Data Science and Analytics, BA

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Data Science and Analytics

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in data science and analytics is a combination of a liberal arts program and a data science major. Although it is less technical than the Bachelor of Science degree program in data science and analytics, it is a professional program in the sense that graduates can be employed as data science or computing professionals. The Bachelor of Arts degree program in data science and analytics provides students with foundational skills and experience needed to understand and handle large amounts of data to derive actionable information while also providing students flexibility to pursue a wide range of academic interests. The degree program is particularly suitable for students who want to combine data science with expertise in another discipline. For example, students can major in another discipline in addition to data science and routinely complete all of the requirements for the double major in a four year period, or students can major in data science and take all of the pre-med courses in a four year period. In addition to an excellent technical education, all students in the department are exposed to societal issues, ethics, professionalism, and have the opportunity to develop leadership and creativity skills.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts degree program in data science and analytics will be prepared to:

1. Analyze real-world problems and create data-driven solutions based on the fundamentals of data science and computing.
2. Work effectively, professionally, collaboratively, and ethically.
3. Assume leadership roles in industry, academia, public service, and entrepreneurship.
4. Successfully progress in advanced degree programs in data science, computing, and related fields.

Learning Outcomes

• Students analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Students design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
• Students communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Students recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Students function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
• Students apply theory, techniques, and tools throughout the data analysis life cycle and employ the resulting knowledge to satisfy stakeholders’ needs.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.

Required Courses

Data Application Course

Data science majors are exposed to an application area to provide context to the data science activities studied in the required courses. This requirement is achieved by taking at least one course, totaling at least 3 credits from the following list.

Technical Electives

Data science majors select at least two technical electives totaling at least 6 credits from the following list. These electives are in addition to the required courses and data application course.

Sample Plan of Study

a

Unified General Education Requirement.