Data analytics is a rapidly growing profession across a wide range of fields, including finance, health care, insurance, biomedical research, computer science, marketing, and many other areas. Experts in data analytics have quickly become valued for their ability to process large amounts of data, detect significant trends, and make insights that drive important decisions.
This major combines study in math and computer science with a firm foundation in the liberal arts. In her TED Talk on challenges in interpreting big data, data analyst Susan Etlinger said: "What we need to do instead is spend a little bit more time on things like the humanities and sociology, and the social sciences, rhetoric, philosophy, ethics, because they give us context that is so important for big data, and because they help us become better critical thinkers."
OWU's program requires students to be strong in quantitative methodology, and it helps you develop the skills to use data to explore and make connections in larger social, political, and economic contexts. In addition to foundational studies in mathematics and computer science, you also will take courses in:
Since careers in data analytics span many industries, this can be a valuable second major. Ohio Wesleyan also offers minors in data analytics and data and society.
Every Data Analytics major works under the guidance of a faculty member to complete a capstone research project. Students take the classroom theory and methods they've learned and put them into practice in actual challenges faced in society.
In the 10-week intensive Summer Science Research Program, students work as paid researchers with a faculty mentor on a topic of mutual interest.
Students in all majors have a variety of opportunities to travel and gain a global perspective.
Data Analytics students pursue Travel-Learning classes, OWU Connection Grants, internships, and special projects that can take them anywhere in the world. Those with an interest in economics and business may participate in the Economic Management Fellows Program, which travels to New York City and Washington, D.C.
Ohio Wesleyan's 10-week Summer Science Research Program offers students the opportunity to carry out original research side by side with faculty mentors. Students and faculty are fully engaged partners in research projects. Students present their research at a forum in the fall.
A Travel-Learning Course took mathematics students to the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska to study mathematical models of climate. Also, recent OWU mathematics students have conducted research in China and Alaska using Theory-to-Practice Grants provided by OWU.
OWU students have several opportunities every year to compete in their areas of expertise (computer programming or mathematics) with students at other colleges. At the 2022 HackOHI/O 24-hour innovation and coding marathon held at Ohio State University, Computer Science and Data Analytics major Dhruv Sekhawat '26 and his teammates won first place in their challenge.
Especially strong students are invited to participate in the departmental honors program. Students work for a year on an independent study, write and present a paper, and take a comprehensive examination. This experience is appropriate for students preparing to enter graduate school. Recent honors graduates have attended Cornell University, University of Wisconsin, Rice University, and others.
As Executive IT Architect with IBM Analytics in London, UK, Christopher helps some of Europe's leading banks identify opportunities and solutions to better leverage enterprise information and analytics.
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