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College of Science

Data Science Minor

Turn complex datasets into actionable insights and solve real problems the responsible way.
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Data Science Minor

Turn complex datasets into actionable insights and solve real problems the responsible way.

Data runs through nearly every field and profession. Whether your future is in health, business, public policy, sustainability or another field,knowing how to analyze, interpret and communicate data gives you practical skills you can use on the job..

This minor gives you a strong foundation in data analysis, computing and visualization. No matter your major, this minor helps expand both your analytical skills and job opportunities in data-related careers.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to assess a real-world problem and propose methods for analyzing and solving it based on data. The skills you gain will help you uncover meaningful, accurate insights and lead them to develop solutions. The data science minor also ensures you gain a fuller understanding of the ethical implications involved in analysis and modeling, helping you use data responsibly. And because data insights need to make sense to an audience, you’ll use computing and visualization tools to communicate your findings clearly and effectively..

This minor is also available through Oregon State’s Ecampus.

Sample courses

Introduction to Statistical Methods

Python Programming for Data Science

Data for Good

Data Visualization

Data science stories at OSU

A girl in black sweatshirt works on a computer in a classroom.
Oregon State launches data science degree for today's data-driven careers

The world’s most urgent challenges are no longer held back by a shortage of data. They’re limited by our capacity to understand the mountains of information we generate every day. From climate modeling and environmental policy to biomedical research and artificial intelligence, data now underpins nearly every scientific and societal challenge. Preparing students for today’s careers, no matter the field, now requires fluency in data. It requires graduates who can move confidently between disciplines, translate complex analysis into clear decisions and understand the ethical responsibility that comes with influence.

A hand holds a phone with an app open showing data points on a grid.
New data visualization course equips students to turn data into real-world impact

What do ocean currents, baseball statistics and insect populations have in common? These real-world systems have all become living datasets — transformed by students into interactive apps and digital stories in a new course in data visualization.

Headshot of Lan Xue outside Kidder Hall
From human health to AI: Oregon State statistician shapes the future of data science

As the head of the Department of Statistics, Lan Xue is steering a major expansion with the department’s first undergraduate degree, while also prioritizing mentorship and research.

Woman wearing a hijab and a blue JSM lanyard peruses merchandise on a table with other conference attendees milling around.
Breaking into data science: How conference networking helps statistics students get hired faster

How statistics students can land jobs at top companies like AbbVie — the power of conferences at Oregon State University. Alumna Chenyang Duan (Ph.D. Statistics, ‘23) landed a full-time position as senior statistician at AbbVie, one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world.

TRACE staff wearing face masks and face shields brief community volunteers before COVID-19 testing outside near two white vans.
OSU's TRACE initiative to become part of the nation's historical record

The StoryCorps recordings highlight how Oregon State researchers built a statewide partnership that helped communities track COVID-19 and make informed public health decisions through innovative data and wastewater surveillance.