Data Science

Program Coordinator: Dr. Matthew Bellis

Data Science Faculty Steering Committee:

Dr. Joshua Alexander
Dr. Matthew Bellis
Dr. Eric Breimer,
Dr. Scott Greenhalgh
Dr. Mary Beth Kolozsvary
Dr. Ting Liu
Dr. Kursad Tosun
Dr. Graziano Vernizzi

Data science is a multidisciplinary field that studies how to use data to make new discoveries and inform decision making.

Data science uses a synthesis of computer science, mathematical and statistical techniques, and an application of the scientific method to gather, analyze, and visualize data sets, both large and small, in order to extract new knowledge for decision making. A command of the subject matter related to the data is necessary, in order to be able to ask the right questions.

A student graduating from this program will demonstrate sensitivity to data science as a liberal art. The program immerses students in thinking about the pervasive volume of structured and unstructured data and its meaning for contemporary life in a broad sense aligned with the aims of the classical liberal arts, and not as a simple list of specific vocational and technical skills without application to society. Emphasis is on the development of students’ capacity to imagine possible solutions to problems of importance to humanity.

The program is constructed so that students develop some level of domain knowledge, familiarity with a specific subject or field, by requiring them to explore their passions outside the data science skillset. Students are required to apply the data science toolkit through one of a few options including a capstone course, internship experiences, or a guided independent study. Graduates from this program will have training and experience in finding patterns in immense data streams; these skills are applicable in business, the natural and social sciences, and many other fields.

A student planning to major in data science should contact the program coordinator, or any other member, of the Faculty Steering Committee (FSC). Not every course is offered every year, so care must be taken in scheduling to assure completion of the major. The B.S. in Data Science includes a core of essential courses needed to gain both depth and breadth of knowledge for careers or graduate study in the field of data science. Students can then pursue two distinct tracks: the Data Science Track or the Applied Data Science Track.

The Data Science Track, sometimes referred to as the Pure Data Science Track, includes additional coursework in mathematics, computer science, and a two-course sequence in a laboratory-based science, to strengthen students’ understanding of the scientific method. This science course additionally provides breadth of knowledge in the natural sciences from where many of the approaches in data science come from.

The Applied Data Science Track includes additional coursework in a cognate area where students can focus on applying their data science knowledge. This cognate area is roughly the equivalent of a minor and gives students the opportunity to dive deeper into a field about which they are passionate and which could potentially form the basis for their long-term career goals.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Data Science Minor