Best Bachelor's Data Science Degree Programs in Iowa
Grinnell College — Grinnell, IA
Key Distinction: Grinnell's data science program operates within one of only four computer science curricula internationally recognized as exemplars by ACM and IEEE, emphasizing both technical rigor and reflection on computing's societal implications.
Hakia Insight: Grinnell's computer science curriculum holds one of only four international ACM/IEEE exemplar certifications globally—a distinction that signals not just technical rigor but institutional commitment to ethics and societal implications, a rare credential that appeals to employers like Apple and Amazon seeking thoughtful technologists.
At the bachelor's level, the content does not contain specific information about a Data Science program at Grinnell College. The pages primarily focus on a 3-2 engineering program, general admission requirements, statistics concentration, and graduate outcomes across all majors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Analysis and Social Inquiry Lab (DASIL)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Apple, Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Deloitte, Government Accountability Office, Mayo Clinic.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ryan Miller — Applied statistical problems, penalized regression models, machine learning applications in impaired driving research
- Dr. Shonda Kuiper — Experimental design, statistics education, statistical consulting
- Dr. Jeffrey Blanchard — Applied and computational harmonic analysis, wavelets, compressed sensing
- Dr. Jonathan Wells — Mathematical statistics, random matrix theory, high-dimensional data analysis
- Dr. Jerod Weinman — Artificial Intelligence education
- Dr. Eric Autry — Data justice and algorithmic bias
- Dr. Samuel A. Rebelsky — Computer science education and diversity in computing
- Dr. Pratima Hebbar — Stochastic processes and random phenomena
Location Advantages:
University of Iowa — Iowa City, IA
Key Distinction: Two capstone courses emphasizing communication, ethics, and teamwork. Collaborative curriculum between Statistics and Computer Science departments
Hakia Insight: Iowa's dual-department curriculum (Statistics + Computer Science) with two capstone courses on communication and ethics, paired with partnerships spanning Merck, Meta, and United Airlines, trains students not as siloed analysts but as cross-functional communicators—a gap most programs leave to on-the-job learning.
The BS in Data Science at University of Iowa prepares graduates with sophisticated analytical and computational skills through a curriculum emphasizing statistical, probabilistic, and algorithmic methods. The 120-credit program requires 60+ credits in the major, including two capstone courses (DATA:4890 Data Science Practicum and one additional capstone) that emphasize communication, ethics, and teamwork. Students develop data preparation, software development, machine learning, and statistical analysis skills across courses like Applied Linear Regression, Data Visualization and Data Technologies, Algorithms, and Statistical Learning. The program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and the Department of Computer Science. Graduates pursue careers as data scientists applying statistical and computational expertise to solve complex problems across industries. The university offers the Pomerantz Career Center for internship and job placement support, and students may pursue combined BS/MS programs in business analytics or finance, completing both degrees in five years.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Biostatistics Consulting Center
- Clinical Trials Statistical and Data Management Center
- Health Effectiveness Research Center
- Environmental Health Sciences Research Center
- Prevention Research Center for Rural Health
- Iowa Cancer Registry, State Health Registry of Iowa
- Driving Safety Research Institute
Industry Partners
- Merck Pharmaceuticals (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- United Airlines (employer)
- Eli Lilly and Company (employer)
- Genentech (employer)
- Sandia National Laboratories (employer)
- Pacific Northwest National Labs (employer)
- FDA (employer)
- Mayo Clinic (employer)
- University of Iowa Health Care (employer)
- Principal Financial Group (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kung-sik Chan — Statistical methodology
- Dr. Luke Tierney — Mathematical sciences and statistical computing
- Dr. Sanvesh Srivastava — Data science and statistics
- Dr. Boxiang Wang — Statistical methodology
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.00.
Requirements: Minimum 120 semester hours total, At least 60 semester hours for the major, Minimum 2.00 GPA in all major courses and University of Iowa courses, Complete College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core, Cannot earn major or minor in Computer Science or Statistics, major in Computer Science and Engineering, or Certificate in Social Science Analytics, 16 semester hours of prerequisite courses, 36 semester hours of core courses, 9 semester hours of advanced electives (at least one CS and one STAT course), 3 semester hours capstone course
Location Advantages: Access to University of Iowa Health Care systemProximity to major employers in Iowa
Iowa State University — Ames, IA
Key Distinction: Iowa State University invented the world's first electronic digital computer and maintains leadership in computing technology through interdisciplinary data science research spanning chemical/biological engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering departments.
Hakia Insight: Iowa State's location adjacent to Ames National Laboratory and partnerships with industry leaders like Corteva Agriscience and Tesla, combined with faculty like Dr. Chowdhury specializing in AI/ML algorithms, creates an unusual pipeline where undergraduates can move directly from coursework into advanced computational research that shapes agricultural and autonomous systems.
At the bachelor's level, iowa State University offers Data Science as a major, minor, and certificate with hands-on experience through multi-disciplinary team projects and a required capstone course. The program emphasizes practical skills in data acquisition, modeling, machine learning, and ethical considerations in data science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Chowdhury Lab
- Lamm Lab
- Roling Lab
- Vigil Lab
- Laboratory for Molecular Programming
- Laboratory for Software Analytics and Pervasive Parallelism
- Data Storage Lab
- Dependable Computing and Networking Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- Corteva Agriscience (employer)
- Bayer (employer)
- Dell Corporation (employer)
- Tesla Motors (employer)
- Syngenta (employer)
- Pfizer (employer)
- Workiva (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Dell Corporation, Tesla Motors, Syngenta, Iowa State University.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ratul Chowdhury — Computational Protein Design and AI/ML algorithms
- Dr. Monica Lamm — Molecular modeling and multiscale simulation
- Dr. Luke T Roling — Computational materials design and heterogeneous catalysis
- Dr. Dennis Vigil — Dispersed phase flows and bioreactor simulation
Location Advantages: Access to major agricultural and technology companies in IowaProximity to Ames National Laboratory
William Penn University — Oskaloosa, IA
Key Distinction: William Penn University offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: William Penn University offers Data Science programs in Oskaloosa, IA, providing accessible education pathways for students in the region.
William Penn University offers Data Science programs in Oskaloosa, IA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Dordt University — Sioux Center, IA
Key Distinction: Dordt University offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Dordt University offers Data Science programs in Sioux Center, IA, providing accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Dordt University offers Data Science programs in Sioux Center, IA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Northwestern College — Orange City, IA
Key Distinction: Northwestern College offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Northwestern College offers Data Science programs in Orange City, IA, providing accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Northwestern College offers Data Science programs in Orange City, IA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Grand View University — Des Moines, IA
Key Distinction: Grand View University offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Grand View University offers Data Science programs in Des Moines, IA, providing accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Grand View University offers Data Science programs in Des Moines, IA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Clarke University — Dubuque, IA
Key Distinction: Mandatory internships and experiential education at off-campus laboratories. Computer science research opportunities
Hakia Insight: Clarke's mandatory off-campus internships and partnerships with Heartland Financial, combined with labs like the Marie Miske Center for Science Inquiry, embed professional practice into the degree rather than treating internships as optional add-ons—a model that accelerates the transition from student to practitioner.
Clarke University's Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science prepares students for careers in one of the fastest-growing fields through hands-on experience with machine learning, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies including mobile development, web programming, robotics, drones, server administration, and virtual reality. The program emphasizes both technical skills and ethical problem-solving, with an 8:1 student-to-professor ratio ensuring personalized mentoring. Students create original work in data analysis and programming systems for digital portfolios, conduct computer science research, and participate in internships and experiential learning at off-campus laboratories. The curriculum is structured to allow students to easily add minors or double majors, with popular combinations including Business Administration, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Education. Study abroad opportunities and varsity esports scholarships complement the academic experience. Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as computer network architect, database administrator, information security analyst, and web developer, with the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations at $97,430 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BA
Research Labs and Institutes
- Marie Miske Center for Science Inquiry
- Student Research Lab
- Computational Analysis Classroom
Industry Partners
- Heartland Financial (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Joshua Moris — Video game development and programming, Virtual Reality, motion sensors
Location Advantages: Located in Dubuque, Iowa with community partnerships throughout the Midwest
Luther College — Decorah, IA
Hakia Insight: Luther's liberal arts integration with data science means students develop communication and cross-disciplinary fluency before specialization, an advantage when facing employers who increasingly complain about technically skilled graduates who can't translate insights to non-technical stakeholders.
At the bachelor's level, luther's data science program combines technical skills with liberal arts education, emphasizing communication and interdisciplinary application across fields like business, biology, and economics. The program is housed in computer science but integrates theories from mathematics, statistics, machine learning, ethics, and other fields, preparing well-rounded data scientists.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Simpson College — Indianola, IA
Key Distinction: Simpson College offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Simpson College offers Data Science programs in Indianola, IA, providing accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Simpson College offers Data Science programs in Indianola, IA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Data Science Degree Programs in Iowa
Maharishi International University — Fairfield, IA
Key Distinction: Data Science concentration available through completion of three elective courses (Big Data, Big Data Technology, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence). AI integrated across curriculum
Hakia Insight: MIU's Data Science concentration embedded within a Computer Professionals track, paired with partnerships spanning Amazon Middle East and US federal agencies, allows software developers to pivot into specialized AI/ML roles without leaving the workforce—a 3-course modular path that costs less in opportunity time than traditional MS programs.
MIU's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) offers a Data Science concentration through the Computer Professionals program, designed for working software developers seeking career transition. Students can complete three of five Data Science courses (Big Data, Big Data Technology, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence) alongside core software development training to earn a Certificate of Course Completion with Data Science concentration. The program emphasizes that data science courses supplement—not replace—software development mastery, critical for U.S. job market competitiveness. Available in Standard Track (18 months on-campus) or flexible Practicum Track with paid internship. F-1 international students benefit from up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation. U.S. residents access federal graduate loans and MIU Tuition Deferred Agreement loans. The curriculum integrates AI across courses; graduates report successful career transitions from software development to data science roles within 3–4 years of employment.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science with Data Science Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MSCS
Industry Partners
- Amazon Middle East (Maktoob) (employer)
- Abu Dhabi Government (employer)
- United Arab Emirates e-Government (employer)
- US Department of Health and Human Services (employer)
- SAP AG (employer)
- Honeywell Systems and Research Center (employer)
- IBM (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Keith Levi — Artificial intelligence and expert systems
- Dr. Bruce Lester — Parallel Computing and Programming Languages for Multi-Core Processors
- Dr. Premchand Nair — Database systems, data mining, and discrete mathematics
- Mrudula Mukadam — Big Data Technology and Database Management Systems
- Asaad Saad — Web Development and NoSQL database systems
- Dr. Paul Corazza — Mathematical logic and Set Theory
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Complete MSCS core software development courses, Earn grade B or better in three Data Science courses to receive Data Science concentration certificate, Maintain $0.00 MIU Student Account balance for OPT eligibility, For F-1 students: complete CPT (Curricular Practical Training) as required credit-bearing internship, For Practicum Track students: secure paid practicum job offer
Accreditations and Certifications
- Higher Learning Commission
Location Advantages:
Iowa State University — Ames, IA
Key Distinction: 100% online option designed for working professionals with asynchronous course delivery. Part-time completion in 15 months with year-round course availability
Hakia Insight: Iowa State's MBAN compresses a career-advancing degree into 15 months with 100% asynchronous delivery and year-round scheduling, allowing working professionals to earn a graduate credential aligned with employers like Amazon and Tesla without pausing their career trajectory or relocating.
Iowa State's Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) is designed for working professionals seeking rapid career advancement through data-driven decision-making skills. The 30-credit, 15-month program offers two flexible pathways: a 100% online option ($750/credit hour) for maximum flexibility, and an on-campus residential program ($844–$1,989/credit hour depending on residency). The curriculum emphasizes hands-on analytics through four required courses and six electives drawn from computer science, statistics, and engineering disciplines. A customizable capstone project in your final semester allows specialization in fraud detection, risk management, text mining, or process improvement. The program is structured for working professionals with year-round course availability and asynchronous online delivery. Graduate assistantships and scholarships are available to qualified candidates with strong academic records. Concurrent degree options enable simultaneous completion with bachelor's degrees in Business Analytics or MIS, while an MBA-MBAN double degree combines comprehensive management education with in-depth analytics expertise. Career services provide personalized guidance for promotions and advancement.
Programs Offered
- Master of Business Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Chowdhury Lab
- Lamm Lab
- Roling Lab
- Vigil Lab
- Laboratory for Molecular Programming
- Laboratory for Software Analytics and Pervasive Parallelism
- Data Storage Lab
- Dependable Computing and Networking Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- Corteva Agriscience (employer)
- Bayer (employer)
- Dell Corporation (employer)
- Tesla Motors (employer)
- Syngenta (employer)
- Pfizer (employer)
- Workiva (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Dell Corporation, Tesla Motors, Syngenta, Iowa State University.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ratul Chowdhury — Computational Protein Design and AI/ML algorithms
- Dr. Monica Lamm — Molecular modeling and multiscale simulation
- Dr. Luke T Roling — Computational materials design and heterogeneous catalysis
- Dr. Dennis Vigil — Dispersed phase flows and bioreactor simulation
Location Advantages: Access to major agricultural and technology companies in IowaProximity to Ames National Laboratory
University of Iowa — Iowa City, IA
Key Distinction: Completable in 3-4 semesters for working professionals. Required capstone project with real-world problem solving and datathon competition
Hakia Insight: Iowa's 3-4 semester master's stands out not for speed alone, but for embedding a capstone and datathon directly into the program—students don't just learn analytics, they compete and solve real problems for Merck and Meta before graduation.
The Master of Science in Data Science at the University of Iowa is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals, completable in 3-4 semesters with flexible scheduling. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through a required capstone project (MS Data Science Practicum) that includes real-world problem solving, communication skills, and data ethics. Students build core competencies in probability, statistics, machine learning, data visualization, and causal inference. The curriculum offers extensive elective choices across Statistics, Computer Science, Business Analytics, and Biostatistics departments, allowing customization based on career goals. A required consulting and communication course develops professional skills essential for career advancement. The program prepares graduates for mid-career roles in data science, analytics, and technical leadership, with coursework applicable to industry demands in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Biostatistics Consulting Center
- Clinical Trials Statistical and Data Management Center
- Health Effectiveness Research Center
- Environmental Health Sciences Research Center
- Prevention Research Center for Rural Health
- Iowa Cancer Registry, State Health Registry of Iowa
- Driving Safety Research Institute
Industry Partners
- Merck Pharmaceuticals (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- United Airlines (employer)
- Eli Lilly and Company (employer)
- Genentech (employer)
- Sandia National Laboratories (employer)
- Pacific Northwest National Labs (employer)
- FDA (employer)
- Mayo Clinic (employer)
- University of Iowa Health Care (employer)
- Principal Financial Group (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kung-sik Chan — Statistical methodology
- Dr. Luke Tierney — Mathematical sciences and statistical computing
- Dr. Sanvesh Srivastava — Data science and statistics
- Dr. Boxiang Wang — Statistical methodology
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.00.
Requirements: Maintain 3.00 GPA in all work toward degree, Complete 30 semester hours of graduate credit, Core courses: Probability and Statistics, Applied Linear Regression, Statistical Learning, Data Visualization and Data Technologies, Causal Inference for Data Science, Probabilistic Statistical Learning, Computing in Statistics, MS Data Science Practicum, Consulting and Communication with Data, Computer Intensive Statistics, Required capstone project (MS Data Science Practicum)
Location Advantages: Access to University of Iowa Health Care systemProximity to major employers in Iowa
Graceland University-Lamoni — Lamoni, IA
Key Distinction: Graceland University-Lamoni offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Graceland's regional positioning offers what larger Iowa programs don't: a private institution pathway that serves students seeking personalized guidance in a less competitive cohort environment.
Graceland University-Lamoni offers Data Science programs in Lamoni, IA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Doctoral Data Science Degree Programs in Iowa
Iowa State University — Ames, IA
Key Distinction: Iowa State University invented the world's first electronic digital computer and maintains leadership in computing technology through interdisciplinary data science research spanning chemical/biological engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering departments.
Hakia Insight: Iowa State's doctoral program inherits a 70+ year legacy of computing innovation (literally inventing the electronic digital computer) and channels that DNA through labs like Chowdhury's AI/ML work and partnerships with Amazon and Corteva—you're not just studying data science, you're extending a tradition of technological breakthroughs.
At the doctoral level, iowa State University offers Data Science as a major, minor, and certificate with hands-on experience through multi-disciplinary team projects and a required capstone course. The program emphasizes practical skills in data acquisition, modeling, machine learning, and ethical considerations in data science.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Chowdhury Lab
- Lamm Lab
- Roling Lab
- Vigil Lab
- Laboratory for Molecular Programming
- Laboratory for Software Analytics and Pervasive Parallelism
- Data Storage Lab
- Dependable Computing and Networking Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- Corteva Agriscience (employer)
- Bayer (employer)
- Dell Corporation (employer)
- Tesla Motors (employer)
- Syngenta (employer)
- Pfizer (employer)
- Workiva (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Dell Corporation, Tesla Motors, Syngenta, Iowa State University.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ratul Chowdhury — Computational Protein Design and AI/ML algorithms
- Dr. Monica Lamm — Molecular modeling and multiscale simulation
- Dr. Luke T Roling — Computational materials design and heterogeneous catalysis
- Dr. Dennis Vigil — Dispersed phase flows and bioreactor simulation
Location Advantages: Access to major agricultural and technology companies in IowaProximity to Ames National Laboratory
University of Iowa — Iowa City, IA
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines statistical rigor from a top-tier statistics department with interdisciplinary applications across engineering, public health, and business, supported by world-class research centers and strong industry connections.
Hakia Insight: The statistical rigor embedded in Iowa's doctoral program—anchored by Dr. Kung-sik Chan and the Biostatistics Consulting Center—creates an unusual advantage for healthcare and pharma careers where algorithmic sophistication must be paired with statistical defensibility.
At the doctoral level, university of Iowa's Data Science BS program requires 64 semester hours of major coursework with strong foundations in mathematics, computer science, and statistics. Graduates are prepared for careers at Fortune 500 companies and top employers nationwide, with comprehensive career services support including coaching and networking opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Biostatistics Consulting Center
- Clinical Trials Statistical and Data Management Center
- Health Effectiveness Research Center
- Environmental Health Sciences Research Center
- Prevention Research Center for Rural Health
- Iowa Cancer Registry, State Health Registry of Iowa
- Driving Safety Research Institute
Industry Partners
- Merck Pharmaceuticals (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- United Airlines (employer)
- Eli Lilly and Company (employer)
- Genentech (employer)
- Sandia National Laboratories (employer)
- Pacific Northwest National Labs (employer)
- FDA (employer)
- Mayo Clinic (employer)
- University of Iowa Health Care (employer)
- Principal Financial Group (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: University of Iowa Health Care, Principal Financial Group, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Inc., Ernst & Young LLP, Amazon, Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kung-sik Chan — Statistical methodology
- Dr. Luke Tierney — Mathematical sciences and statistical computing
- Dr. Sanvesh Srivastava — Data science and statistics
- Dr. Boxiang Wang — Statistical methodology
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.00.
Location Advantages: Access to University of Iowa Health Care systemProximity to major employers in Iowa
