Data Analytics and Visualization
About this Composite Major
The Data Analytics and Visualization major prepares students for roles that involve analyzing complex data, extracting insights, and presenting those insights in a clear and compelling way. This interdisciplinary field combines elements of statistics, computer science, business, and design to equip graduates with the skills needed to handle data-intensive tasks in various industries.
Students in the program will develop skills in areas such as data analysis, visualization techniques, statistics and machine learning, programming, critical thinking, and communication. Students will understand how to collect, clean, and interpret data using tools like Python or SQL. They will apply statistics and machine learning to use statistical methods and algorithms to identify trends, make predictions, or optimize processes. They will develop the ability to interpret data in context and draw actionable insights. Finally, they will learn how to present data-driven insights to non-technical audiences effectively.
The Computer Systems and Software Engineering Department has joined in Academic Alliances with technology companies such as SAP, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Students will have the opportunity to work with various tools and languages such as Excel, Tableau, Power BI, SAP S/4HANA, Salesforce, SQL, and Python while completing hands-on projects.
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Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates can include:
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Visualization Specialist
- Data Scientist
- IT Business Analyst
- Enterprise Architect
- Program Analyst
Industries who may hire graduates in these career fields include:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Marketing and Advertising
- Government
- Education
Practical Experience
Data Analytics and Visualization students will participate in a Capstone course during their senior year. They will join students from Computer Information Systems and Software Engineering majors to work as a team to solve real problems. In addition students have the opportunity to complete undergraduate research with a faculty mentor. They can also complete internships and apply those credits to graduate.
Contact Information
Department Chair and Faculty Contact
Susan Pfeifer, susan.pfeifer@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7719
Department Location
McFarland Hall 138
Schedule your visit today!
(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641
General Education Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ||
| Select one of the following: | 6 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| or | ||
| College Composition II | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| College Composition III: Persuasive Writing | ||
| Speech Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Mathematics in Society | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Elementary Statistics 2 | ||
| Lab Science | ||
| Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category | 8 | |
| Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC) | ||
| Concepts of Biology | ||
| General Biology I | ||
| General Biology II | ||
| General Zoology | ||
| Introductory Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science | ||
| The Earth Through Time | ||
| Concepts of Physics | ||
| Introductory Astronomy | ||
| College Physics I | ||
| College Physics II | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| University Physics II | ||
| Additional Sciences (ND:SCI) | ||
| Cognition and Brain Science | ||
| Technology, Engineering, and Design | ||
| Technology Solutions for Society | ||
| Wellness | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Concepts of Fitness and Wellness | ||
| Introduction to Stress Management | ||
| Computer Science and Literacy | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Information Security | ||
| Introduction to Computer Information Systems 1,2 | ||
| Introduction to Programming | ||
| Introduction to Programming in Java | ||
| Introduction to Structured Programming I | ||
| Social Implications of Computer Technology 1 | ||
| Discovering Computing | ||
| Digital Literacy | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Computer Information Systems 1 | ||
| Social Implications of Computer Technology 1 | ||
| Humanities | ||
| Literacies | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| American Sign Language I | ||
| American Sign Language II | ||
| Oral Interpretation | ||
| Introduction to Literature | ||
| Introduction to Film | ||
| Bible as Literature | ||
| Mythology | ||
| Women and Literature | ||
| World Literature I | ||
| World Literature II | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| American Literature II | ||
| Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage | ||
| Ethics and Philosophy of Science | ||
| 1st Year Spanish I | ||
| 1st Year Spanish II | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish I | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish II | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Arts | ||
| Art and Music | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Introduction to Digital Media | ||
| Art History I | ||
| Art History II | ||
| History of Craft | ||
| Fine Arts and Aesthetics | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Music Fundamentals | ||
| World Music | ||
| History of Popular/Rock Music | ||
| Social Science | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| Understanding Media and Social Change | ||
| Human Communication | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Human Geography | ||
| United States to 1877 | ||
| United States to Present | ||
| World Civilizations to 1500 | ||
| World Civilizations since 1500 | ||
| Environmental History | ||
| Native American Studies | ||
| American National Government | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| Additional Humanities or Social Science | ||
| Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following: | 2 | |
| Two-Dimensional Design | ||
| Drawing I | ||
| Ceramics I | ||
| Photography I | ||
| Art With a Smartphone | ||
| Survey of Geography | ||
| Group Piano for Non-Majors | ||
| Group Piano for Non-Majors | ||
| Valkyries | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Athletic Band | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Planetarium Science | ||
| Theatre Practicum | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
CIS 170 and CSCI 289 may be used to satisfy both the Computer Science and Literacy and the Digital Literacy requirement for Gen Ed.
- 2
Required
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ACCT 200 | Elements of Accounting I | 3 |
| ACCT 369 | Enterprise Systems | 3 |
| or CIS 369 | Enterprise Systems | |
| ART 115 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| ART 215 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| BUSI 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| or ENGL 410 | Technical and Scientific Writing | |
| BUSI 336 | Business Data Solutions | 3 |
| BUSI 350 | Operations Management | 3 |
| CIS 104 | Microcomputer Database | 2 |
| CIS 105 | Microcomputer Spreadsheets | 2 |
| CIS 147 | Principles of Information Security | 3 |
| CIS 329 | Information Systems Management | 3 |
| CIS 355 | Data Analytics | 3 |
| CIS 388 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| CIS 470 | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Business Intelligence (BI) | 4 |
| COMM 304 | Corporate Training | 3 |
| CSCI 120 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| CSCI 222 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| CSCI 289 | Social Implications of Computer Technology | 3 |
| MATH 321 | Applied Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| or COMM 330 | Understanding Statistics | |
| MGMT 381 | Project Management | 3 |
| or SE 381 | Project Management | |
| SE 380 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| SE 385 | Database Theory/Design | 3 |
| SE 480 | Capstone | 3 |
| Total Credits | 68 | |
Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 68 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs
For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.
Plan of Study
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ACCT 200 | 3 | CIS 147 | 3 |
| CIS 170 (Gen Ed) | 3 | CIS 104 | 2 |
| ENGL 110 (Gen Ed) | 3 | CIS 105 | 2 |
| MATH 210 (Gen Ed) | 3 | CSCI 120 (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| UNIV 150 | 1 | ENGL 120 or 125 (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| HPER 100 (Gen Ed) | 2 | ||
| 13 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ART 115 | 3 | BUSI 336 | 3 |
| BUSI 214 | 3 | COMM 110 (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| CSCI 222 | 3 | MGMT 302 | 3 |
| CSCI 289 | 3 | Additional Humanities and Social Science (Gen Ed) | 2 |
| Lab Science (Gen Ed) | 4 | Literacies (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ART 215 | 3 | CIS 329 | 3 |
| BUSI 350 | 3 | CIS 355 | 3 |
| CIS 369 | 3 | MATH 321 | 3 |
| CIS 470 | 4 | SE 381 | 3 |
| COMM 304 | 3 | Lab Science (Gen Ed) | 4 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CIS 388 | 3 | SE 480 | 3 |
| SE 380 | 3 | Art and Music (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| SE 385 | 3 | Social Science (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| Social Science (Gen Ed) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Please note: This plan is intended for general information only. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.
Learning Outcomes
- Students understand problem requirements, identify technology solutions for those needs, and communicate solutions effectively.
- Students understand the big picture, how pieces fit together, and how they impact other pieces of the overall system.
- Students research solutions to solve problems in a self-directed manner.
- Students manage simple projects and work in high-performing teams to complete projects successfully.