8 answers
Genevieve
Student
Topeka, Kansas
62
Questions
Asked
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Best major to pair with data science?
I would like to either double-major or pair a minor with a degree in data science. What degree would be the best option: math, applied statistics, accounting, finance, marketing?
Other suggestions are welcome!
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8 answers
Jamie Meyer
Success Design
7
Answers
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Hello Genevieve, I am going to make an out of the box suggestion. I work with a lot of people in the Data Science/Tech realm. A degree or study in the area of Communications would drastically add and expand your value in Data Science. It would allow you to translate Data situationally, explain Data insightfully and communicate how the Data works and is accumulated. It would enhance your ability to work in the Data Science realm and collaborate with external organizations and teams. Wishing you much success!
Thanks for the suggestion Jamie! I would have never thought of it! :)
Genevieve
Terrell Turner
Firm Partner
3
Answers
Pineville, North Carolina
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
If you are studying data science, that will give you a really good grasp of understanding data and analyzing information so I good complement would be business, accounting, or marketing. Each of these fields of study will give you exposure to how businesses and business models work so you can learn how to use your knowledge of data to make decisions that impact the way an organization operates, makes money or establish growth. Being able to combine all of these together can put you on a pretty good path toward leadership and promotions within an organization or entrepreneurship if you choose that route.
Thank you Terrell! :)
Genevieve
Abby Lupi
CareerVillage.org TeamData Analyst at CareerVillage.org
54
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Abby’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Genevieve! This is a great question.
As a data analyst, I want to offer a huge +1 to Jamie's suggestion of communication! A big part of working in a team is figuring out the best way to present and communicate my findings in a way that data AND non-data minded people can understand. I do this almost every day.
However, it also depends what kind of work environment / style works best with your brain. Do you want to work in a small team? A science lab? A small company? A nonprofit? A think tank? Do you want to work remotely or in person or a hybrid? Your choice might differ depending on where you want to go.
If you want to double down in the technical space (think machine learning, programming, advanced visualizations, development) I'd recommend computer science or similar.
If you're interested in data storage, transfer, and management (especially as it pertains to large databases), you could look into data engineering or information technology!
I myself studied physics in college and found that many of the skills I learned in problem solving, analysis, and lab reports transferred wonderfully into data science. I was fortunate enough that my choice of major was entirely guided by what I enjoyed. So if you have that opportunity, go with what you're most interested in! It will make the college experience that much brighter :)
As a data analyst, I want to offer a huge +1 to Jamie's suggestion of communication! A big part of working in a team is figuring out the best way to present and communicate my findings in a way that data AND non-data minded people can understand. I do this almost every day.
However, it also depends what kind of work environment / style works best with your brain. Do you want to work in a small team? A science lab? A small company? A nonprofit? A think tank? Do you want to work remotely or in person or a hybrid? Your choice might differ depending on where you want to go.
If you want to double down in the technical space (think machine learning, programming, advanced visualizations, development) I'd recommend computer science or similar.
If you're interested in data storage, transfer, and management (especially as it pertains to large databases), you could look into data engineering or information technology!
I myself studied physics in college and found that many of the skills I learned in problem solving, analysis, and lab reports transferred wonderfully into data science. I was fortunate enough that my choice of major was entirely guided by what I enjoyed. So if you have that opportunity, go with what you're most interested in! It will make the college experience that much brighter :)
Thanks for taking the time to help Abby! :)
Genevieve
Adit Bhiday
Software Engineer
8
Answers
Gibson City, Illinois
Updated
Adit’s Answer
Data science is a highly interdisciplinary field, and there are many majors that can pair well with it to create a strong skill set for a career in data science. Here are some majors that can complement a degree in data science:
Mathematics or Statistics: A major in mathematics or statistics can provide a strong foundation in the mathematical and statistical techniques that are essential for data science. This can include topics like probability theory, linear algebra, and multivariate calculus, which are all important for understanding the mathematical models that underlie many data science algorithms.
Computer Science: Computer science is another natural pairing with data science, as it provides a strong foundation in programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. A major in computer science can also provide a deeper understanding of databases, distributed systems, and software engineering principles, which are all important for building scalable and efficient data systems.
Economics: Economics is a social science that provides a strong foundation in statistical analysis and econometric techniques, which are essential for many applications of data science. Economics majors can also gain a deeper understanding of microeconomic theory, which can help with understanding how markets and consumers behave.
Biology: Biology majors can provide a unique perspective on data science, as they often have a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and other natural sciences. This can be valuable for applications like bioinformatics, genomics, and personalized medicine, where understanding biological systems is essential.
Overall, there are many majors that can complement a degree in data science, and the best major to pair with data science will depend on the individual's interests and career goals.
Mathematics or Statistics: A major in mathematics or statistics can provide a strong foundation in the mathematical and statistical techniques that are essential for data science. This can include topics like probability theory, linear algebra, and multivariate calculus, which are all important for understanding the mathematical models that underlie many data science algorithms.
Computer Science: Computer science is another natural pairing with data science, as it provides a strong foundation in programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. A major in computer science can also provide a deeper understanding of databases, distributed systems, and software engineering principles, which are all important for building scalable and efficient data systems.
Economics: Economics is a social science that provides a strong foundation in statistical analysis and econometric techniques, which are essential for many applications of data science. Economics majors can also gain a deeper understanding of microeconomic theory, which can help with understanding how markets and consumers behave.
Biology: Biology majors can provide a unique perspective on data science, as they often have a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and other natural sciences. This can be valuable for applications like bioinformatics, genomics, and personalized medicine, where understanding biological systems is essential.
Overall, there are many majors that can complement a degree in data science, and the best major to pair with data science will depend on the individual's interests and career goals.
Adit, thank you so much for the in-depth and well-written answer!
Genevieve
Micheal White
Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Management
11
Answers
Panama City Beach, Florida
Updated
Micheal’s Answer
I would totally look at computer science. And depending on what subcategory of data science you wanted to be in because they're a lot health care, finance, cyber blockchain. There's a ton. And no they're all data science. They have their own nuances. I would also expect to look towards an MS for sure in the end. Like I said before, get on GitHub. Get on Kaggle look it over. Ask some questions and you'll find out which direction you want to go in. And plan to do internships.
Thanks Michael!
Genevieve
Paul Kerl
Director
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I am going to say something different than others here...
Pair Data Science with an application area that you are interested in! Whatever that is. Are you interested in Marketing? Pair it with that. Are you interested in finance? Then pair it with that. Interested in the stars and astronomy? Then Astronomy or Physics! Data Science has a wide, wide range of applicability in almost any area that has data - almost anything nowadays.
Data Science is a set of tools that will help you answer questions using data, and using the scientific method. That said, you will always have very interesting areas that you can apply those tools in almost any discipline.
That can help guide you into thinking what major to pair data science - and it is OK not to know too! That is normal (and what I ran into as well) - expand your horizons by trying some classes out, and ask others (like you are here!) about how they chose their major, and how they reflected on that choice too.
Pair Data Science with an application area that you are interested in! Whatever that is. Are you interested in Marketing? Pair it with that. Are you interested in finance? Then pair it with that. Interested in the stars and astronomy? Then Astronomy or Physics! Data Science has a wide, wide range of applicability in almost any area that has data - almost anything nowadays.
Data Science is a set of tools that will help you answer questions using data, and using the scientific method. That said, you will always have very interesting areas that you can apply those tools in almost any discipline.
That can help guide you into thinking what major to pair data science - and it is OK not to know too! That is normal (and what I ran into as well) - expand your horizons by trying some classes out, and ask others (like you are here!) about how they chose their major, and how they reflected on that choice too.
Great answer, thanks Paul!
Genevieve
Benjamin Rust
tech
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
In order to truly expand and enrich your knowledge, it is essential to delve into a wide variety of subjects, transcending your current areas of interest. Exploring disciplines such as history, philosophy, linguistics, and the humanities will not only broaden your intellectual horizons, but it will also foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By embracing diverse perspectives, you will gain a better understanding of the world around you and the people within it.
As we continue to progress into an era of increasing automation, many of the technical aspects of work and problem-solving will be handled with ease, freeing individuals to focus on higher-order thinking and exploration. In this context, having a well-rounded knowledge base will become even more crucial, as it will equip you with the necessary background to make informed decisions, contribute meaningfully to various domains, and apply your expertise in building increasingly complex models and strategies.
To achieve this, consider pursuing courses, reading books, attending seminars, or engaging in discussions related to subjects outside your field of expertise. You may find that insights from history can lend perspective to current issues, or that philosophical debates can sharpen your analytical capabilities. Moreover, knowledge gained from linguistics can help deepen your understanding of communication and human thought processes, while the humanities can teach you about culture, art, and social dynamics.
In summary, the key to broadening your knowledge is to embrace diversity in your learning journey. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach will not only enhance your mental acuity but will also enable you to draw upon a rich reservoir of information when building models and solving complex problems in an increasingly automated world.
As we continue to progress into an era of increasing automation, many of the technical aspects of work and problem-solving will be handled with ease, freeing individuals to focus on higher-order thinking and exploration. In this context, having a well-rounded knowledge base will become even more crucial, as it will equip you with the necessary background to make informed decisions, contribute meaningfully to various domains, and apply your expertise in building increasingly complex models and strategies.
To achieve this, consider pursuing courses, reading books, attending seminars, or engaging in discussions related to subjects outside your field of expertise. You may find that insights from history can lend perspective to current issues, or that philosophical debates can sharpen your analytical capabilities. Moreover, knowledge gained from linguistics can help deepen your understanding of communication and human thought processes, while the humanities can teach you about culture, art, and social dynamics.
In summary, the key to broadening your knowledge is to embrace diversity in your learning journey. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach will not only enhance your mental acuity but will also enable you to draw upon a rich reservoir of information when building models and solving complex problems in an increasingly automated world.
Thanks again!
Genevieve
jie peng
financial services
3
Answers
Roselle, Illinois
Updated
jie’s Answer
These are all excellent choices, and the “best” option depends on several factors:
• Your future inspirations: are you interested in pursuing research/academia, or working in industries such as technology, accounting, finance, and marketing?
• Your strengths: are you more adept at theoretical concepts or communication skills?
• the curriculum offered at your institution: does the data science curriculum focus on underlying theories or practical applications?
If it’s challenging to decide, I’d recommend taking/auditing an introductory course in each of the listed fields to gauge your level of interest and aptitude. This should help you determine what fits you the “best”.
• Your future inspirations: are you interested in pursuing research/academia, or working in industries such as technology, accounting, finance, and marketing?
• Your strengths: are you more adept at theoretical concepts or communication skills?
• the curriculum offered at your institution: does the data science curriculum focus on underlying theories or practical applications?
If it’s challenging to decide, I’d recommend taking/auditing an introductory course in each of the listed fields to gauge your level of interest and aptitude. This should help you determine what fits you the “best”.
Thanks for the advice Jie! :)
Genevieve