Data Science is a rapidly growing academic discipline fueled by the proliferation of rich and complex data emerging from activities in science, industry, and governments. As a result, there is strong demand for data science professionals today in Iowa as well as across the nation and globe, and this market is expected to continue to grow in the next decade. The data science programs are intended for students who wish to study the data science discipline for its own sake as well as for students studying any discipline at Iowa State University with the goal of enabling them to work in data science. The courses in the data science program are designed to provide students with the requisite background that would enable them to take jobs with significant data science components, e.g., establishing and operating data analysis pipelines. The capstone will provide an opportunity for students to apply data science concepts to a domain problem while working in a multi-disciplinary team setting.

The Data Science major is intended for students with strong quantitative backgrounds and has the goal of educating students on the technical fundamentals of Data Science, with a focus on developing the knowledge and skills needed to transform data into insights. The major is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to prepare themselves for the exciting Data Scientist positions that are in high demand today.