Undergraduate Major in Data Science & Social Systems

Data science is revolutionizing science, industry, and government. Work across nearly all domains is becoming more data-driven, affecting both the jobs available and skills required.

A new interdisciplinary undergraduate major in data science & social systems, launched in September 2022, will equip the next generation of leaders to work at the intersection of statistics, computation, and the social sciences on important social problems such as poverty and inequality, polarization, criminal justice, and urban development.

The program in Data Science & Social Systems is being incubated by Stanford Impact Lab and shares its’ commitment to interdisciplinary work, collaboration with external partners and the ambition of using cutting-edge tools to make progress on society’s hardest problems. 

Interdisciplinary thinking is essential for the data-driven analysis of complex social problems, and this program is designed to prepare students with both superb technical training and in-depth knowledge of the social sciences. As part of the major, students will complete core course work in computer science, statistics, and the social sciences; a practicum in which they apply data science skills to a well-defined problem; and a specialization in a particular domain.

The major offers ideal preparation for leadership roles in industry, government, or the nonprofit sector. The program engages faculty from across the university to support students in learning to apply technical skills to practical, social problems that affect our economy, society, and daily life.