As of the fall 2025 semester, Meredith College offers majors in Statistical and Data Sciences and Data Analytics.

Data science and data analytics are growing career fields as data has become more integrated into our daily lives. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 36% growth in the data science job sector between 2023 and 2033.

With effective data analysis, business professionals can more accurately predict trends, psychologists can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, and public health professionals can make more precise interventions and policies. As the use of data becomes increasingly valuable to a variety of fields, data analysis skills can set job candidates apart.

In response to the growing data science industry, Meredith’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department formed a committee to develop a data science minor. The minor was first offered in 2020.

“Everything in our world has changed dramatically because of our ability to generate and access data,” said Dr. Emily Lada, data science program coordinator. “We are dedicated to being at the forefront of data education, preparing our students for career opportunities in this exciting field.”

Several students with various majors pursued the minor, and many voiced a desire for more data science offerings. Lada, who led the committee, began researching data science majors at other colleges and universities to create a program for Meredith.

While faculty were designing the new program, Jeannie Hinton, ’25, told Lada she was uncertain about pursuing the mathematics and computer science majors, but had a passion for data science. Based on the preliminary curriculum and with support from faculty, Hinton developed a contract major, which allows students to follow a unique course of study not typically offered. In May 2025, Hinton became the first student to graduate with a degree in statistical and data sciences at Meredith.

“The statistics and data science minors weren’t enough for me,” said Hinton, who is now a business intelligence associate at BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina. “It really is quite the honor to be the first student to graduate with this major. It was a way that I could help improve Meredith and help other students pursue this field.”

Lada said, “It was perfect timing, and Jeannie was the perfect student to help us test out this new curriculum. Now, any student can declare this major.”

The statistical and data sciences major allows students to gain experience in making data-driven decisions using advanced data science techniques. Students also develop a solid foundation in the core statistics, mathematics, and computer science principles essential for a successful career in the field.

An Interdisciplinary Option

In addition to the statistical and data sciences major, the department introduced a major in data analytics for students interested in building data analytics skills within a chosen discipline.

The curriculum reflects the interdisciplinary nature of data analytics, providing a unique opportunity for students to combine statistical and data science skills with discipline-specific applications. Students can select research design and applied analysis courses and complete a data-driven research project with departments across campus, such as business, psychology, public health, and exercise and sports sciences.

“This major is intended to be accessible to students with different backgrounds and interests, reflecting the pervasiveness of data in all manner of our lives today,” said Dr. Jennifer Hontz, chair of the department.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department collaborated with faculty across campus to create the data analytics program. Faculty response to the new major has been positive, with many anticipating that skills in data analysis will give students a competitive edge in the workforce and graduate school.

Allegra Banks, ’27, declared data analytics as a second major this fall to complement her studies and career goals in political science.

“This program has been the perfect addition to my experience,” said Banks. “I’ve seen how data and statistics connect to and influence law and policy, and I’m confident these skills will be an asset in my future pursuits.”

A Strong Foundation

Meredith’s new majors build on the College’s long history of strength in STEM fields. With computer science, statistics, and mathematics housed under one collaborative department, students gain a strong foundation in these core areas of data science. And, because of Meredith’s reputation and faculty connections in the Research Triangle Park, students have access to an array of internship and research opportunities. 

As program coordinator, Lada brings over 13 years of extensive data science industry experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s and Ph.D in operations research, a field that closely aligns with data science. Before coming to Meredith, she worked in the advanced analytics division at SAS Institute.

Lada also has a thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary aspect of data science, having completed projects in a variety of areas throughout her career, including neonatal intensive care, clinical trial design, drug discovery, supply chain management, and wildlife treatment.

“The program’s greatest strength is Dr. Emily Lada,” said Hontz. “She offers exceptional expertise and invaluable insight, and has established connections with the broader operations research and data science community across academia and industry.”

Data for Good

The ethical use of data is emphasized throughout the curriculum of both majors. Recognizing that data is a powerful tool, the department promotes its use to make a positive impact. This aligns with the College’s mission to prepare students to live with integrity and provide leadership for the needs, opportunities, and challenges of society.

“It’s not difficult to find examples of nefarious ways data is used, whether it’s inappropriately accessing sensitive data or purposely creating a misleading visualization,” said Lada. “I strive to emphasize that there are plenty of ways that data can be used to improve the world.”

Looking Forward

As the data science industry continues to grow, Meredith will continue to expand its offerings to help students prepare to succeed in the field.

The department is exploring additional data science electives to expose students to different areas of the field. They also hope to create a capstone course, potentially partnering with local organizations and nonprofits to allow students to work on real-world, large-scale projects.

Alumnae can also contribute to enriching the new academic programs. 

“Alumnae are valuable resources to our majors and current students,” said Lada, “We’d love to connect with alumnae in the field to be mentors, panelists, and project collaborators.”

Want to connect?
Please contact Dr. Emily Lada at (919) 760-2224 or eklada@meredith.edu.