College of Arts and Sciences
BS in Data Science
If you enjoy using math and computers to analyze data that can be used to find solutions to real-world problems or to influence business decisions, our new Bachelor of Science in Data Science is a good fit for you! Data scientists are in high demand as corporations are increasingly reliant on data to make informed decisions. The overall well-being of a community is also dependent on the ability to process and interpret important data to help address a broad range of societal issues.
About the Major
The Data Science program provides you with the analytical and quantitative skills that are needed for a variety of careers that are growing at a fast pace.
What work does a data scientist perform? They create new processes for data modeling, algorithms, predictive models, and custom analysis. The information they extract helps businesses and organizations solve complex problems. Data Science is an emerging field that has numerous applications in many career areas including the sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and even the music industry. In fact, data science can be used anywhere!
At UHart, you receive rigorous training in computational mathematics, statistical methods, as well as best practices in data visualization to prepare you for a career as a data scientist, data engineer, data analyst, data architect, or business intelligence specialist.
One of the hallmarks of UHart’s program is the year-long Capstone course that allows you to work on a project with an area company to give you a rich, hands-on learning experience. The course prepares you for the workplace by providing you with teamwork, project planning and scheduling, writing, and presentation experience.
Degree Requirements
The Data Science program includes a core curriculum with exposure to a breadth of courses that lay a solid foundation for either a Computer Science/Mathematics or Business track. A total of 71-72 credits is required and includes a combination of mathematics and computer science courses.
Required Courses
Core required courses include:
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
Introduction to Data Science
Elements of Statistics
Fundamentals of Computing I and II
Data Visualization
For more information, and to see a complete list of major requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Two Degree Tracks
Data Science students select one of the following tracks:
The Computer Science/ Mathematics track requires 19 credits and offers theoretical coding and mathematical modeling skills. Courses include:
Discrete Mathematics
Predictive Modeling for Data Science
Data Mining
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
The Business track requires 18 credits and offers applied analytical skills. Courses include:
Business Finance
Introduction to Business Analytics
Predictive and Business Analytics
Business Data Mining
For more information, and to see a complete list of major requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Minor Requirements
A total of 18 to 21 credits is required for the Data Science minor, including 3 to 4 credits in Mathematics Preparation courses like:
- A Short Course in Calculus and Everyday Statistics
Required Data Science courses include:
- Introduction to Data Science and Predictive Modeling for Data Science
For more information, and to see a complete list of minor requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Science in Data Science students will possess an ability to:
- Execute a statistical analysis.
- Build and assess a statistical model.
- Program with professional statistical software.
- Interpret data by using best practices in data visualization.
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities associated with the application of data science.
Career Outlook
Data Science is one of the most highly paid jobs. According to Glassdoor, Data Scientists are one of the top 10 jobs in the U.S. based on median base salary, the number of active job openings, and employee satisfaction rates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, Data Science and Mathematical Science professions are among the fastest growing, with nearly 31 percent growth projected from 2019-29.
Ty Millette
Data Science major, Mathematics minor, '25
Ty says his ultimate career goal is to get into the sports data/analytics industry, preferably with basketball. To help him reach his career aspirations, Ty joined a team of Barney School of Business students to work on a project for The Hartford Insurance Company, which gave the students a better understanding of what real world experience in the data science field could look like. He says the data visualization project for The Hartford was to inform the company’s decision makers about which markets and regions to focus on before their competitors beat them to it. Outside of classes, Ty serves as the Men’s Rugby Club team president and captain.
I was able to create and analyze data formed by linear regression models to help explain what we were seeing from our research.
Nate Carr
Economics, Minors in Complexity, Data Science, and Environmental Studies, '21
The Data Science minor first helped familiarize me with programming and statistical analysis. Had I not taken the minor, I do not believe I would be comfortable writing any code or attempting to do statistics in a professional setting. The program I am in welcomes learning and growth, but to come in feeling confident that I can tackle problems given to me is a huge reward from studying this in school.