How to Prepare for a Data Science Major at UConn
UConn's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) offers two undergraduate data science degrees that train students for one of the fastest-growing fields in the economy.
Unlike traditional computer science programs, our data science degrees combine technical skills with real-world topics, helping students apply data skills to the topics they care about most.
High school educators can begin preparing their students for this accessible pathway into a rapidly growing STEM field. Learn more about our programs and how to help students get ready to major in data science at UConn.
Why Study Data Science at UConn
Majors That Go Beyond Coding
UConn’s data science curriculum teaches students to apply data skills to real-world problems in fields such as biology, ecology, economics, environmental science, health, policy, politics, sports, and society. Students gain:
- Hands-on data analysis experience.
- Expertise in a specific domain, or an area of concentration.
- An understanding of both how to analyze data and why data matters in real-world decision-making.
Flexibile Pathways for Different Goals
Data science majors in CLAS can tailor their education to match their interests and career aspirations through multiple domain specializations, including:
- Advanced Statistics
- American Political Representation
- Biological Data Science
- Earth Science
- Financial Analysis
- Marine Science
- Population Dynamics
- Public Policy Management
Students can double major with a data science degree and a degree in their domain area. They also have access to hands-on learning experiences in exciting fields, including the Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Program.
$124,500
Median salary (May 2024 , U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
34%
Job growth for data scientists (2024-2034, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Degree Options in CLAS
BA in Applied Data Analysis
Best for students interested in: communication, environmental issues, policy, social sciences, or understanding societal problems through data.
Program Highlights:
- Focus on communicating data insights to non-technical audiences.
- Easily pair with a second major in the social sciences.
- Interdisciplinary coursework rooted in real-world applications.
Potential Career Paths:
- Environmental data analyst
- Nonprofit program evaluator
- Policy analyst
- Political consultant
- Public sector analyst
- Survey researcher
BS in Statistical Data Science
Best for students interested in: Statistics, biostatistics, economics, finance, machine learning, mathematics, or technical data roles.
Program Highlights:
- Strong foundation in mathematics and advanced statistics.
- Training in machine learning and advanced analytical methods.
- More quantitative depth than the BA.
Potential Career Paths:
- Biostatistician
- Data engineer/Data scientist
- Financial analyst/Quantitative analyst
- Machine learning engineer
- Risk analyst
- Sports analyst
Admission requires a formal application
Preparing High School Students for Data Science at UConn
Math Preparation Matters
Our degree options require students to complete two semesters of college calculus (similar to AP Calculus BC). Students interested in data science should:
- Continue through precalculus and calculus in high school.
- Consider AP or ECE Statistics.
- Be comfortable with quantitative reasoning.
Students without precalculus may need extra time to reach the prerequisites, delaying entry into the major.
Student Frequently Asked Questions about Majoring in Data Science
Do I have to major in computer science to become a data scientist?
No, there are many pathways to a career in data science! The BA in Applied Data Analysis and BS in Statistical Data Science degrees in UConn's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are great options for students who enjoy working with data but want to apply those skills in real-world areas like health, the environment, business, politics, and society rather than pure tech.
Can I double major in data science?
Absolutely! The BA in Applied Data Analysis and BS in Statistical Data Science in CLAS are specifically designed to pair with majors in economics, environmental studies, geography, political science, sociology, and more.
Do I need to be good at math to major in data science?
You need a solid math foundation (calculus and statistics are required), but the CLAS data science majors aren't pure math programs. Students develop both quantitative skills and the ability to apply them to real-world questions.
I like science but not lab work. Can I still major in data science?
Yes! The BA in Applied Data Analysis and BS in Statistical Data Sciences in CLAS require a solid math background but require fewer laboratory science courses than a traditional BS degree does.
Do I need to take computer programming in high school to major in data science at UConn?
No. While you will learn programming skills in your classes in both the BA in Applied Data Analysis and BS in Statistical Data Science, you do not need previous programming experience to excel in these majors.
Learn More and Contact Us
If you are a high school teacher or counselor with questions about these programs, please contact: