• <a href="/live/image/gid/673/width/650/88477_Laptop_crop.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image88477"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/673/width/500/height/479/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/673/width/500/height/479/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/673/width/500/height/479/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/673/width/720/height/690/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/673/width/720/height/690/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/673/width/720/height/690/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/673/width/720/height/690/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg" alt="Training in data science at Lewis & Clark will not merely make our graduates more employable in the short term but also cultivate the..." width="720" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/673/width/720/height/690/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/673/width/720/height/690/crop/1/88477_Laptop_crop.rev.1619804107.jpg 3x" data-max-w="2832" data-max-h="2832" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Training in data science at Lewis & Clark will not merely make our graduates more employable in the short term but also cultivate them as lifelong interdisciplinary learners, capable of tackling wicked problems and exploring for the global good.</div>

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.

Curriculum

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

  • I am learning valuable skills in data science like text analysis and developing experimental methodology.

    Madeleine MacWilliamson BA ’24
    Political Science | Data Science | Campbell, California
    More about Madeleine
  • The liberal arts teach you how to be a critical thinker and an engaged member of your society.

    Frankie Spurbeck BA ’23
    Political Science | Data Science | Minneapolis, Minnesota
    More about Frankie
  • My favorite class has been Network Security with Professor Jens Mache. This class challenged me, taught me about the intricacies of modern network systems, and allowed me to apply what I learned to real-world scenarios.

    Natalie Zoz BA ’23
    Computer science | Chinese, Data Science (double) | Lincoln, Nebraska
    More about Natalie

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.

Meet the Professors

  • Equity 

    We are the only liberal arts school in Oregon on Colleges of Distinction’s “Best Equity and Inclusion” list for 2023–24.

  • 125 

    of our undergraduate students are Third Culture Kids.

  • 2,188 

    As of fall 2022, there are 2,188 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.

  • 12:1 

    Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

  • Top 

    Lewis & Clark earned a spot on Princeton Review’s 2024 “Best Colleges” list.

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!