Declaring a major in data science can be a rewarding decision, as the field is in high demand and offers many exciting career opportunities. However, knowing the skills and knowledge typically required for success in this field is essential. It would be best if you considered some things before declaring a major in data science:

• Math and statistics: Data science involves working with large data sets, and a strong foundation in math and statistics is essential. This includes topics such as probability, linear algebra, and calculus.
• Programming: Data science also requires the ability to write code, typically in languages such as Python, R, or SQL. Familiarity with these languages, as well as with data structures and algorithms, is essential.
• Machine learning: An essential aspect of data science is using machine learning techniques to analyse and make predictions from data. Familiarity with machine learning concepts and techniques, such as decision trees and neural networks, is essential.
• Data visualisation: Data scientists often need to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences, and creating clear and compelling visualisations is an important skill.
• Business acumen: Besides technical skills, data scientists need to understand business problems and use data to inform decision-making. Familiarity with business concepts and an ability to communicate with stakeholders are essential.

It's also worth noting that a data science degree program may include coursework in other related fields, such as computer science or statistics.

What do data science majors study?

Data science degree programs typically cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Math and statistics: Data science involves working with large data sets, and a strong foundation in math and statistics is essential. This includes topics such as probability, linear algebra, and calculus.
• Programming: Data science also requires the ability to write code, typically in languages such as Python, R, or SQL. Students may learn about data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.
• Machine learning: An essential aspect of data science is using machine learning techniques to analyse and make predictions from data. Students may study machine learning algorithms and techniques, such as decision trees, linear regression, and neural networks.
• Data visualisation: Data scientists often need to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences, and creating clear and compelling visualisations is an important skill. Students may learn about different visualisation tools and techniques.
• Business acumen: Besides technical skills, data scientists need to understand business problems and use data to inform decision-making. Students may study business concepts and learn how to communicate with stakeholders.

Data science degree programs may also cover additional topics such as databases, data engineering, and data ethics.

Essential skills data science majors develop

Data science majors typically develop various technical and non-technical skills, including:

• Math and statistics: Data science involves working with large data sets, and a strong foundation in math and statistics is essential. This includes skills such as analysing data using statistical methods, building models to make predictions, and understanding the underlying assumptions of different statistical techniques.
• Programming: Data science also requires the ability to write code, typically in languages such as Python, R, or SQL. Students develop skills in software development, including debugging, testing, and version control.
• Machine learning: An essential aspect of data science is using machine learning techniques to analyse and make predictions from data. Students develop skills in training and evaluating machine learning models and understanding the underlying principles and limitations.
• Data visualisation: Data scientists often need to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences, and creating clear and compelling visualisations is an important skill. Students may learn about different visualisation tools and techniques and develop the ability to create visualisations that effectively communicate data insights.
• Business acumen: Besides technical skills, data scientists need to understand business problems and use data to inform decision-making. Students may develop business analysis, stakeholder communication, and project management skills.
• Critical thinking: Data science involves analysing and interpreting data, and developing the ability to think critically and solve problems is an important skill. Students may learn to approach issues structured and logically, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions based on data.
• Communication: Data scientists often need to communicate their findings to stakeholders, and developing strong communication skills is essential. Students may learn to present data insights clearly and effectively and communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.

Typical courses for data science major

Data science degree programs typically include a mix of math, computer science, and statistics coursework and elective courses that allow students to specialise in a particular area of interest. Here are some typical courses that may be included in a data science degree program:

• Math and statistics: Calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics, and statistical modelling
• Programming: Introduction to computer science, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles
• Machine learning: Introduction to machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and natural language processing
• Data visualisation: Data visualisation tools and techniques, design principles, and creating compelling visualisations
• Business acumen: Business analysis, project management, stakeholder communication, and data ethics
• Databases: Database design, SQL, and data warehousing
• Data engineering: Data pipelines, data processing, and data modelling

In addition to these core courses, data science degree programs may also offer elective courses that allow students to specialise in a particular area, such as healthcare data science, finance, or natural language processing.

Six popular courses in data science major

Here are six popular courses commonly included in data science degree programs:

• Introduction to data science: This course provides an overview of data science and covers critical concepts such as data exploration, visualisation, and machine learning.
• Programming for data science: This course teaches students how to write code in languages such as Python or R and covers data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.
• Machine learning: This course covers the principles and techniques of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
• Data visualisation: This course teaches students how to create compelling visualisations using tools such as Matplotlib, ggplot, or Tableau. Students learn about design principles and how to communicate data insights.
• Databases: This course covers database design, SQL, and data warehousing topics and teaches students how to design and query databases effectively.
• Data engineering: This course covers data pipelines, processing, and modelling and teaches students how to build and maintain data infrastructure.

These are just a few popular courses that a data science degree program may offer. The specific courses and curriculum may vary depending on the institution and the program's focus.

Benefits of doing a major in data science

There are many benefits to earning a major in data science, including the following:

• High demand for data scientists: The field of data science is in tall order, and data scientists are in high demand across a wide range of industries, including tech, finance, healthcare, and retail.
• Exciting and diverse career opportunities: Data scientists can work in various roles, such as data analysts, data engineers, machine learning engineers, and data scientists. They can also work in multiple industries, including tech, finance, healthcare, and retail.
• High earning potential: Data scientists often earn high salaries, as they have many valuable skills in high demand. According to Glassdoor, the median salary for a data scientist is $121,000 per year.
• Opportunity to make an impact: Data science is a rapidly growing field impacting many industries. Data scientists can use their skills and knowledge to make a difference.
• Opportunity to learn and grow: Data science is a rapidly evolving field, and data scientists have the opportunity to continuously learn and grow as they work on new challenges and projects.
• Interdisciplinary skills: Data science involves a mix of math, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge, and earning a major in data science can help students develop a range of interdisciplinary skills that are valuable in many different careers.

Things to consider before joining a data science major

Here are some things to consider before joining a data science major:

• Math and programming skills: Data science involves working with large data sets and requires strong math and programming skills. It's essential to be comfortable with concepts such as probability, linear algebra, and calculus and with programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL.
• Interest in data and machine learning: Data science involves using machine learning techniques to analyse and make predictions from data. It's essential to be interested in these topics and be willing to learn and work with data.
• Time and effort required: Data science degree programs can be demanding and may require a significant time commitment. It's essential to be prepared to invest the necessary time and effort to succeed in the program.
• Career goals: Data science can lead to many exciting career opportunities, but it's essential to consider your long-term career goals and whether a data science degree is right for you.
• Cost: Data science degree programs can be expensive, and it's essential to consider the cost of tuition and other expenses before making a decision.
• Location: Data science degree programs are offered at universities and colleges around the world, and it's essential to consider the program's site and whether it is a good fit for you.

Overall, earning a data science major can be a rewarding decision, but it's essential to carefully consider these and other factors before making a decision.