Data Science Major: What You Need to Know Before Choosing It in 2025

Imagine being at the forefront of a field that’s shaping the world’s future. With the data science market projected to reach USD 322.9 billion by 2026 at a staggering CAGR of 27.7%, the demand for professionals in this field has never been higher. Choosing a data science major means equipping yourself with the skills to solve real-world problems through data analysis and innovation.

From predicting trends in healthcare to enhancing decision-making in finance, data science graduates are revolutionizing industries. 

In this guide, you’ll discover what sets this major apart, its career potential, and how it positions you to thrive in fields like technology, healthcare, and beyond. Ready to explore your future in data science? Let’s get started!

What Does a Data Science Major Cover?

A data science major prepares you to work with large datasets and solve complex problems using data-driven approaches. This interdisciplinary program blends computer science, mathematics, and big data, equipping you with the skills to succeed in various industries.

Duration, Qualification, and Eligibility:

• Duration: Typically 3–4 years for a bachelor’s degree.
• Qualification: High school diploma or equivalent with a strong maths and science background.
• Eligibility: Proficiency in mathematics and basic programming knowledge is often required.

Key Disciplines and Courses

Category	Examples of Courses
Data Courses	Foundations of Data Science, Data Mining, Analysis of Algorithms
Math Courses	Calculus 1 & 2, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Probability, Statistics
Computer Science Courses	Data Structures, Operating Systems, Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence

How These Courses Build Essential Skills:

• Data Analysis: Learn to use Python or R to uncover trends in sales data.
• Problem-Solving: Optimise delivery routes using traffic and weather data.
• AI Applications: Create machine learning models to predict customer behavior.

Take the leap into Data Science success – Explore upGrad's comprehensive data science courses and boost your career now!

With a clear understanding of the courses, let’s explore the essential skills you’ll gain during a data science major program.

Essential Skills to Learn in a Data Science Major Program

A data science major equips you with a diverse range of skills, preparing you to thrive in data-driven roles across industries. These include technical, workplace, and foundational math and programming skills, all essential for success in this field. 

Here’s a brief overview of the skills that you will learn in this program. 

Technical Skills

Master advanced tools and techniques used in data science.

• Data analysis, as well as visualization tools such as Python, R, and Tableau.
• Machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling.
• Big data frameworks options such as Hadoop and Spark.
• Proficiency in database management and SQL.

Join upGrad’s free Introduction to Tableau course and master the basics of data visualisation, dashboard creation, and analytics using Tableau.

Along with technical expertise, developing workplace skills is crucial for collaborating and applying your knowledge effectively.

Workplace Skills

Building workplace skills is essential for thriving in a collaborative and dynamic environment. These skills help you work effectively with teams, solve complex problems, and communicate insights clearly to drive impactful decisions. Here’s how key workplace skills translate into real-world applications:

• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: For example, using sales data to decide the best pricing strategy for a new product.
• Team Collaboration: Partner with marketing to identify key metrics and work with IT to integrate them into a dashboard showcasing customer behaviour.
• Project Management: Oversee the phased implementation of a predictive analytics tool, ensuring on-time delivery and cross-departmental training.
• Communication: Present a machine learning model’s prediction on sales growth to executives, using visual aids like charts for better understanding.

Take the Effective Business Communication course to master strategies for clear, impactful communication in both individual and team settings. Build confidence, refine your messaging, and unlock your potential to excel in any professional environment.

Next, onto mathematics and programming that further enhance your ability to solve complex data problems.

Math and Programming Skills

A solid foundation in mathematics and programming is crucial for excelling in data science. These skills enable you to analyze complex datasets, build predictive models, and design efficient algorithms. Here are the key areas to focus on:

• Linear algebra, calculus, and statistics for data analysis.
• Probability and discrete mathematics for predictive modeling.
• Programming proficiency in Python, Java, or C++.
• Algorithm design and optimization techniques.

To build a strong foundation in programming, start with upGrad’s free Core Java Basics course and gain essential skills for data science and algorithm design.

With these essential skills, let’s explore the top career paths available for data science graduates in various industries.

Top Career Paths for Data Science Graduates Professionally

Graduates with a data science major can pursue diverse and rewarding career paths in industries like tech, healthcare, and finance. These roles leverage your skills to solve complex problems, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions.

Key Data Science Job Roles and Salaries

Job Role	Average Annual Salary	Growth Prospects
Data Scientist	₹8,00,000	High demand across all industries.
Machine Learning Engineer	₹8,00,000	Rapid growth in AI and automation fields.
Data Analyst	₹6,00,000	High demand in entry-level data analysis.
Business Intelligence Analyst	₹8,00,000	Growing need for actionable business insights.
Big Data Engineer	₹9,00,000	Strong demand in handling large datasets.
AI Research Scientist	₹18,00,000	Expanding opportunities in advanced AI.

Source: Glassdoor

To excel in these high-demand roles, mastering essential tools is key. Start with upGrad’s free  Introduction to Data Analysis using Excel course to build foundational skills and take your data science career to new heights!

Now that you know the key roles and salaries, let’s explore how these careers drive innovation and add value to businesses and organizations.

Impact of These Careers on Businesses and Organisations

Data science professionals transform businesses by driving innovation, enhancing decision-making, and improving efficiency. Here’s how they add value:

• Driving Innovation: For example, helping a company implement AI chatbots to improve customer support efficiency.
• Improving Decision-Making: Using sales trend analysis to guide inventory restocking decisions.
• Enhancing Customer Experience: Enhancing Customer Experience: Creating personalized product recommendations on an e-commerce platform using predictive analytics. 
• Optimizing Operations: Streamlining supply chain workflows by analyzing delivery and production data to cut costs.

With an understanding of career opportunities, let’s explore whether a data science major aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.

Is Data Science the Right Major for You? Key Insights

Choosing a data science major can be a rewarding decision, but it’s essential to weigh the benefits and challenges to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Benefits of a Data Science Major

Highlight the professional value, flexibility, and growth opportunities this major offers in a rapidly expanding field.

• High Professional Value: For example, data scientists are in high demand across industries for their ability to interpret and utilize data effectively.
• Job Flexibility: Work in diverse fields like healthcare, creating predictive models, finance, and analyzing market trends.
• Portability: Skills like Python programming and data analysis are recognized and applicable globally, opening international opportunities.
• Job Market Growth: With data-related roles growing rapidly, graduates enjoy strong career prospects in a booming field.

While the benefits are compelling, it’s equally important to consider the challenges of pursuing this path.

Challenges to Consider

Understand the costs, time investment, and commitment to continuous learning required to succeed in this dynamic field. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Tuition Costs:  Pursuing advanced degrees and certifications in data science is an investment, often ranging from₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000, depending on the program and institution. Certifications may range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000.
• Time Investment: Building expertise takes time, often requiring 3–4 years for a degree and additional time for internships or certifications. While demanding, it’s a pathway to a rewarding career.
• Continued Learning: The field evolves rapidly, requiring you to stay updated with new tools and techniques through workshops, online courses, and self-learning.

Data science offers immense career flexibility and growth potential but requires a commitment to learning and adapting in a dynamic field. If you’re analytical, curious, and ready for challenges, this could be the perfect major for you.

How upGrad Helps Your Data Science Journey Grow Successfully

upGrad offers tailored programs to help you master the skills required for a successful career in data science. With comprehensive courses and career support, you can fast-track your journey into this high-demand field.

Recommended Programs:

• Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (Executive)
• Professional Certificate Program in AI and Data Science
• Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

If you have any further queries, please schedule a free career counseling session today for expert guidance. You can also visit your nearest upGrad Career Centre to kickstart your future!

Explore our collection of popular Data Science articles, offering insights, tutorials, and the latest trends to help you stay informed and enhance your expertise in the field.

References:

• https://binariks.com/blog/data-science-trends/
• https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-science-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
• https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
• https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
• https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/business-intelligence-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,29_IP5.htm
• https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm
• https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm