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Data Science

Data Science Major

In a world teeming with data, our Data Science major equips students with the skills to transform these vast amounts of information into actionable knowledge. This cutting-edge field intersects with various disciplines and has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and think.

Why Study Data Science?

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. In other words, it's all about turning raw data into meaningful information.

  • Increasing Demand: The demand for Data Scientists is soaring. By studying Data Science, you are opening the door to a wide range of lucrative career opportunities in virtually every sector of the economy.
  • High Earning Potential: With its growing demand, the field also offers impressive earning potential. According to Glassdoor, Data Scientists are among the top-earning professionals across all sectors.
  • Making Impactful Change: With Data Science, you have the power to bring meaningful change. From predicting climate patterns and advancing healthcare to transforming businesses, Data Scientists are at the forefront of driving innovation and improving society.
  • Endless Opportunities for Learning: The field is continuously evolving, meaning there is always something new and exciting to learn.

Why Major in Data Science at Illinois Wesleyan?

At Illinois Wesleyan University, we take pride in providing a comprehensive, high-quality education for our students. Here's what makes our Data Science program stand out:

  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from professionals who have real-world experience and a firm committment to effective learning. Our faculty are active researchers who can guide you through the theoretical and practical aspects of Data Science.
  • Personalized Learning: As a small liberal arts school, we offer small class sizes that encourage personalized learning. Our professors are not just teachers but mentors who will guide and inspire you every step of the way.
  • Cutting-edge Curriculum: Our program is designed to align with the latest trends in Data Science. You will learn about Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, and more.
  • Real-world Exposure: Through internships and capstone projects, you'll gain practical experience in the field. This will enable you to apply the skills you've learned in a real-world setting and make you a strong candidate for future employment.
  • Strong Alumni Network: Our alumni are working in top-tier companies around the world. As a a Data Science major at Illinois Wesleyan, you will have opportunities to connect with these professionals and gain insights about the industry.

Courses for the Data Science Major

Through their coursework, our majors gain expertise in each of the following areas: 

  • Programming fundamentals including data structures, algorithms, OOP, and databases 
  • Machine learning and deep learning
  • Mathematical foundations including statistics, statistical inference, linear algebra and computational data analysis
  • Communicating results, including written, verbal, and visual communication
  • Data curation and management
  • Reproducibility/documentation of analyses 
  • Ethics (privacy, data access, data control)

Required courses commonly include the following (see your course catalog for more details):

  • CS 125/DASC 125 - Introduction to Computer and Data Sciences
  • CS 128 - Computer Science 2
  • CS 135/MATH 135 - Applications of Sets, Logic, and Recursion
  • ART 141 - Graphic Design I
  • MATH 215 - Linear Algebra
  • CS 222/PHIL 222 - Ethics, Values, and Issues in Cybertechnology
  • DASC 225 - Data Analytics with Visualization
  • CS 314 - Database Systems
  • CS 377/DASC 377 - Applied Data Analysis
  • CS 387 - Deep Learning
  • MATH 403 - Computational Data Analysis
  • One statistics course: MATH 141, MATH 325, ECON 227, PSYC227, or BIOL 323