Data Science Program

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Whittier College’s new data science major and minor prepare students to collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve real-world problems.

Data science combines mathematics, computer science, and statistics, and can be applied across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Students learn to examine complex issues through a data-informed perspective by integrating with fields like sociology, political science, and more. This hands-on, ethical, and adaptable field of study gives students the tools to make data-driven decisions in industries like technology, healthcare, finance, marketing, education, and more.

Why Study Data Science at Whittier?

Anchored in the College’s liberal arts foundation, the major pairs technical training with critical thinking, creativity, and communication.

This combination equips students with versatile, transferable, in-demand skills that prepare them for a wide range of high-impact careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing fields. Students also learn directly from faculty with advanced training and real-world experience in data science, ensuring both depth and relevance. By graduation, students are well prepared for a wide range of careers or advanced study.

Program Highlights

  • Core courses in computer science, mathematics, statistics, machine learning, and ethics.
  • Opportunities to take electives in database design and implementation, probability and statistics, and data visualization.
  • A senior capstone project to apply your skills to a real-world challenge.
  • Flexible pathways: Students can complete the major in as little as three years with careful planning.

Major in Data Science

The major includes 14 courses and a senior capstone (46–47 credits). Students gain a strong foundation in programming, statistics, machine learning, and ethical reasoning, plus the freedom to explore electives tailored to their interests.

Minor in Data Science

The minor includes 8 courses (26 credits), offering essential training in computer science, statistics, and machine learning. Perfect for students in any discipline who want to enhance their studies with data skills.