About the program

The Data Analytics major is one of the first of its kind for a major research institution in the nation. Data analytics applies fundamental scientific principles to analyze large, complex data sets. This rapidly growing field needs practitioners with expertise that cuts across core disciplines of computer science, mathematics and statistics, and highly developed critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. It is a uniquely interdisciplinary major with academic partnerships rarely found in other majors. The major is co-directed by the Department of Statistics and the College of Engineering's Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 

What is data analytics?

Data analytics is the application of fundamental scientific principles towards the analysis of large, complex data sets to answer questions, extract patterns and predict behavior. Practitioners in this rapidly growing field have expertise that cuts across core disciplines of computer science, mathematics and statistics, and critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. The application of data analytics engages a wide range of fields, including business and finance, energy and the environment, health care, logistics and security.

What can you do with a data analytics degree?

The McKinsey Global Institute describes data analytics as “the next frontier for innovation.” Data Analytics professions are ranked favorably in terms of job environment, outlook, stress and compensation — mid-career professionals can expect to earn a solid six-figure income. Examples of career opportunities include:

Clinical Research • Sports Analytics • Cyber Security • Market Research • Genomic Sequencing • Health Information Systems • Machine Intelligence • Search Engine Development • Financial Fund Management • Pharmaceutical Research • Aviation Management • Insurance and Risk Management • Infectious Disease Epidemiology