Overview
The Data Science major at Illinois State uses an interdisciplinary approach to train students in computer programming, statistical modeling, and data visualization. The major prepares students for success in careers that harness the power of data to solve real-world problems in a wide range of fields.
Data science majors select one of four sequences to focus on:
- Big Data and Computational Intelligence
- Business Analytics
- Population Health
- Social Demographic and Public Policy
Or students can chart their own path in the Individualized Data Science sequence.
Why Study Interdisciplinary Studies - Data Science?
The Data Science major trains students in skills that have real-world value. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook indicated that median pay for data scientists in 2025 was $120,230 per year, with the job outlook from 2025 to 2035 increasing by 35%, which is much faster than average.