Data Science Major | Houghton University

Use data to solve the problems of today and tomorrow.

As a Data Science major, prepare to turn data into knowledge. Data is everywhere and is largely an untapped resource with the potential to inform every aspect of our lives and the world around us. At Houghton, you'll be equipped with the technical skills, hands-on experience, and confidence to excel in this growing field.

Employers are looking for people like you. Those who can transform data into action and create solutions.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BA

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

hands holding chalk and writing an equation on chalkboard

Through Houghton’s Data Science Major, you will:

Begin with the basic fundamentals of the data science process and then advance to more advanced topics based on your interests.
Transform complex data into actionable information.
Gain critical skills in areas of statistical modeling, computer programming, data mining, machine learning, data visualization, data ethics, and more.
Specialize your degree through elective courses, such as collaborative research, internships and independent studies, that allow you to focus on areas such as sports analytics, healthcare, business, and data for social good.

Data Science Process

Ask a question

What is the scientific goal? What would you do if you had all the data? What do you want to predict or estimate?

Get the data

How were the data sampled? Which data are relevant? Are there privacy issues?

Explore the data

Plot the data. Are there anomalies? Are there patterns?

Model the data

Build a model. Fit the model. Validate the model.

Communicate and visualize the results

What did we learn? Do the results make sense? Can we tell a story?

Why study Data Science at Houghton?

Data Science in Action at NASCAR

The analytics department at the Nashville Superspeedway (NSS) partnered with an interdisciplinary team of Houghton students to develop NASCAR fan engagement surveys. NSS wanted tap into the technical skills and diverse expertise the Houghton students had to offer. Results will be used to enhance the NASCAR fan experience next year and the NSS is keen to work with data science students on more projects.

Accelerated Learning

Data science courses are offered at the high school and first year level, preparing you early on for internships. You'll have room for advanced courses, internships, and research opportunities, giving you a competitive edge for your future.

Real-World Impact

You will be connected to data science internships and experiential learning opportunities. You can learn data science on location by working with real data sets across a range of domains. Learn how to connect your faith with your interest in data science to help solve problems around the world.

Career Connections

Houghton alumni are invested in your future, providing real work opportunities and connections to well-known companies like John Deere, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Buffalo Bills, Wegmans, Paychex and more. If you are interested in research, the multi-year Van Dyk Scholars grant is an example of alumni support for data science students. Whether you are looking to join the workforce or continue your studies, the data science community at Houghton University can jump-start your career.

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

DSCI 211 Data Science I

This course teaches you the basics of gathering, storing, and studying data to find useful information. You'll discover how to spot patterns in data and use different types of computer learning - from programs that learn with human guidance to those that learn on their own. You will also learn about the legal and ethical issues when working with data.

CSCI 236 Data Structures and Algorithms

Learn about the building blocks that help computers store and organize information. You'll explore different ways to arrange data, like Linking Lists, Stacks, Queues, Binary Trees, Priority Queues, and Heaps. You'll learn how these structures work and the step-by-step methods (called algorithms) that make them useful. You'll also practice different ways to sort information and find exactly what you’re looking for in a computer system.

CSCI 380 Collaborative Research in Data Science

In this course, you'll contribute to a computer science research project as part of a team of students. You'll take primary responsibility for at least one component of the project, producing cutting-edge research for a current problem of today.