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

Data Science + Statistics
Why NWC?

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
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

Experience

Expert professors

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

Compass Center for Career & Calling

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

Engineering

Engineering

Northwestern's engineering program offers concentrations in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. As an engineering student, you’ll regularly engage in hands-on learning experiences, including 3D printing, wooden bridge building, machining, electric circuits, programming, geospatial analysis and traffic simulation. You’ll also study newly developing concepts like AI. Our program has been designed to achieve ABET accreditation, for which it will be eligible upon graduation of the first cohort in 2028.

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.

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 and study abroad opportunities around the globe. 

Engineering

Northwestern's engineering program offers concentrations in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. As an engineering student, you’ll regularly engage in hands-on learning experiences, including 3D printing, wooden bridge building, machining, electric circuits, programming, geospatial analysis and traffic simulation. You’ll also study newly developing concepts like AI. Our program has been designed to achieve ABET accreditation, for which it will be eligible upon graduation of the first cohort in 2028.

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.