3 answers
Tori
Student
1
Question
Asked
162 views
What are the most useful and/ or beneficial majors to support a career in data science?
I am looking to study data science in college starting next fall and have the option to choose a double/ combined major. What are the most useful and/ or beneficial majors to support a career in data science and open up more opportunities?
Thank you! #Spring25
Login to comment
3 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1011
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Tori, you should know that pursuing a career in data science is a forward-thinking and strategic choice, especially as industries across the globe increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making. While majoring in Data Science provides a strong foundation in analytics, programming, and statistical modeling, pairing it with a complementary second major can significantly broaden your expertise, enhance your adaptability, and open more career opportunities across diverse sectors.
One of the most beneficial double majors to pair with Data Science is Computer Science. This combination deepens your understanding of algorithms, data structures, machine learning, and software development—skills that are foundational to building scalable data systems and advanced analytics tools. It’s particularly advantageous if you’re interested in fields like artificial intelligence, big data infrastructure, or tech-centric roles. For curriculum inspiration, review programs at institutions like MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory - https://www.csail.mit.edu or Stanford’s Data Science and Computer Science offerings - https://cs.stanford.edu.
Mathematics or Statistics is another high-impact pairing. While Data Science includes statistical methods, a deeper dive into mathematical theory enhances your analytical thinking and prepares you for roles requiring complex modeling, such as in finance, epidemiology, or academic research. The American Statistical Association - https://www.amstat.org and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics - https://www.siam.org offer valuable resources, networking, and career guidance for students blending these disciplines.
Tori, if your interests lie in applying data science to specific industries, consider combining it with Economics, Business Analytics, or Finance. These combinations are ideal for careers in market analysis, investment strategy, consulting, or economic research. You’ll gain insights into real-world applications of data such as forecasting, behavioral analysis, and optimization. Schools like the University of Chicago - https://economics.uchicago.edu and Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania - https://statistics.wharton.upenn.edu are leaders in blending quantitative analysis with business acumen.
Additionally, if you’re passionate about solving real-world societal problems, a second major in Public Health, Environmental Science, or Political Science can be uniquely valuable. These fields increasingly rely on data to inform policy, assess risk, and design interventions. Organizations like the CDC - https://www.cdc.gov and WHO - https://www.who.int offer data-driven internships and fellowships that are perfect for students in these dual pathways.
Finally, Tori, consider the interdisciplinary approach many top universities now offer. Programs like the one at UC Berkeley’s Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society - https://data.berkeley.edu allow students to tailor their studies through domain emphases, combining rigorous technical training with applied knowledge in humanities, sciences, and more.
Choosing a double major alongside Data Science should reflect both your career goals and intellectual curiosity. The most strategic pairings not only enhance your resume but also deepen your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead innovation in a world increasingly shaped by data.
One of the most beneficial double majors to pair with Data Science is Computer Science. This combination deepens your understanding of algorithms, data structures, machine learning, and software development—skills that are foundational to building scalable data systems and advanced analytics tools. It’s particularly advantageous if you’re interested in fields like artificial intelligence, big data infrastructure, or tech-centric roles. For curriculum inspiration, review programs at institutions like MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory - https://www.csail.mit.edu or Stanford’s Data Science and Computer Science offerings - https://cs.stanford.edu.
Mathematics or Statistics is another high-impact pairing. While Data Science includes statistical methods, a deeper dive into mathematical theory enhances your analytical thinking and prepares you for roles requiring complex modeling, such as in finance, epidemiology, or academic research. The American Statistical Association - https://www.amstat.org and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics - https://www.siam.org offer valuable resources, networking, and career guidance for students blending these disciplines.
Tori, if your interests lie in applying data science to specific industries, consider combining it with Economics, Business Analytics, or Finance. These combinations are ideal for careers in market analysis, investment strategy, consulting, or economic research. You’ll gain insights into real-world applications of data such as forecasting, behavioral analysis, and optimization. Schools like the University of Chicago - https://economics.uchicago.edu and Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania - https://statistics.wharton.upenn.edu are leaders in blending quantitative analysis with business acumen.
Additionally, if you’re passionate about solving real-world societal problems, a second major in Public Health, Environmental Science, or Political Science can be uniquely valuable. These fields increasingly rely on data to inform policy, assess risk, and design interventions. Organizations like the CDC - https://www.cdc.gov and WHO - https://www.who.int offer data-driven internships and fellowships that are perfect for students in these dual pathways.
Finally, Tori, consider the interdisciplinary approach many top universities now offer. Programs like the one at UC Berkeley’s Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society - https://data.berkeley.edu allow students to tailor their studies through domain emphases, combining rigorous technical training with applied knowledge in humanities, sciences, and more.
Choosing a double major alongside Data Science should reflect both your career goals and intellectual curiosity. The most strategic pairings not only enhance your resume but also deepen your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead innovation in a world increasingly shaped by data.
Christine Tompkins
Data Analyst
9
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Data Science is an awesome and growing field! The best part about data science is that it's a venn diagram of math (stats), programming (R/Python + SQL), and subject matter expertise - so really, you have a lot of options on what to study at university.
It sounds like your university offers some ways to "mix and match" and build your own major, which makes your life much easier. It's possible that they already have a blend of courses dedicated to data science already that has courses in stats/comp sci that you'll need along with your preferred field. Since admission letters just went out, you may not have an academic advisor assigned to you just yet, but you will have one closer to when fall semester starts. You can tell them that you're interested in data science within XYZ area of expertise. They will either have a track already designed, or will help to build one with you.
It sounds like your university offers some ways to "mix and match" and build your own major, which makes your life much easier. It's possible that they already have a blend of courses dedicated to data science already that has courses in stats/comp sci that you'll need along with your preferred field. Since admission letters just went out, you may not have an academic advisor assigned to you just yet, but you will have one closer to when fall semester starts. You can tell them that you're interested in data science within XYZ area of expertise. They will either have a track already designed, or will help to build one with you.
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Tori! That’s a great move, double majoring can really strengthen your foundation for a career in data science! Some of the most useful and complementary majors include:
- Mathematics or Statistics – strengthens your ability to analyze and interpret data deeply.
- Computer Science – helps you build scalable systems and improves your coding and algorithmic thinking.
- Economics – adds real-world application of data analysis, especially in policy, finance, or business.
- Business Analytics or Finance – gives you domain knowledge and prepares you for roles in corporate settings.
- Engineering – sharpens your problem-solving mindset and may offer access to technical electives in AI or systems.
Choose a second major based on what excites you most and could go hand in hand with data science, good luck!
- Mathematics or Statistics – strengthens your ability to analyze and interpret data deeply.
- Computer Science – helps you build scalable systems and improves your coding and algorithmic thinking.
- Economics – adds real-world application of data analysis, especially in policy, finance, or business.
- Business Analytics or Finance – gives you domain knowledge and prepares you for roles in corporate settings.
- Engineering – sharpens your problem-solving mindset and may offer access to technical electives in AI or systems.
Choose a second major based on what excites you most and could go hand in hand with data science, good luck!