research team.

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling offers a variety of career exploration experiences, including job shadowing; internships in a variety of locations, including Chicago and Denver; and study abroad opportunities around the globe.

Engineering

A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering is slated for expected launch in the fall of 2024. Engineering concentrations currently being considered include mechanical, civil, computer and electrical. Read more.

You can also work toward a master’s degree in engineering by taking advantage of Northwestern’s dual-degree relationship with Washington University of St. Louis, one of the nation’s top engineering schools. Through this arrangement, you can earn an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree in computer engineering, data science, or systems science and engineering.