Data Science
With a data science minor, you will be capable of tackling wicked problems and working for the global good. Our courses will teach you best practices in data collection, management, measurement, visualization, analysis, and inference. You’ll learn not only how to harness data but also how to understand its societal consequences. Plus, our location in Portland provides easy access to internships and employment.
Why Choose a Minor in Data Science?
Our program focuses on quantitative analysis in application—for example, in the domains of politics, economics, health, and technology—and requires substantial critical thinking in conjunction with sufficient understanding of context. We will teach you how to get the numbers and make sure you understand what they mean. Minoring in data science will not only make you more employable, but also help you cultivate a love for lifelong learning—the best preparation for your life after Lewis & Clark.
What You’ll Study
Our interdisciplinary program is dedicated to quantitative problem solving. You will take courses in statistics, social impact, computer science, and a wide selection of electives offered across departments. Many of our students earn course credit toward their data science minor while on an overseas program.
Outside the classroom, we host an annual Hackathon competition in which teams of students partner with community members to explore problems related to complex, socially relevant topics—in areas such as health care, politics, the environment, and criminal justice—and solve these using data analysis. We also offer a variety of workshops to engage the student body in discussion and nourish their technical data skills, and we foster dialogue by featuring speakers from both academia and industry who are experts in their field. These events give our students opportunities to learn about external applications of data and technology, better consider potential career paths, and understand the sociocultural implications of ever-advancing technologies. We also encourage our students to apply their data science skills in the real world with internships, which we help them find.
Complement Your Education With One of These Majors
The most popular majors for our data science minors are computer science and mathematics, economics, and political science.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
Adam Schwarz BA ’23More about AdamI participated in an applied data science practicum related to monarch butterflies with Professor Greta Binford and other data scientist specialists. This was a great experience for applying what I am learning in the classroom to a real-world scenario.
Elise Son BA ’27More about EliseMy favorite class that I have taken was Intro to Data Science with Professor Ellen Seljan. I came into the class with no prior experience with coding, and so the class was a way to learn the basics of R in a welcoming environment that was accessible to people with different levels of knowledge of code.
Madeleine MacWilliamson BA ’24More about MadeleineI never anticipated picking up a data science minor because of the computer science and statistics requirements. However, through classes with Professor Seljan, I adopted a growth mindset. This perspective fostered my quantitative confidence, which in turn improved my analytical toolkit!
What Can You Do With a Minor in Data Science?
Our alumni use their minor in data science in a variety of careers at companies such as Starkey, Voting Rights Data Institute, HaystaqDNA, NAVEX Global, and Civiqs. Many start their own companies, or go on to pursue advanced degrees.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
Students can join a variety of student-run organizations. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list? Start something new and build your own community of peers!
