What Is a Data Science Major? | Learn.org

Data science is a broad field that deals with data. Those with a degree in data science can go on to work in numerous industries, including business, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more.

There are many types of data science majors and many specializations within the field. So, what does a data science major do? Keep reading to learn more about data science majors.

What Is Data Science?

Data science is a field concerned with understanding and breaking down data. It involves several steps, including acquiring data, analyzing data, and using that data to draw conclusions that lead to actionable insights for a company.

Data science also involves building and maintaining the systems used to do all these tasks. As a result, data science is an incredibly broad field of study.

Types of Data Science Majors

As we mentioned above, data science is a broad field. Some colleges and universities offer data science majors, but many other majors fit into the data science category, including:

• applied mathematics
• biostatistics
• business analytics
• computer science
• computer engineering
• data analytics
• information technology
• mechanical engineering
• statistics

Additionally, some colleges and universities offer broad data science majors with concentrations or specializations in the fields above or additional areas of study.

What Courses Will I Take in a Data Science Major?

As data science is such a broad field, data science majors take courses that cover a variety of topics. Some of the common courses you'll find in a data science degree include:

• Introduction to Data Science: An introductory course that covers the fundamentals and techniques of data science.
• Statistics and Probability: Statistics and probability courses are common in data science as these courses teach statistical methods to help students understand many aspects of data science theory and practice.
• Programming for Data Science (e.g., Python, R): Data scientists need to understand multiple programming languages, including Python, R, SQL, and Java.
• Machine Learning: Courses in artificial intelligence and machine learning teach future scientists how to develop and use the tools needed to create algorithms for data management.
• Data Visualization: Data visualization courses cover how to create and analyze visual representations (e.g., graphs and charts) of data sets.
• Database Management and SQL: Database management and SQL coursework trains students to develop and use data structures to store and analyze data.
• Big Data Technologies: Big data refers to large datasets, and these courses cover how to deploy and use systems to store and analyze these data sets.
• Capstone Project or Internship: The capstone project or internship is often the final portion of the degree program, in which students put what they've learned to use through a project or hands-on field experience.

Many programs offer specializations or concentrations, which allow students to fulfill their remaining credit hours with courses in a specific area of study within the major. Others have students fulfill their remaining credit hours with elective courses so they can tailor their coursework to their career goals.

What Skills Will I Develop as a Data Science Major?

Data science majors develop a range of skills, regardless of their core area of study. These skills include:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: One of the key skills necessary for data scientists is the ability to analyze and solve problems. These degrees help students hone these skills for success in the field.
• Programming skills: As mentioned above, data scientists often need to know several programming languages to develop, tweak, and manage their information systems.
• Machine learning expertise: Most of the algorithms used to process data are made with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students in data science programs develop these skills so they're ready to work with algorithms.
• Data visualization: As mentioned above, data visualization is the art of representing data in a visual form, something data scientists need to know how to communicate their findings effectively.
• Statistical knowledge: Statistical methods and probability are constantly used in data analysis, so your degree program will strengthen your knowledge of these concepts.

Additionally, data science degrees also help hone your basic critical thinking and decision-making skill sets to set you up for success in the field.

Learn more: What Can I Do With a Data Science Degree?

What Are the Specializations Within a Data Science Major?

The specializations offered within a data science major will depend on your school and degree program. Some common specializations include:

• bioinformatics
• business analytics
• computational data
• cybersecurity
• data engineering
• data mining and statistical analysis
• database management and architecture
• machine learning and artificial intelligence
• project management

Since different programs also offer different specializations, check to see what specializations are available before you enroll. Additionally, if a program doesn't offer any specializations, you may be able to create one of your own through electives.

Is a Data Science Major Difficult?

Everyone has subjects they consider difficult, so whether or not a data science degree is difficult depends on the person. However, in general, data science is considered one of the more difficult majors, as it's more intensive than many other fields.

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors in general are usually thought of as more difficult, as they require a lot of technical learning, as well as several math and science courses. Data science, specifically, can be tricky as it's a complex, interdisciplinary field that requires students to understand probability, statistics, computer science, and information science.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Data Science Major?

A bachelor's degree, whether a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts, usually takes four years of full-time study to complete. The first two years are focused on general education and liberal arts courses, while the final two are focused on the coursework for the major.

However, if you study part-time, it will take you longer to complete the program. Additionally, some programs may offer accelerated formats that let you finish in less time.

For master's degrees, the time frame can vary a bit. Two years is about average for full-time students, but some programs are shorter.

Find a Data Science Program Today

If you're interested in a career as a data scientist, data analyst, statistician, or something similar, check out the data science programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual programs for more information and start your journey in data science today.