Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in existence. Scientists, businesses, government agencies and various organizations routinely gather huge amounts of data from a variety of sources. Data scientists help transform this information into insights that shape the world, asking and answering questions that influence decisions about healthcare, sustainability, business, security, equity – the list goes on.
Willamette’s data science program helps students gain contemporary computer programming and data analysis skills, either as a major course of study or a minor complementing any undergraduate major. The program also addresses issues such as the ethics of working with data while teaching students how to formulate good questions, design a process for answering them and effectively communicate their findings to a variety of stakeholders.
Students learn two core computer programming languages (R and Python). The R course focuses on introductory statistics, and the Python course focuses on introduction to computer programming. Students also complete electives that advance their knowledge of statistical, mathematical, analytical and machine learning techniques. Both majors and minors apply their skills in the Problem-Solving with Data Analytics class, while majors complete their bachelor’s degree with a capstone internship or research project.
Willamette University