Major Requirements

Data Analytics is a joint program of the Zimpleman College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences. The program is an interdisciplinary study of statistics, mathematics, computer science, and information systems. The Data Analytics majors is designed to prepare students for a broad variety of research-oriented careers in just about any field. 

A few degree options are offered. The Data Analytics major is available as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) from the Zimpleman College of Business or as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from the College of Arts and Sciences. Students are required to complete 44 hours of major coursework for these majors.

The specific graduation requirements can be found in the undergraduate catalog. 

In addition to the major, a Data Analytics minor is available. 

The Drake Curriculum

The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project. More information on the Drake Curriculum can be found here. 

Academic Preparation 

If you like manipulating data and using math and statistics to explore the stories they can reveal, you may enjoy a successful career in data analytics. To succeed in the program, students should have a strong interest and aptitude in mathematics as well as statistics. Although not a requirement, it is recommended students take calculus in high school.