The new Data Science program at MU is already proving that the numbers don’t lie − not only by launching the major but, also by attracting students from related fields who see the value of adding a minor.
When Charles Gaffney first enrolled at Methodist University, he wasn’t sure what path he would take. With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making shaping nearly every industry, he saw an opportunity not only to stay ahead of the curve − but to help others understand the world more clearly. This year, Gaffney makes history as Methodist University’s first in the Data Science major.
“I wanted to learn how to present data in ways people can understand,” Gaffney said. “Whether it’s social media, news, or current events − data is everywhere. I wanted to make sure I knew how to analyze and interpret that information.”
The new Data Science program at MU is already proving that the numbers don’t lie − not only by launching the major but, also by attracting students from related fields who see the value of adding a minor. William Johnston, a Computer Science major, said the minor allowed him to specialize in an area he had long been passionate about. “I’ve always been interested in the data side of computer science,” he said. “The minor helped me get deeper into that, in a way my main courses hadn’t before.”
Nour Diab, a Mathematics major, shared a similar story. “I enjoyed the coding part of my math major, and the Data Science minor added another dimension,” she said. “It brought in visualization and programming, which helped me better understand how math plays out in real-world data.”
While Gaffney holds the title of the first graduate in the major, it’s clear he won’t be the last. More students are beginning to recognize the career possibilities this field opens up − especially with academic guidance from MU’s One Stop (Academic & Career Support Services).
Amber King, an academic and career advisor at One Stop, has been instrumental in helping students navigate the new program. “This group was easy,” she said with a laugh. “They were already on top of their course work, so incorporating Data Science into their plans was a smooth process. Our goal here isn’t just helping students register for classes − we help them build a plan that reflects their goals.”
King emphasized that One Stop’s doors are always open. “Students don’t have to come in with everything figured out,” she said. “We’re here to help them explore, discover, and access the resources they need to succeed − whether that’s tutoring, advising, or connecting them with career pathways.”
For Diab, the support made all the difference. “Ms. Amber helped me figure out how to expand my opportunities,” she said. “She was someone I could count on as I added more classes and shaped my path forward.”
Department Chair, & Professor of Mathematics Kathy Fick says the push to launch the Data Science major came from the needs of the modern world. “We are living in a data-driven society. Being able to interpret and use data meaningfully − across industries like health, education, the arts, and beyond − is essential,” she said. “Data science is interdisciplinary at its core, combining math, computer science, and statistics. It equips students with tools that matter, no matter their passion.”
Fick credits the program’s early success to students like Gaffney, Johnston, and Diab. “They’ve been just as excited about this program as I have,” she said. “They’ve helped shape how the courses are built and how the program will grow.”
Growth is exactly what Fick envisions next. “Right now, most of our students come from Math and Computer Science,” she said. “But I want to see this expand to health informatics, education, humanities − everywhere. Data touches every field, and our students should feel empowered to use it in the areas they care about most.”
As Methodist University sends off its first Data Science graduate, one thing is clear − this program isn’t just about numbers. It’s about opportunity, insight, and empowering students to shape the future − one dataset at a time.