Data Science

What Is Data Science, and Is It Right for Me?

Do you like finding patterns, solving problems or using technology to understand the world around you? Longwood University’s B.S. in Data Science can help you turn that curiosity into a clear path forward.

Data science brings together computer science, statistics, mathematics, artificial intelligence and knowledge from other fields to turn information into useful answers. In this major, you’ll learn how to work with data from start to finish: collecting it, cleaning it, analyzing it, explaining what it means and sharing recommendations that help people and organizations make informed decisions.

Data Science is for you. You do not need to arrive as an expert. With small classes, supportive faculty and hands-on projects, you’ll build your skills step by step, gain confidence and be better prepared for a successful career in data science.

What Can I Do With a Data Science Degree?

Modern organizations generate enormous amounts of data every day and rely on data professionals to improve products, optimize operations, strengthen cybersecurity, personalize customer experiences, drive innovation and create value in countless other ways.

Possible career paths for those with a degree in Data Science include:

• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Business intelligence analyst
• Business analyst
• Machine learning engineer
• Data engineer
• Statistical analyst
• Quantitative analyst
• Marketing analyst
• Healthcare data analyst
• Financial analyst

Some roles may require experience, graduate study or additional technical training. Longwood's Data Science major prepares you for in-demand roles across a wide range of industries including business, healthcare, technology, government, sports, finance, marketing, nonprofits or for graduate study in data science, analytics, statistics, computer science, business analytics, and related fields.

How Will I Get Hands-On Experience as a Data Science Major?

Hands-on learning is built into the Data Science major. Throughout the program, you'll apply what you learn by working with real-world datasets, via course projects and capstone experiences.

In Practice of Data Science Consulting I and II, you’ll work with a team on a real consulting project arranged by faculty. You’ll learn how to work with a client, create project proposals, provide regular client updates, clean data, conduct analyses using industry tools, develop visualizations, write professional reports and present findings and recommendations to both clients and faculty. By the end of this experience, you’ll build a portfolio that demonstrates your skills to potential employers and/or graduate schools.

This program will help you develop the technical expertise and analytical mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.

Can I Pair Data Science With Another Interest?

Yes. One strength of Longwood’s Data Science major is its flexibility.

You can pair Data Science with another field through a minor or even a second major, depending on your goals. That might mean combining data skills with business, economics, biology, healthcare studies, geographic information science, psychology, sociology, political science or another area that matters to you.

You’ll graduate with technical data skills and knowledge in another field, helping you understand not only how to analyze data, but why it matters.