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Data Science (BA/BS)

What is a Data Science Degree?

Data analytics is one of the 21st century’s most important skills. As an Interdisciplinary Data Science major at Nevada State, you will learn the analytic skills necessary to enter some of today’s fastest growing fields. Data Science combines statistical analysis, computer programming, and knowledge of a topic area that you pick, and combines them to solve puzzles, unravel mysteries, and tell stories. If that is exciting to you, you will love Data Science.

In the Interdisciplinary Data Science program, you will learn to use the most common tools of data scientists using real world data. You will learn to write programs in Python, analyze data in R, and query databases with SQL. You will create statistical models and clearly communicate the results. Most importantly, you will learn to ask good, sharp questions that allow you to use your growing analytic skills to solve problems that you care about.

The Two Types Of Degrees

Nevada State has two data science degrees: A Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Science requires higher-level math courses (Calculus and Linear Algebra) but leaves its students better prepared for more advanced study. The Bachelor of Arts is more flexible and may be easier to combine with another major or to finish if starting later in your college career.

If you are interested in data science but have little to no background knowledge on the subject, don’t worry – no experience is necessary! Haven’t coded before? Never taken statistics? No problem! Our Data Science program assumes no background in these subjects. Most people don’t have any experience. We will start at the beginning. If you’re an analytical thinker, you can become a data scientist!

Degree Outcomes

  • Ask meaningful questions about data sets.
  • Investigate data questions using appropriate measures and methods.
  • Use problem-solving to resolve issues such as data hygiene, managing outliers, and other difficulties that can arise in data sets.
  • Combine sound methodology and analysis to draw appropriate conclusions from data that help inform good decision-making.
  • Communicate the results of data inquiries to a variety of audiences.

What Can You Do With a Data Science Degree?

The data science program prepares you for both graduate studies and data analytic careers in areas as diverse as marketing, educational assessment, business analytics, biostatistics, and financial services. The Las Vegas Valley is in particular need of individuals with good data skills as its economy grows and diversifies. A degree in Data Science from Nevada State will set you up for a bright professional future.

Careers in Data Science

  • Data Analyst – collects, organizes, and analyzes data in order to develop insights that drive  strategic business decisions
  • Market Research Analyst – studies consumer behaviors and attitudes through qualitative and quantitative research to help businesses make successful promotional decisions
  • Data Scientist – determines the meaningful questions that a business should be asking, then gathers and analyzes large sets of data to extract meaningful insights to help answer those questions

Career & Salary

Use our Career & Salary data to find average salary and job information, along with the Top Skills you will gain by earning an Education/Instruction Minor from Nevada State University.

Class Search

Nevada State University has numerous degrees and programs, specialty program offerings, and online learning options to help you reach your academic goals. Find available courses using our Schedule of Classes tool.

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Engaging Classes

DATA 101
Description
A survey course of the core elements of data science: Asking questions, collecting and cleaning data, exploring the data, creating models, and communicating the results. No programming background or statistics background is assumed.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Credits
3.0
DATA 210
Description
Introduction to SQL for Data Science An introduction to using SQL to create, manage, and analyze basic relational databases. SQL queries to retrieve and modify data – including JOIN statements and calculated fields – with a focus on identifying patterns within data.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Credits
3.0
DATA 220
Description
Research Methods for Data Science A first course in research methods for students pursuing data science. The emphasis of this course is on developing the habits of sound critical thinking, especially with regards to larger data sets. The entire research process will be examined, including the formation of a research question, the means of data collection, and the resulting conclusions that can be drawn from the data. Data privacy and ethics considerations will be discussed in the context of executing research projects. Analytical concerns (such as causation vs. correlation and data dredging) will also be explored.
Prerequisite(s)
CS 135
Credits
3.0
DATA 310
Description
Data Visualization A course in converting data into understandable visual presentations. Processing and modeling data. Principles of designing effective visualizations.
Prerequisite(s)
DATA 101 and CS 135
Credits
3.0

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