Computer Science & Technology

Data Science

Turning raw data into insight using statistics and code.

Content last reviewed: August 2026

Data science sits at the intersection of statistics, computer science, and a specific domain (business, health, science). You'll learn to collect, clean, analyze, and visualize data, and to build models that find patterns or make predictions from it, using tools like Python, R, and SQL.

Because the field is inherently interdisciplinary, strong programs push you to interpret results in context and communicate them clearly, not just run the model, but explain what it means and where it could mislead.

Typical courses you might take

✓Intro to Programming (Python/R)
✓Probability & Statistics
✓Data Structures & Algorithms
✓Databases & SQL
✓Machine Learning Fundamentals
✓Data Visualization
✓Linear Algebra
✓Applied Data Science Project

Sample four-year plan

Illustrative, not a registration plan

One possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.

Year 1 · Fall

✓Intro to Programming (Python/R)
+General education requirement

Year 1 · Spring

✓Probability & Statistics
+General education requirement

Year 2 · Fall

✓Data Structures & Algorithms
+General education requirement

Year 2 · Spring

✓Databases & SQL
+Free elective

Year 3 · Fall

✓Machine Learning Fundamentals
+Free elective

Year 3 · Spring

✓Data Visualization
+Elective in the major (or minor coursework)

Year 4 · Fall

✓Linear Algebra
+Elective in the major (or minor coursework)

Year 4 · Spring

✓Applied Data Science Project
+Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)

Skills you'll build

Statistical analysis and inferenceProgramming for data manipulation (Python/R, SQL)Building and evaluating predictive modelsData visualization and storytellingIdentifying bias and limitations in dataWorking with large, messy, real-world datasetsTranslating technical findings for non-technical audiences

Explore more majors that build these skills →

This major might be a good fit if you...

★Enjoys both math and coding
★Curious about finding patterns in messy information
★Comfortable being wrong and revising a hypothesis
★Likes explaining findings clearly to others

Common minors & double-major pairings

Statistics · Economics · Biology

Roles this major could lead to

Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.

Technology & Data

Data Analyst

Turns raw data into reports and insights that inform business decisions.

Technology & Data

Data Scientist

Builds statistical models and machine learning systems to find patterns or make predictions.

Technology & Data

AI / Machine Learning Engineer

Builds and deploys machine learning systems into real, working products.

Technology & Data

Data Engineer

Builds the pipelines and infrastructure that move and organize data for analysis.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Data Science major?

Turning raw data into insight using statistics and code.

What courses do Data Science majors take?

Typical coursework includes classes like Intro to Programming (Python/R), Probability & Statistics, Data Structures & Algorithms, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.

What skills do you build in a Data Science program?

Data Science coursework typically builds skills like Statistical analysis and inference, Programming for data manipulation (Python/R, SQL), Building and evaluating predictive models, Data visualization and storytelling.

Is Data Science a good major for me?

It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Enjoys both math and coding" or "Curious about finding patterns in messy information" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.

What can you do with a Data Science degree?

Majors in this field often go on to roles like Data Analyst, Data Scientist, AI / Machine Learning Engineer. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.

What other majors pair well with Data Science?

Common minor or double-major pairings include Statistics, Economics, Biology.

How is Data Science different from Computer Science?

They're related but distinct. Data Science: Turning raw data into insight using statistics and code. Computer Science: How computers solve problems, from algorithms to systems. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.

How long does it take to earn a Data Science degree?

Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.

From our guides

How to Choose a College Major: A Complete Guide for Students and ParentsA practical, step-by-step framework for figuring out what to study, how to test a major before committing to it, and what to do if you're still not sure by move-in day.Computer Science vs. Data Science vs. Information Technology: What's Actually DifferentThese three majors get lumped together on nearly every college website. Here's what actually separates them in practice, and how to tell which one fits how you think.Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist vs. Business Analyst: What's the DifferenceThree job titles that show up in nearly identical postings but mean different things day to day. Here's what actually separates the work, and which majors tend to lead where.

This overview describes what the field of study typically covers. It's not a guarantee of course availability, job placement, or earnings, program details vary by school. See our disclaimer.