Data Science

A major in data science puts graduates at the forefront of an emerging field and prepares them for an exciting career at the intersection of computer science and statistics.

Data Science is the interdisciplinary field of inquiry that uses quantitative and analytical methods to help gain insights and predictions based on big data. Students learn about key computational methods and statistical techniques and develop the deep analytical thinking skills needed to reason reliably, intelligently and creatively from data. The vast amounts of data generated every day has created a data-rich and data-driven world. The data science major will open pathways to careers in virtually every area of society, from healthcare, security and sustainability to education, business and economics.

Students in first year data science share most of the first two semesters of curriculum with the computer science majors. After that, they may select an emphasis in computer science, mathematics, or applied statistics for the remainder of the degree progression. Data science students have a large number of electives with which they may choose to specialize in another subject area in which they would like to apply their skills.

Small Steps - Giant Leaps: The Data Mine & Beck's

The Data Mine team leads top-priority logistics project for an industry leader

As the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third largest seed brand in the United States, Beck’s turned to The Data Mine team for a top-priority logistics issue to solve: Evaluate opportunities to improve operational efficiency of transferring product between warehouses and develop solutions.

Doug Abney, a senior majoring in agricultural economics, worked with Beck’s Hybrids during the fall and spring terms. He spoke of the team’s persistence in its pursuit of finding business solutions.

“The only thing better than uncovering a problem is thinking of a solution. That’s where we are able to use our skill sets and research,” he said.

The team members met each week with Beck’s Hybrids, explaining their ideas and collaborating with company representatives.

“There’s a lot of times we’ll get done with a meeting, and I keep thinking about how we can solve that issue,” Abney said. “It’s something I find really interesting.”

Data Science, BS

Data Science Webpage

Transfer to Data Science

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Admission is selective. The most qualified students are selected from the pool of applicants.

Contact Information

Director of Recruiting, College of Science
(765) 494-1771
sciencerecruiting@purdue.edu

College of Science

Careers in Data Science

Glassdoor named the data scientist the No. 1 occupation on a recent “Best Jobs in America” listing. The average entry-level salary for data scientists is $86,000.