Data Science

Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in existence. Scientists, businesses, government agencies and various organizations routinely gather huge amounts of data from a variety of sources. Data scientists help transform this information into insights that shape the world, asking and answering questions that influence decisions about healthcare, sustainability, business, security, equity – the list goes on.

Willamette’s data science program helps students gain contemporary computer programming and data analysis skills, either as a major course of study or a minor complementing any undergraduate major. The program also addresses issues such as the ethics of working with data while teaching students how to formulate good questions, design a process for answering them and effectively communicate their findings to a variety of stakeholders.

Students learn two core computer programming languages (R and Python). The R course focuses on introductory statistics, and the Python course focuses on introduction to computer programming. Students also complete electives that advance their knowledge of statistical, mathematical, analytical and machine learning techniques. Both majors and minors apply their skills in the Problem-Solving with Data Analytics class, while majors complete their bachelor’s degree with a capstone internship or research project.

• International applicants must submit a photocopy of the name/photo page of their passport showing their image and the correct spelling of their name.
• An international applicant must demonstrate their English language proficiency to satisfy immigration policies. Proficiency may be demonstrated through any one of the following methods.
  • International Applicants Whose Native Language is English Applicants who are fluent in English because it is their first language, need not take any further action to demonstrate proficiency. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants who are from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand or who coupled a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a country where the primary and dominant language is English and English was the language of instruction of the school.
  • Official TOEFL of 88 or IELTS of 6.5. The TOEFL code for Willamette is 4954.
• Financial Requirements Applicants must be able to show they have sufficient resources to fund educational and living expenses for one year of the program and provide the following:
  • A completed Statement of Financial Responsibility form
  • Official bank verification of funds (written in English), showing that you and/or your sponsor have sufficient resources to cover educational and living expenses for one year of the program, or
  • A financial guarantee letter from any government scholarship you have been awarded.

If your native language is not English, Willamette University requires you to submit scores from one of the following tests. Scores can be sent directly from the testing agency to the university. These tests can be waived if the primary language of instruction at your high school has been English.

Step 1: Begin the undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate application.

Step 2: Upload your high school and/or university transcripts or final examination results.

Step 3: Indicate how you meet PNCA’s English language proficiency requirements.

Step 5: Submit your application

Step 6: If you are accepted and you decide to enroll, order a transcript evaluation.