Data Science: Leveraging Data to Shape Tomorrow
How do I know if I should study Data Science?
Are math and statistics your favorite subjects?
Do you enjoy digging into data sets?
Do you have a deep curiosity to solve problems and find effective solutions?
If so, a career in Data Science may be the perfect match for you. Data Science combines math, statistics, algorithms, machine learning, and A.I. to analyze complex data sets and obtain valuable information that helps businesses make decisions, assists in strategic planning, and more. Specialties include data analytics and GIS.
Your Pathway to Success
Read on for our comprehensive guide to Data Science education and training in Montana. Whether you're seeking rapid training programs, certificates, or advanced degrees, you'll find diverse educational pathways to help you align your studies with your career goals.
Check out our STEM Career Pathways page to explore in-demand data science jobs in Montana and take the first step toward a successful career in Data Science.
Rapid Training, Certificates, and One- and Two-Year Programs
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Program Length: 1 year
Description: The Certificate in Geospatial Science program will provide students with a solid foundation in the theory and application of geographic information. GIS (Geographic Information System) is a computer-based mapping tool for understanding spatial data—it involves gathering, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying spatial information. The program also provides continuing education opportunities for professionals currently in the workforce who may be interested in expanding or maintaining their skill level in geospatial science.
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Big Data Analytics Certificate
Program Length: 1 year
Description: The University of Montana’s Big Data Analytics certificate is aimed at students majoring in business, computer science or mathematics and is designed to provide the tools necessary to compete in the big data space. Students will use the latest digital tools to capture, analyze and present big data. In addition, students will also explore a variety of applications with which big data analysis can be used and then complete a big data project.
Program Length: 1 year
Description: The University of Montana’s Certificate in GIS Sciences & Technologies is a complement to any existing major at UM or as an addition to a bachelor’s degree obtained at another university. The purpose of the certificate is to ensure the knowledge, understanding, and training necessary to acquire, process, analyze, and properly display digital geographic data.
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Natural Resource/Geospatial Technology Associate of Science
Program Length: 2 years
Description: Stone Child College’s Natural Resource/Geospatial two-year program features courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), chemistry, physics, and more to prepare students for a geospatial science or natural resource career. The program concludes with a natural resource capstone.
Minors and Four-Year Programs
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Data Science Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Program Length: 4 years
Description: Carroll's Bachelor’s in Data Science program blends the fields of mathematics, computer science, statistics, and business analytics to provide a unique and integrated learning experience. You will take courses that teach you to gather, wrangle, and visualize data; make predictions based off of past behaviors with machine learning; and deal with the massive data sets of today. As a data science major, your coursework will be a blend of computer science, mathematics and statistics, and data science. You can practice what you learn in the classroom by participating in competitions like the Montana Mathematical Modeling Contest (MMMC), or the international Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and its sister, the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM).
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Earth Science Bachelor of Science (B.S.), GIS/Planning Emphasis
Program Length: 4 years
Description: In the Geographic Information Science/Planning program at Montana State, students use a mix of technical skills and academic training to prepare to enter the fields of planning and resource management. Students will be prepared as map makers, spatial analysts and planners as they work in an active hands-on environment.
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Data Science Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Program Length: 4 years
Description: Prepare for high-paying, in-demand jobs through the data science bachelor’s degree at Montana Tech. Montana Tech’s data science degree delivers rigorous courses in data science as well as statistics and computer science. You’ll receive plenty of hands-on experience through course projects, research, competitions, and data science internships. As a data science major, you’ll build the strong fundamentals you need for success in data science degree jobs.
Post-Graduate Programs
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Certificate in Applied Statistics
Program Length: 1 year
Description: In a data intensive world, statistics provide the tools to distill data into useful information. visualize patterns, explain scientific phenomena, and predict future events. Training in statistical methods is a required part of the education of graduate students in engineering and the sciences. The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics from Montana State University is designed to provide additional education in statistical thinking and methodology over and above the basic coursework taken by the typical graduate student. This certificate will provide a clear record of additional training in statistics for future graduate programs or employers. The graduate certificate will also be of interest to those currently employed in technical fields in the local area and to post-baccalaureate students. The courses in this Certificate in Applied Statistics can also be applied to the Masters in Data Science program.
Data Science Master of Science (M.S.)
Program Length: 2 years
Description: Montana State’s interdisciplinary Data Science program draws on courses in three programs: Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. Candidates within the program delve into topics such as machine learning, algorithms, data mining, and artificial intelligence while also gaining skills in data analysis and contextualization. With the education Master of Data Science students attain at MSU, they’ll be able to actively contribute to the field through technical writing, data visualization, presentations, and active software solutions.
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Business Analytics Master of Science (M.S.)
Program Length: 2 years
Description: Whether you are a business professional, a person looking to re-tool your skillset for the cutting-edge field of data analytics, or a talented undergraduate, the University of Montana’s Masters of Science in Business Analytics prepares graduates for successful careers at the intersection of business, statistics, and computing. Find your future in a data-driven world with a cutting-edge degree at UM.
Program Length: 2 years
Description: The University of Montana’s Data Science Master of Science Program aims to provide students with a background in the foundations and principles of data science and the practical application of data science methods. The Department of Mathematical Sciences M.S. Program corresponds to the traditional mathematics option of the department's M.A. in Mathematics option. Candidates for admission to the Master of Science degree program should have an undergraduate mathematics minor and at least one course in computer programming.
Skill Development and Certifications
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Microsoft Learn for Data Scientists will help you find trends and develop data-driven solutions by teaching you the skills you need to build your career as a successful Data Scientist. Explore a variety of data science learning paths on Microsoft Learn for free.
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R is one of the most commonly used programming languages in data mining and offers great packages and resources for data analysis, visualization, and data science. When you’ve built your R skills, you’ll be able to analyze complex data, build interactive web apps, and create machine learning models. You'll also use extensive tidyverse packages to organize, visualize, and manage your data workflows. Explore Datacamp courses, skill tracks, and career tracks in R, and align your skillset with data professionals at Amazon, Google, Deloitte, and Accenture.
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Master data skills through Dataquest’s career learning paths which has real-world challenges and projects instead of video lectures. Dataquest helps participants learn the essential skills they need to build careers in the data industry.
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Google's fast-paced, practical introduction to machine learning, features a series of lessons with video lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on practice exercises.
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The University of Providence’s Argo Connect and dual credit programs are crucial in helping to increase the educational options and opportunities for currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors. Not only do these programs provide students with a unique opportunity to earn credit at the secondary and postsecondary levels simultaneously – they provide students with an early glimpse of college life; including course load, deadlines, structure, and more. Students in Dual Enrollment can take up to three 3-credit courses at no cost.
Additional Career Resources
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Check out our data science career pathways page to explore in-demand data science jobs in Montana.
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To identify in-demand roles in Montana, our team at the Montana High Tech Business Alliance pored over workforce data from the U.S. Department of Labor, research studies, and online job listings to create a list of tech jobs projected to grow fast in the next few years. See our list of 31 hot Montana jobs projected for 2023.
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We invite you to take advantage of Microsoft's Skills for Jobs initiative, which offers free access to LinkedIn Learning courses covering a wide range of topics, including AI and soft skills. Enhance your digital skills and empower your team and community with valuable knowledge that aligns with the evolving needs of today's economy.
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Discover summer internships and local mentorship opportunities in Billings through the Campus Billings program hosted by Big Sky Economic Development.
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CompTIA’s Career Explorer is a comprehensive resource designed to inform, inspire, and guide individuals toward their next career step in the tech industry and beyond. Explore the entire portfolio of Career Explorer resources at no cost, watch video profiles featuring diverse professionals sharing their non-traditional paths into tech careers, and gain insights into earnings potential, job outlook, employer hiring trends, remote work opportunities, and much more across the U.S. and 250 metro areas.
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Reach Higher Montana’s Work-Based Learning Collaborative website features resources for employers to grow their talent pipeline through work-based learning, materials to help educators connect their classroom learning to careers, and links to resources that will help Montana students explore their career interests through on-the-job training.
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The WBLC Data Dashboard aims to make data on work-based learning in Montana accessible to help improve workforce support, work-based learning, and educational opportunities so that young people are better prepared for employment success and employers gain skilled workers. Updates are made annually.
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Produced by the Montana Work-Based Learning Collaborative, the WBL Toolkit for Employers provides employers with resources, tools, and guidance to successfully develop high-quality work-based learning experiences for student workers.
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Read “5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success in a Tech Career” to learn tips for launching a career in tech from hiring managers at Blackfoot Communications, Submittable, GL Solutions, onX, Skyfish, Cognizant, NorthWestern Energy, Pathlabs, Snapchat, and Instacart.
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In “5 Tips from Hiring Managers - How to Land a Montana Tech Job or Internship” local hiring managers from Boeing Helena, Hyundai Motor Group, and Zoot Enterprises share advice to help students stand out when applying for a Montana tech job or internship.
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Read “From College to Career - 5 Tips from Humanities & Sciences Graduates on Applying for High Tech Jobs and Internships” to discover helpful job and internship tips from four humanities and sciences graduates from Inimmune Corporation, onX, Cognizant, and Pathlabs.
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Learn how you can utilize your degree in the humanities & sciences to launch a fruitful career in Montana’s tech industry in “How to Get a High-paying Job with Your Humanities & Sciences Degree.”
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See what tips you can use to give you an advantage in pursuing Tech Jobs or Internships in Montana.
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Check out MHTBA’s Great Places for Tech article series to learn more about high-tech opportunities in Montana.
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Take a look at our Jobs board that we use to post many tech jobs that are in Montana from entry level to Senior level positions.
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If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our Jobs Board, see this O*NET Career Database for additional information.
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Interested in more careers outside of Montana or outside the High Tech Industry? Find additional occupational information on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.