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 JongeriusDepartment Chair
Professor of Mathematics

$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:

Data science intern, Isomark Health

Madison, WI

Web developer, Northwestern College

Orange City, IA

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Liam** Liam chose Northwestern because he wanted an education within a Christian community—and because of its strong math program.

ALUMNI

**Hailey** Statistics studies at Northwestern prepared Hailey to earn her master’s and intern within the field of animal health care economics.

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

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Engineering

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.