Data Science

Degree

Bachelor of Science with a major in Data Science
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Contact

James Quinlan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
jquinlan@une.edu

Mission

The Data Science Bachelor of Science degree program inspires students to become innovators who make impactful contributions through data analysis, modeling, computation, and simulation. The program fosters flexible and creative approaches for problem solving and the ability to gain insights about complex relationships and interdependencies, and to describe and communicate these insights for prediction and decision making.

Major Description

In recent years the explosion of data in a wide range of fields has created a wealth of opportunities for data science professionals, and the demand for people with the right skills continues to grow. The Data Science B.S. program at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ gives you the opportunity to apply your passion for mathematical modeling and computing to problems involving the analysis of data and the design of models for extracting information, making predictions, and decision-making.

Beginning with foundational mathematics, statistics, and computing, you will develop techniques in visualization, machine learning, and data mining. 

Industry partnerships with local employers provide opportunities to apply these techniques and refine your expertise through project-based learning experiences throughout the curriculum as well as in a senior practicum.  

Curricular Requirements

CAS Core Requirements Credits
Total 42
Program Required Courses Credits
DSC 110 - Survey of Software Tools 1
DSC 130 - Exploring Data 3
DSC 225 - Programming I or MAT 225 - Computer Programming w/ MATLAB 3
DSC 260 - Data Visualization 3
DSC 301 - Introduction to Database Design/SQL 3
DSC 344 - Machine Learning 3
DSC 480 - Data Science Practicum 3
MAT 120 Statistics or MAT 150 - Statistics for Life Sciences Credits included in Core Requirements
MAT 190 - Calculus I 4
MAT 220 - Linear Algebra 3
Total 26
Elective Requirements Credits
DSC 205 - Introduction to Data Analysis and Modeling 3
DSC 270 - Data Structures and Algorithms 3
DSC 325 - Programming II 3
DSC 410 – Data Mining 3
DSC 420 – Predictive Modeling 3
DSC 490 – Topics in Data Science 3
GIS 364 – Spatial Data Analysis 3
MAT 195 – Calculus II 3
MAT 212 – Discrete Mathematics 3
MAT 323 – Applied Regression Analysis 3
MAT 340 – Graph Theory with Applications 3
MAT 405 – Introduction to Numerical Analysis 3
Program Elective Courses* 15–17
Open Elective Courses (needed to reach 120) 35–37
Total 52–54

*Select at least five courses from the list, with at least one selected from among DSC 410, DSC 420, and DSC 490.

Totals Credits
CAS Core Requirements 42
Program Requirements 26
Elective Requirements 52–54
Minimum Required Total Credits 120

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing the B.S. in Data Science will:

  1. Develop, test, and deploy mathematical and statistical models for data analysis, prediction, and decision making
  2. Use current field-standard digital tools for data management, manipulation, organization, analysis, and visualization
  3. Effectively communicate quantitative information to technical and non-technical audiences orally, in writing, and through visual formats

Minors

A student with a major in another program may minor in Data Science with the approval of the academic director. A minimum of 18 hours of approved course credit is required.

Students wishing to declare a Data Science minor should complete a course plan in consultation with a Mathematical Sciences faculty member.

Students may earn a Minor in Data Science by completing 18-19 credits in the following:

Required Courses Credits
DSC 130 - Exploring Data 3
DSC 225 - Programming I or MAT 225 - Computer Programming w/ MATLAB 3
DSC 260 - Data Visualization 3
DSC 344 - Machine Learning 3
MAT 120 - Statistics or MAT 150 - Statistics for Life Sciences 3
Elective Credits* 3–4

*Select at least one course from among DSC 205, DSC 301, DSC 410, DSC 420, DSC 490, and GIS 364.

Honors Program

At this time, Data Science does not offer Honors Program.

Transfer Credit

Courses previously completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program beginning in Fall 2020. Transferred mathematics courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the mathematics courses offered at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they will transfer as general electives.

All Science/Math courses previously completed must be no older than five years.

See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Admissions

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ for the 2022–2023 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of the date of publication May 2, 2022.

The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.