In this age of data, where we have access to larger quantities and more kinds of data than ever before, we need people who can make sense of it all. Demand for data scientists is projected to grow 36% over the next decade with about 13,500 job openings each year. That could be you — and Portland State's bachelor degree in data science can help you get there.

Our program aims to train well-rounded data scientists who have the foundational knowledge and skills to make informed decisions on how to collect, visualize, approximate, optimize, predict, and interpret data using specialized software. Our students graduate with a competitive edge, having had the opportunity to develop data acumen, work with real data, and help city clients answer their real-world questions.

Why Portland State?

  • Rigorous foundation: Datasets are often large, complex, and noisy — and extracting meaningful information from them requires sophisticated mathematical, statistical, and computational techniques and algorithms. Our lower-division classes offer training in calculus, linear algebra, computer science, and statistical methods with basic programming skills in Python, R, and MATLAB. You'll become agile in matrix calculations by the time you graduate.
  • Ethical awareness: Through the Data Science seminar and electives in computer and communication ethics, you'll better understand the social implications of data bias and ethical conduct when collecting, analyzing, and making decisions.
  • Specialized, applicable coursework: As you progress, specialized classes in statistics, large-scale data algorithms, computer science, optimization, and scientific computing prepare you for various hands-on applications. Your choice of electives allows you to focus your degree on relating a specific field to data science, including business, health, and scientific discovery.
  • Hands-on training: Real-world applications are crucial, and you'll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with a culminating practicum course. Recent projects have included studying the effect of solar panels on green roof moisture, predicting the toxicity of cyanobacteria, and conducting a quantitative analysis of the reproducibility and repeatability of the Stöber method to produce silica (SiO2) nanoparticles of a target diameter.
  • Expert faculty: Many of our faculty are leading researchers in computational mathematics and statistics, and they will bring their expertise to your classes. A group of faculty was recently awarded a five-year, $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train students and postdocs in computational mathematics and statistical learning and develop a broad understanding of current issues in data-driven science.
  • Guest lectures: Local industry leaders provide seminars and presentations from Year 1, giving you real-world insights.
  • In the heart of Silicon Forest: Portland is home to major employers like Intel and Nike, government agencies, and startups that can offer internship placements and future jobs.

Portland State's data science program prepares you not only for today's jobs but for future jobs. Our bachelor's degree can help you launch your career in various fields in industry, government, business, and health sciences, or serve as a stepping stone for graduate programs in data science, computer science, statistics, and computational mathematics.

Why Our Students Chose Us

Pascal Caraccioli Salinas has long been interested in a career in geothermal research, and sees machine learning as a faster, cheaper, and more accurate alternative to exploratory drilling. To take his career in that direction, he knew he needed an in-depth knowledge of statistics, math, and computer. This year, he landed his dream internship with the U.S. Geological Survey, learning to use machine learning to predict the favorability of geothermal resources in Nevada's Great Basin.

"You need more of a mathematical and data-driven approach to find these geothermal resources. I had this theoretical approach when I studied geology, but I needed the math. ... I thought I wasn't going to be able to do this work until after grad school and it's only happening because of PSU. I'm extremely grateful." -Pascal Caraccioli Salinas '23

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