Why Major in Mathematics: Data Science?
Mathematics with an emphasis in data sciences is the study of mathematical tools to analyze data for the purposes of modeling and prediction. Students learn to
- extract and clean data
- manipulate data
- visualize data
- identify patterns in data
- use the model for prediction and forecasting
- use models to summarize and describe values
Career Opportunities
Below is a list of job titles:
- Data Scientist
- Market Research Scientist
- Quantitative Analyst
- Strategy Analyst
- Survey Statistician
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Jacob's story »
Profession-based Learning Opportunities
Northwest owns a site license to R, the second highest data systems tool, and SAS. Through the National Science Foundation grant, students have access to computers to get profession-based learning experiences with large data. Access to these systems are free for students and great skills to list on a resume.
Although internships are not required, they are highly encouraged.
Northwest Student Chapter of Mathematical Association of American (MAA) promotes the interest and study of mathematics through problem-solving, meetings, lectures and social events.
Pi Mu Epsilon is a national honorary society that promotes mathematics and honors students who have excelled in the major and helps students who need assistance with their studies.
For a full list of student organizations within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics »
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available: faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $7,500. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $3,588 for in-state students and $9,804 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.

Save more than $6,800 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
Nearly $25 Million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.