Which Major should you take if you want to be a Data Scientist?
How to spend 4 years of your life effectively
Some say that your university days are going to be the most important days of your life (unless you spend your days drinking cheap beers till 4am). Therefore, choosing a major for a career you want to pursue is incredibly challenging. A career in data science is currently sought after by many as it gives you a lot of opportunities for growth and its high demand for professionals in many different companies. So the questions is, which major should you take if you want to have a career in data science?
Important Disclaimer
While majoring in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) would give you an advantage when you’re studying data science, that doesn’t mean non STEM majors can’t be a data scientist. The truth is, you can take any major you want and you can still be a data scientist. Therefore, don’t be disheartened if you’re not from a STEM major.
The 2 Best Majors for Data Science
As mentioned before, STEM majors will give you an edge in both studying data science, and for applying data science jobs. STEM majors gives you the hard skills (such as coding and mathematics) and soft skills (such as problem solving and critical thinking) in order for you to succeed as a data scientist. Despite that, there are 2 majors that give you the biggest advantage in your data science career : Computer Science and Statistics.
Computer Science
This major provides a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and databases, which are essential skills for data scientists. A degree in computer science will also cover topics such as data structures, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, which can be useful in data science. Moreover, by majoring in computer science, you can also pursue other careers such as software developer, web developer, computer system analyst and many more. Therfore a major in computer science gives you a back up plan when you feel like data science is not a career suited for you.
Statistics
This major focuses on the mathematical methods used to analyze data and make predictions. It covers topics such as probability theory, statistical inference, and regression analysis, which are critical for data science. In addition, a statistics major may also include coursework in mathematical modeling and machine learning, which are important for data scientists. So if you like math, a major in statistics is perfect for you.
Computer Science VS Statistics — Which should you choose?
After breaking down the 2 majors, which major should you pick? Well the answer is it depends on your preference. If you prefer learning programming, then you should pick computer science. If you prefer learning the math behind statistical methods, you should pick statistics.
Remember that the most important factor in becoming a data scientist is acquiring the necessary technical skills and knowledge, regardless of your major. So, in addition to your major, you may want to consider taking courses or getting experience in programming languages like Python or R, data analysis, and machine learning.
My Opinion
As a statistic major graduate myself, I have to say that I would recommend aspiring data scientists to be a statistics major. I find that learning the statistical techniques you need is easier when you have a curriculum rather than studying it independently while the programming side of data science can be learned independently through the myriad amount of courses available. Moreover, when you’re a statistics major, more often than not you will be given a course in introductory programming such as Python, RStudio, SQL and even Excel. In addition, you will be given projects where you have to analyze data, so you will have more experience handling different kinds of data and the different techniques you can use.
Which major would you pick? are there any other major someone should consider? leave your comments and I will definitely read them. A follow and a clap is also appreciated!
