Do you like using mathematics to build models to solve real world problems? Do you enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles and finding patterns? Are you interested in what data tells us about both the present and the future? If so, you should consider a major in data science.

PLNU data science majors learn the mathematical, statistical, and computing techniques necessary to make meaning from large collections of data. From modeling the spread of disease, to predicting the performance of retirement plans and building business strategies, data scientists work on a very diverse collection of problems that impact people’s daily lives. With a degree in data science, you will gain the broad background that is often required for actuarial, pharmaceutical, defense, and security industries. As a bonus, if you are planning on becoming an actuary, PLNU’s curriculum is designed to meet several of the certification requirements of the Society of Actuaries.

The Department of Mathematical, Information, and Computer Sciences (MICS) is committed to working with you to help you discover who you are called to be. As a data science major at PLNU, you will be immersed in a curriculum that not only allows you to gain and apply the broad knowledge of your discipline, but also aims to help you develop the characteristics necessary to be an effective member of the communities where you work and live. As a graduate, you will be prepared to serve our complex world through your technical and professional abilities. All of this and more will be available to you in a collaborative and supportive environment of students and faculty alike.

In our increasingly data-driven society, well-equipped data scientists are in high demand. A degree in data science opens the door to a variety of careers across many desirable industries, places where analytical abilities, mathematical modeling, and computation skills are valued assets. PLNU mathematics alumni have found success in the workforce through actuarial work at Fidelity Investments, model building at SPAWAR, research at General Atomic, and cryptography at the NSA, just to name a few. Other alumni have gone on to graduate programs in mathematics and statistics.

“Along with what I learned through my coursework, being able to closely communicate with my professors proved to be critical in shaping my career path as an actuary. I know I wouldn’t be where I am at today without their help and guidance!"

Griffin Aseltine, Class of 2019
Actuary

A Bachelor of Science in Data Science can lead to careers in:

• Actuarial Science
• Bioinformatics
• Business Analytics
• Climate Modeling
• Cryptography
• Data Analysis
• Data Mining
• Decision Science
• Economics
• Financial Planning
• Fraud Detection
• Information Security

For more information about careers in data science, please visit:

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
Society of Actuaries
Mathematical Association of America career profiles