VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) has developed a new major to meet growing workforce demands in the business industry.

VCSU will start offering a degree in Data Analytics and Visualization during Fall 2025. This degree prepares students for a career analyzing complex data, extracting insights from the data, and presenting data in a clear and compelling way.

The profession has a fast-growing job market with more than 19,000 openings in the past year. The advertised median salary is more than $100,000 for jobs in this field.

The Data Analytics and Visualization major is offered through VCSU’s Computer Systems and Software Engineering (CSSE) department. The degree can be earned on campus or online. Students will study elements of statistics, computer science, business and design to learn the skills needed to handle data-intensive tasks in various industries.

“This new major meets a growing need in many businesses,” said Sue Pfeifer, chair of the CSSE department. “Students will take classes from a variety of departments on campus but will ultimately be equipped with a degree that can land a high-paying job in numerous industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, marketing, government or education.”

At its core, the degree focuses on understanding data and presenting the information gathered from data in a clear and concise manner. Students will develop skills in data analysis, statistics, programming, critical thinking and communication. They will also learn data visualization techniques using software such as Tableau or Microsoft Power BI.

“Students who are interested in problem-solving and creativity make a good fit for this major,” said Pfeifer. “They should be detail-oriented, paying attention to the accuracy of data. Students should also be interested in technology and exploring new software.”

Potential career paths include jobs as a data analyst, a business intelligence analyst or a visualization specialist.

“We are always looking for programs or classes that help meet current workforce needs,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs at VCSU. “Students who complete this degree should be in high demand by various industries after graduation.”