Data Science • Lewis & Clark
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Students learning in Data for Good.  

Students learning in Data for Good. 

Data Science
Data Science
With a data science major, you will be capable of tackling wicked problems and working for the global good. Our courses will teach you best practices in data collection, management, measurement, visualization, analysis, and inference. You’ll learn not only how to harness data but also how to understand its societal consequences. Plus, our location in Portland provides easy access to internships and employment.
Majors
Art (Studio)
Art History
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Student-Designed Major
Theatre
World Languages
Minors
Art and Art History
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
Education
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Law and Policy
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
Why Choose a Degree in Data Science?
Our program focuses on quantitative analysis in application—for example, in the domains of politics, economics, health, and technology—and requires substantial critical thinking in conjunction with sufficient understanding of context. We will teach you how to get the numbers and make sure you understand what they mean. Majoring in data science will not only make you more employable, but also help you cultivate a love for lifelong learning—the best preparation for your life after Lewis & Clark.
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What You’ll Study
Our interdisciplinary program, which offers both a major and a minor, is dedicated to quantitative problem solving. You will take courses in statistics, social impact, computer science, and a wide selection of electives offered across departments.
Many of our students earn course credit while on an overseas or off-campus program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there is a program designed and led by data science faculty in
Berlin, Germany
Outside the classroom, we host an annual Hackathon competition in which teams of students partner with community members to explore problems related to complex, socially relevant topics—in areas such as health care, politics, the environment, and criminal justice—and solve these using data analysis. We also offer a variety of workshops to engage the student body in discussion and nourish their technical data skills, and we foster dialogue by featuring speakers from both academia and industry who are experts in their field. These events give our students opportunities to learn about external applications of data and technology, better consider potential career paths, and understand the sociocultural implications of ever-advancing technologies. We also encourage our students to apply their data science skills in the real world with internships, which we help them find.
Curriculum
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Favorite Class



Biological Core Concepts: Systems with Visiting Assistant Professor Emma Wear



It was a great introduction to ecology, evolution, and the more complex parts of biology. I love the way it has expanded how I view the world around me and helped solidify my passion for biology.




Whitney Maxfield BA ’25


Major: Biology

Minor: Data Science







Favorite Class



Urban Economics taught by Professor Arthur O’Sullivan



I find it so interesting to apply economic models to real-world issues to better understand them, and to help come up with potential solutions to real world problems. This course covered relevant issues including houselessness, social norms, transportation, crime, and more.




Lena Essak BA ’24


Major: Economics

Minor: Data Science







Favorite Class



Network Security with Professor of Computer Science Jens Mache



This class challenged my problem-solving skills and taught me about the intricacies of our modern network systems. This class was also a lot of fun because, as students, we were able to apply what we learned through real-world scenarios.




Natalie Zoz BA ’23


Major: Computer science

Minor: Chinese, Data Science (double)







Favorite Class



Technology of the Future with Professor Kellar Autumn



The class was an intimate environment that revolved around the innovation process. Throughout a series of fun and engaging projects where you and your team get to pitch innovative ideas to the rest of the class, I gained unparalleled experience in teamwork, research and development, and presenting.




Sebastian DePrez BA ’25, MA ’28


Major: Computer Science and Mathematics

Minor: Data Science and Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (double)







Favorite Class



Modern Latin American History with Professor Elliot Young



I went in knowing very little about Latin America, so everything I learned was new and really interesting. The class showed me how one-dimensional my perceptions of Latin America were. Learning about politics in Latin America and how impossible it was to orient political parties there along our simplistic left-right axis stirred my interest in political systems and comparative politics.




Frankie Spurbeck BA ’23


Major: Political Science

Minor: Data Science







Favorite Class



Paradoxes of Reading with Professor Michael Mirabile.



I really enjoyed the class because of the structure. Throughout the semester, we read a wide range of texts and then had discussions on said texts. I enjoyed hearing the professor’s and my peers’ thoughts and enjoyed getting to share my own.




Tova Benson BA ’27


Major: Biology

Minor: Data Science







Favorite Class



Indebted Lives with Associate Professor Maryann Bylander



This class unravels the history of debt in our financialized society, and invites students to reimagine a world without credit.




Madeleine MacWilliamson BA ’24


Major: Political Science

Minor: Data Science







Favorite Class



Calculus II with Professor Sweta Suryanarayan



Even at 8 a.m. four days a week, Sweta brought an infectious passion for learning and the mathematical world that made the class not only engaging, but cultivated a strong sense of community among students across different departments.




Olivia Townsend BA ’26


Major: Computer Science and Mathematics

Minor: Health Studies, Data Science







Favorite Class



Algorithm Design and Analysis with Associate Professor Peter Drake



It helped me get a better understanding of what it is like to work in the computer science field. It was also a great opportunity to meet fellow computer science and mathematics students, as this class was a required class for both the computer science major and the computer science and mathematics major.




Adam Schwarz BA ’23


Major: Computer Science and Mathematics

Minor: Data Science







Favorite Class



Intro to Data Science with Professor Ellen Seljan



I came into the class with no prior experience with coding, and so the class was a way to learn the basics of R in a welcoming environment that was accessible to people with different levels of knowledge of code.




Elise Son BA ’27


Major: Environmental Studies

Minor: Earth System Sciences and Data Science (double)







Favorite Class



The Social Life of Policy with Professor Jennifer Hubbert



This class transformed how I think about policy from how it is shaped, debated, and enacted. Professor Hubbert facilitated a collaborative learning environment where emotional and intellectual growth were prioritized.




Abby Burke BA’ 26


Major: International Affairs

Minor: Data Science







Favorite Class



Economic Development with Professor Aine Seitz McCarthy



This class opened my eyes to how quantitative and economic analysis can be applied to strategically fund and implement development projects. I would highly recommend the course to students from any major who are interested in studying a more quantitative approach to the field of development.




Lily Cahill BA ’26


Major: Economics

Minor: Data Science




Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular majors for our data science minors are
computer science
economics
, and
political science
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
The liberal arts are an opportunity to become a better person by developing critical-thinking skills and opening your mind to new perspectives.
Whitney Maxfield BA ’25
Biology | Data Science | Riverton, Utah
More about Whitney
I have been able to sharpen my skills in various programming languages, including R. Not only is this a good skill to have when applying for jobs, but it also makes it easier for me to study topics that I’m interested in.
Lily Cahill BA ’26
Economics | Data Science | Denver, Colorado
More about Lily
Having data analytic skills is super important in many professional settings in our modern world. This minor gives students the basic skills to be ready for those jobs.
Lena Essak BA ’24
Economics | Data Science | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
More about Lena
What Can You Do With a Degree in Data Science?
Our alumni use their BA in data science in a variety of careers at companies such as Starkey, Voting Rights Data Institute, HaystaqDNA, NAVEX Global, and Civiqs. Many start their own companies, or go on to pursue advanced degrees.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
I love how appreciative Lewis & Clark students are of their own education. It is always obvious that they want to be here and that they want to learn. I love watching them grow throughout their four years here and getting to know them not just as students, but as people.
Professor of Political Science
Ellen Seljan
More about Ellen
I cannot imagine a lab without my undergrad collaborators! I love to watch my students develop into thoughtful, independent investigators.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Todd Watson
More about Todd
I love the moments of insight when students suggest things that I hadn’t considered.
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies; Director of Environmental Studies Program
Jessica Kleiss
More about Jessica
Meet the Professors
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often
more affordable than you think
. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll
cover the extra semester of tuition.
Top
Lewis & Clark earned a spot on Princeton Review’s 2026
“Best Colleges” list
U.S. News
Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025
“Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list
4-5-6
Lewis & Clark’s
4-5-6 Commitment
can help you make the most of your future.
96%
Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps.
16%
first-generation students at Lewis & Clark College
Find Your People
Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their data science major, like the
Association for Computing Machinery
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
, and
Environmental Affairs Symposium
. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the
club list
? Start something new and build your own community of peers!
I feel prepared and confident in my career thanks to the projects and work done in the classroom at L&C.
Adam Schwarz BA ’23
Computer Science and Mathematics | Data Science | Daly City, California
More about Adam
The rigor of my undergraduate coursework made the transition to grad school coursework much easier.
Sebastian DePrez BA ’25, MA ’28
Computer Science and Mathematics | Data Science and Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (double) | Upland, California
More about Sebastian
Featured News
Environmental Policy in Practice
Abby Burke BA ’26 is charting a career path at the intersection of environmental policy, research, and public service—building on a recent internship with the Oregon Environmental Council.
Read the story
More News and Events →
Frequently Asked Questions
Data science is an emerging academic discipline that integrates computing, statistics, and substantive knowledge of an application area. In a world awash with data, nearly every field of inquiry and endeavor is being reshaped by data-driven methods, making data science inherently multidisciplinary. Our program allows students to take classes across a number of areas of study in addition to their core data science classes. Further, the process of extracting knowledge from large and complex data sets (a common definition of “data science’) requires not only technical proficiency but also critical thinking, problem solving, and inferential reasoning, all of which are taught in our courses.
Data scientists work across a broad range of fields, with careers in health care, social science, finance, data management, and so much more being available to data science graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for data scientists to grow 34 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can pair technical competence with the strengths of a liberal arts education: communication, writing, problem solving, leadership, and research (via
EAB report
). This allows data science graduates to work across a broad range of fields!
The data science program partners with our
Career Accelerator
to help students secure high-quality, paid internships, providing structured support with placement, preparation, and professional development. Data science students will be able to complete a two-course progression through the Career Accelerator that includes a professional preparation seminar within which they will establish a paid internship and then an internship course directly related to their Data Science major. Our alumni have gone on to do great work with places such as Starkey, the Voting Rights Data Institute, NAVEX Global, HaystaqDNA, and so much more!
More FAQs →
Ellen Seljan
Professor of Political Science
eseljan@lclark.edu
503-768-7709
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