Data Science program
In today’s digital world, data is generated everywhere.
From websites and payment systems to social media and beyond, businesses across industries are gathering vast amounts of information. The challenge is turning that raw data into actionable insights. That’s where data scientists come in. They analyze data to answer critical questions: What happened? Why? And how can we use this knowledge to make smarter decisions?
The Data Science program at UW-La Crosse equips students with the skills to solve real-world problems through data collection, analysis, and interpretation. With hands-on projects and collaborations with industry leaders, healthcare systems, and government agencies, students apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.
What is data science?
Data science is an interdisciplinary field that involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting large volumes of data to help organizations make data-driven decisions. This process often uses cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, to uncover valuable insights.
At UW-La Crosse, the Data Science program integrates key fields such as mathematics, statistics, programming, and communication. Students develop a comprehensive skill set that prepares them to tackle complex data problems across industries.
My math professors at UWL instilled in me the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and confidence, often through tough love and by pushing me to reach beyond my self-prescribed boundaries.
Haley Klundt
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Careers in Data Science
The demand for data scientists is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of data science jobs is expected to grow by 36% nationally over the next decade, far outpacing the average for all other occupations.
The Data Science major at UWL prepares students to meet this growing demand, with a focus on both technical expertise and critical soft skills. The field also offers high earning potential, with the median annual salary for data scientists in the U.S. reaching $108,020 in 2023.
UWL's program emphasizes skills that are highly transferable, including ethical data practices, technical proficiency, and effective communication. Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles, such as:
- Data analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data visualization specialist
- Data scientist
What distinguishes UWL’s Data Science program?
Partnerships with leading organizations like Trane, Kwik Trip, Emplify Health, Mayo Clinic Health System, and the U.S. Geological Survey provide valuable internship opportunities and employment pathways to careers in data science.
Many students participate in undergraduate research projects that result in publications and presentations at national conferences. The department has several research fellowships that provide funding for research.
Class sizes are small; Intro and upper-level classes are typically 15 to 20 students.
Faculty in the department are involved in research in areas of algebra, analysis, topology and geometry, statistics, applied mathematics, numerical analysis, education, combinatorics, and graph theory. This research is widely published in prestigious research journals, and many faculty have received numerous grants.
A student-run Mathematics and Statistics Club meets at various times during each semester. Activities include talks by students and invited speakers, picnics, travel to conferences and friendly sporting contests with other clubs or faculty.
Students can participate in local, regional, and international mathematics or statistics modeling contests.
A major in Data Science works well in conjunction with almost any program at UWL, especially those in STEM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science) and the Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, and Economics).
The program combines multiple fields — mathematics, statistics, programming, and communication — ensuring that students gain a well-rounded skill set where they can approach data challenges from a variety of perspectives.
Sample courses
