Data Science

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Natural Sciences

Bachelor of Science, minor in Data Science

Three students sitting at a table all working on computers

About:

In our digital world, the demand for data science professionals is rapidly growing, with nearly 18,000 new job openings each year. Data science uses scientific methods and processes to gain insights and usable knowledge from data in any number of fields. From election forecasting and improved medical treatments to the apps you use every day, data science is reshaping modern life. Because data science requires skills in both statistics and computer science, PLU’s program is a collaboration between our computer science and mathematics departments, with a focus on developing your ability to collect, prepare, and clean complex data sets, create robust models, analyze strengths and limitations, and problem solve.

The program is designed to equip you with the skills to transform data into valuable insights, empowering you to solve real-world challenges, lead cutting-edge projects, and effectively communicate your findings to different audiences. Data scientist roles span across industries from technology, finance, scientific research, government, and health, and with PLU’s proximity to major tech hubs like Seattle and Tacoma, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue a career right in our region.

Skills you'll gain from this program:

Data Modeling & Analysis — Learn to build and test models with real-world data. You’ll use tools like Python, R, and statistics to spot patterns, solve problems, and understand both the strengths and limits of your results.
Machine Learning & Visualization — Gain hands-on experience with machine learning, natural language processing, and data visualization. You’ll turn large datasets into clear, meaningful insights that others can easily understand.
Ethical Use of Data — Practice using data responsibly by asking tough questions about its impact. You’ll learn to approach results with curiosity and humility, while thinking about the real-world consequences of data decisions.
Communication & Teamwork — Build confidence in sharing your findings with different audiences. Through group projects and your senior capstone, you’ll practice explaining data clearly and honestly.
Applying Data Across Fields — See how data science connects to areas like business, healthcare, psychology, politics, and science. You’ll prepare to bring your skills into a wide range of careers and communities.

Job Opportunities with a Data Science Degree:

You can be a:

Data Scientist - work with data and create models to help organizations make data-driven decisions
Public Health Analyst - design and implement studies to answer questions and help communities thrive
Business/Non-Profit Organization Analyst - interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform strategies
Data Architect - work for organizations related to testing and supporting students from diverse backgrounds
Data Engineer - design, build, and operate reliable data pipelines and platforms

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“I got the opportunity to intern at Symetra, a life insurance company, on the Analytics Engineering team within the Data Analytics division. This was an incredibly informative and exciting experience, where I developed an automatic data validation and notification system that was implemented into their codebase.”

— Meghan B. ’26

“PLU’s mission and curriculum invite students to grapple with complicated issues of inequalities in our society. This means [our students]are remarkably well-suited for becoming the kind of data scientists that the world really needs—data scientists who remain diligently mindful of potential impacts on those who are not in positions of power. The world doesn’t just need more data scientists; the world needs more PLU data scientists.”

— Associate Professor N. Justice, Co-Director of the Data Science Program

“Not only are the classes that I have taken interesting and challenging, but there are so many opportunities outside of class to apply our knowledge and grow as individuals and students.”

— Meghan B. ’26

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100% of data science majors work with professors to complete hands-on individualized projects.

Data Science jobs are expected to grow 35% in the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.