Data Science Major & Minor
Carthage’s interdisciplinary Data Science curriculum consists largely of mathematics and computer science courses, with additional coursework in statistics, business, and ethics.
In addition, every student majoring in data science works with a faculty mentor to design and complete an applied data science concentration, so students can apply their quantitative knowledge to fields like environmental science, business, and health care.
Special academic options to meet your interests
Students who choose to study data science at Carthage are able to customize their program of study to meet their interests, passions, and career goals. Many students pair a data science major with another major or minor, or to advance a career in actuarial science.
Actuarial science
Actuaries apply their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, finance, and business to assess risk, often in the insurance and finance industries. A major in data science at Carthage paves the way for students to pass two or more actuarial exams before graduating.
Learn more about studying actuarial science at Carthage
A second major or minor
Because data analysis is a skill set in such high demand across industries, pairing a major in data science with a second major or a minor will open many doors as students begin their careers after graduation. Talk with your faculty advisor to explore possibilities! Here’s a look at some of the major and minor pairings currently being pursued by Carthage data science majors:
- Data science major and computer science major or minor
- Data science major and criminal justice major or minor
- Data science major and finance major
- Data science major and history major or minor
- Data science major and mathematics major or minor
- Data science major and psychology major or minor
- Data science major and marketing major
- Data science major and business administration minor
- Data science major and communication major or minor
- Data science major and GIS major or minor
Advance skills through research and extracurriculars
Original research
Research is built into the Carthage experience through the required senior thesis and options such as the paid Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. Data science majors often give presentations at professional conferences or publish their work in math journals and magazines.
Learn more about research at Carthage
Student clubs and extracurricular activities
The Data Science Club, Mathematics Club, Computer Science Club, and the campus chapter of honorary society Pi Mu Epsilon are popular among data science majors. Students can also compete in a math quiz show called Face Off!
Learn about data science student organizations
Exciting career options after graduation
Although the formal data science program is relatively new, Carthage graduates have already put those skills to use for employers, such as Jockey International, Midwest Employers Casualty, and Nike.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects huge (36 percent) growth in the job market for data science majors through 2031, driven by the need for “organizations to make informed decisions and improve their business processes, to design and develop new products, and to market their products better.”
Learn more about careers in Data Science
Scholarships for data science majors
Carthage awards two full-tuition Math/Science Scholarships each year to incoming students. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate ability in data science, computer science, mathematics, and other natural sciences and are renewable for four years.