AT A GLANCE

Data science is a rapidly advancing field, and data science majors are in high demand. The modern world is overflowing with data, and gaining insights from it can improve decision-making, increase profits, optimize processes, or benefit a higher cause.

At Carthage, students studying data science learn how to analyze, interpret, and visualize data effectively while refining their ability to communicate results to non-technical audiences. You’ll graduate with the skills employers are seeking, and the data science mastery you need for an exciting future.

Degree Offered:

  • B.A. in Data Science

Minor:

  • Data Science

View Degree Requirements

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.

  • <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"><source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/84/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,400/36370_Clayton-Markech-24.rev.1668538149.webp 1x" data-origin="responsive"/><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/84/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,400/36370_Clayton-Markech-24.rev.1668538149.jpg 1x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/84/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,400/36370_Clayton-Markech-24.rev.1668538149.jpg" alt="Clayton Markech '24" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="300" data-max-h="400" loading="lazy" data-optimized="true"/></picture></div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “I chose Carthage because I had the opportunity to get large-school experiences at a small school where the professors can get to know me personally.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/2159-">Clayton Markech</a> ’24</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
  • <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"><source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/37/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1170,1169/39968_ryan_heffelman_sv.rev.1718201758.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/37/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1170,1169/39968_ryan_heffelman_sv.rev.1718201758.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/37/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1170,1169/39968_ryan_heffelman_sv.rev.1718201758.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/37/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1170,1169/39968_ryan_heffelman_sv.rev.1718201758.jpg 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/37/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1170,1169/39968_ryan_heffelman_sv.rev.1718201758.jpg" alt="Ryan Heffelman '27" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/37/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1170,1169/39968_ryan_heffelman_sv.rev.1718201758.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/37/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1170,1169/39968_ryan_heffelman_sv.rev.1718201758.jpg 3x" data-max-w="1170" data-max-h="1169" loading="lazy" data-optimized="true"/></picture></div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “Carthage has small class sizes and unique organizations that allow me to work closely with my professors and peers, overall providing an excellent learning environment.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/2765-">Ryan Eugene Heffelman</a> ’27</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>

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:


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.

LEARN ABOUT MATH/SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS