Data Science Major

Program Contacts

Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department

Brent Strunk
440-826-5944, bstrunk@bw.edu

OVERVIEW

The data science major combines computing, mathematics and statistics that will equip students with the necessary technical skills to harness the power of data. Students in the data science program will develop a mature understanding of the computational, statistical and mathematical tools involved in constructing data-driven solutions. Students will gain experience applying their skills to external disciplines such as epidemiology, marketing, political science and more.

Data science student smiling and looking at laptop

As the world continues to generate more information, there has never been a greater need for businesses and organizations to successfully collect, manage and interpret data. In turn, this means that there has never been a greater need for a well-rounded workforce that is equipped to carry out that work responsibly.

If you want to learn the tools of the modern workforce while having the freedom to explore your interests in other areas, the data science program might be the perfect fit.

What Can You Do with a Data Science Degree?

Employers are looking for candidates with the knowledge and skills to address the unexpected problems that confront their organizations. Earning a bachelor of science in data science means you can pursue opportunities in almost any field. Below are a few examples of the roles you can pursue after graduation.

Data scientist - Gather large datasets and develop tailored models to answer important business questions.
Data engineer - Develop data pipelines and infrastructure to support teams working with data.
Information officer - Manage databases and systems that empower organizations to effectively leverage data.
Machine learning engineer - Use advanced analytical tools to identify important patterns in large datasets.
Data analyst - Use statistical techniques to analyze data and interpret results to others.

Data Science vs. Data Analytics

BW offers data analytics and data science majors, both of which feature many common courses and goals, but with some key differences between the two programs. Your professional goals and career path will help determine which program is the best fit for you.

The data science degree gives students more technical preparation in mathematics and computing, while the data analytics degree places a more targeted focus on applications of data to business contexts.

If you are unsure about which program you would like to pursue, the similarities in the two majors allow you to easily switch from one to the other, especially early on. Below you can see how the two fields overlap, as well as some distinct differences.

Data Science vs. Data Analytics

Courses required for the B.S. in data science but not for the B.A. in data analytics include:

CSC-240 (Object-Oriented Programming)
CSC-245 (Data Structures)
CSC-440 (Intelligent Systems)
MTH-161 (Discrete Mathematics)
MTH-142 (Calculus II)
MTH-211 (Linear Algebra)

Booming Career Field

Data Science Average Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the data science field will grow by 28% through 2026. The median starting salary for data scientists is about $100,000.

Problem Solving

BW's data science program is designed to incorporate opportunities to solve real-world problems. You will learn more than technical skills - you will employ highly developed reasoning to inform strategic decisions.

Explore Your Interests

As a data science student, you will pursue your passions while developing the necessary skills to enter an in-demand job market and are encouraged to complete a minor and a capstone project in another field of interest.

CURRICULUM

The data science program features a core set of courses and outcomes designed to train all students in data literacy.

Meaningful data work cannot occur in a vacuum, which is why data science students will complete a sequence of courses outside of mathematics and computing designed to allow you to apply your skills to meaningful problems in fields such as epidemiology, marketing, political science and more.

As a data science student, you will complete a variety of projects, culminating with a capstone project to demonstrate your skills to employers. Most importantly, data science program graduates will understand the crucial role that lifelong learning will play in a field where tools and technologies can change rapidly.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing a data science degree will be able to:

Demonstrate relevant programming skills for obtaining, transforming and analyzing data.
Use appropriate mathematical and statistical skills in the analysis of data.
Analyze and interpret data using an ethically responsible approach.
Apply technical skills to analysis and understanding of data in at least one application domain.
Work successfully in groups.
Communicate data-driven results to a wide variety of audiences.
Demonstrate a mature understanding of the computational, statistical and mathematical tools for creating data-based solutions to problems.

Key Data Science Courses

DSA-201 (Colloquium): Repeatable 1-credit seminar
DSA-301 (Practicum): Course in which students will work in teams to complete a meaningful project for a BW community member or an external partner.
DSA-470 (Internship or Summer Research Experience)
DSA-494 (Senior Capstone Project)

View the University catalog for a full list of courses.

Choose a Concentration in an External Discipline

In addition to the courses above, students will complete a sequence of courses in an external discipline designed to provide enough depth in a discipline to pose and answer a meaningful data-oriented question. Students are encouraged to use this to explore a passion in another area. You can choose from a wide range of disciplines at BW:

Arts and Humanities
Business
Health Sciences
Science
Social Science

Moreover, students have the option to create a personalized sequence of courses in cooperation with a faculty member in an area of their choosing. View all areas of concentration.

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

We believe that students learn best through hands-on experience working with data and solving problems. Beginning with the first week of Introduction to Data Science and Analytics, you will write code to solve problems and build skills throughout the curriculum with the supportive mentorship of faculty members.

DEMONSTRATE YOUR SKILLS IN A PORTFOLIO

Much of the hands-on learning in data analytics courses will take the form of projects, which will be assembled into a portfolio that you can use to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. You will also be able to explore an interest in an external discipline by completing a senior capstone project in that area.

The capstone project has the potential to be a signature portfolio piece that presents your skills in writing code or building models, your ability to communicate and your scope of scholarly interest. Whether you want to study biology, communication or philosophy, you will be encouraged to explore your passions through the lens of data.

FACILITIES DESIGNED FOR LEARNING AND COLLABORATION

Most data science courses will take place in BW’s state-of-the-art Knowlton Center. This facility features classrooms equipped with modern technology, comfortable common-area seating and myriad spaces available for collaboration. You will also have access to the data visualization lab, which features large screens designed to foster teamwork and sharing of ideas.

Class with professor in data visualization lab at Baldwin Wallace University

CHOOSE OHIO FIRST STEM SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in data analytics. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding substantial annual, renewable scholarships.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

While the data science program is new, many recent BW graduates have completed studies in related fields, including mathematics, cybersecurity analyst, applied mathematics or computer science and have successfully found jobs working with data.

Many BW alumni currently work as data scientists, data analysts, business intelligence analysts, quantitative analysts, and software developers, working for companies such as KeyBank, Proctor & Gamble, Cleveland Clinic, Joann's and more.

As a student in the data science program at BW, you will develop a network of professional contacts and gain valuable experience working with data as part of the internship and practicum requirements. Program graduates will be well-equipped to find employment or to continue their studies in pursuit of a higher degree if they choose.