Why Data Analytics?

Data Analytics combines statistical methods, programming skills and deep knowledge in a field of application to extract meaning from large, unstructured or complex data sets with the goal of informing policy, decisions, or scholarly research. Students select a concentration in one of two areas of application: Geospatial Analytics or Bioinformatics.

Students majoring in the Geospatial Analytics concentration may not co-major in Analytics. Students majoring in the Bioinformatics concentration may not minor in Bioinformatics. 

What Can I Do With a Major in Data Analytics?

Anything you want. Skills that involve processing data into information that is used to support insight and innovation will serve you in any area of application. Marketers use these skills to target products and coupons, educators use these skills to identify students who might benefit from additional educational intervention, bankers use these skills to detect fraudulent credit card activity, and biologists use these skills to explore genomic data. Graduates of this program pursue data science careers in corporations, consulting, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Analyze and interpret data critically using statistical models and programming skills.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in written form, results of statistical analyses to both the expert and layperson.

Student Learning Outcomes (Geospatial Analytics Concentration)

•  Design and execute workflows for geospatial problem solving and analysis.

Student Learning Outcomes (Bioinformatics Concentration)

• Integrate experimental bioinformatics data with biological pathway analysis to achieve understanding in complex biological processes.

Student Learning Outcomes (Sports Analytics Concentration)

• Identify and apply appropriate methods of data analytics in sporting contexts.

Student Learning Outcomes (Social Data Analytics Concentration)

• Identify and implement appropriate methods for analyzing socio-politico phenomena.
• Utilize data visualization techniques to communicate results in a compelling way to policy experts and engaged citizens.

Student Learning Outcomes (Digital Humanities Concentration)

• Develop and apply computational methods for analyzing historical and cultural data.

Learn more about Data Analytics