Data science combines computational, mathematical and statistical reasoning to draw conclusions based on data. Data science techniques and methods can be applied to problems from virtually any discipline, including agricultural and environmental sciences, biological sciences, engineering, medical sciences and social sciences. As our economy, society and daily life become increasingly dependent on data, new college graduates entering the workforce need to have the skills to analyze data effectively and from multiple angles. Data scientists receive training in fields such as computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics. They apply their methods in almost every industry. Data science majors receive a Bachelor of Science degree. The program requires both theoretical and applied course work to underscore the strong interdependence of technical foundations in computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics, and their applications to any field of inquiry relying on quantitative data analysis. The B.S. degree program has one track: the foundations track.
The B.S. in data science-foundations track emphasizes the underlying methodology and theory of computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics. This program is especially recommended as preparation for graduate study in data science or related fields. Inferential and computational techniques are used in many fields, including the agricultural and environmental sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and health sciences, business, and engineering. The wide applicability of data science is reflected in the strong demand for graduates with data science training in both the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities include careers in data & policy analysis in government & industry, tech industry, insurance & healthcare industry, engineering, public health, biological & pharmaceutical research, law, and education. Students with an undergraduate degree in data science may enter advanced studies in data science, computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, psychology, medicine, business management & analytics, and other professional school programs.