Academics

Change the world with data science
What if you could solve the world's biggest problems because you can understand and interpret data? As a data scientist, you can make an impact in any field — and earn a degree with value at the same time! Glassdoor voted Data Scientist third in 'Best Jobs in America for 2022', with a median base salary of $104,000.
Choose from three undergraduate program offerings below to start your adventure in data science.
Major
Intended for students with strong quantitative backgrounds, with the goal of educating students on the technical fundamentals of Data Science and a focus on developing the knowledge and skills needed to transform data into insights.
Minor
Intended for students all disciplines, the minor gives students an in-depth understanding of data science as it is applied to a variety of domains.
Certificate
Intended for students of any discipline, the certificate is designed to prepare students for future work with significant data science components.


A growing profession
"The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees strong growth for data science jobs skills in its prediction that the data science field will grow about 28% through 2026."
— Forbes Magazine
Connections
You’ll find support from your peers, faculty, and staff when you join a learning community. Learn about your path of study, on-campus resources and activities, and future careers. You’ll connect with faculty and students through activities both in and outside the classroom and collaborate with a peer mentor.
Connect with other students developing innovative and entrepreneurial skills in the Start Something CALS or Start Something LAS Academy. Or find other students with similar interests in any of Iowa State’s hundreds of student organizations.

Connect and thrive
Iowa State is a big university with a close-knit, caring community that provides access to resources that support and enrich your learning, working, and living experience.
The university provides a comprehensive network of academic support, health and safety resources, and supportive communities.