Data Science and Analytics, BS

Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Major: Data Science and Analytics

Program Overview

The Data Science and Analytics BS program provides students with a broad foundation in the field and with the instruction, skills, and experience needed to understand and handle large amounts of data to derive actionable information. The degree program has a unique focus on real-world data and real-world applications. This program provides students with a strong background in the fundamentals of mathematics and science. Students can use their technical and open electives to pursue interests in software engineering, algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, databases, data mining, bioinformatics, security, and computer systems. In addition to an excellent technical education, all students in the Case School of Engineering are exposed to societal issues, ethics, professionalism, and have the opportunity to develop leadership skills.

This major is one of the first undergraduate programs nationwide with a curriculum that includes mathematical modeling, computation, data analytics, visual analytics and project-based applications – all elements of the future emerging field of data science.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Data Science and Analytics is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Data Science, Data Analytics and Similarly Named Computing Programs.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates from the Data Science and Analytics Bachelor of Science program 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.

Co-op and Internship Programs

Opportunities are available for students to alternate studies with work in industry or government as a co-op student, which involves paid full-time employment over seven months (one semester and one summer). Students may work in one or two co-ops, beginning in the third year of study. Co-ops provide students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field by completing a significant engineering project while receiving professional mentoring. During a co-op placement, students do not pay tuition but maintain their full-time student status while earning a salary. Alternatively or additionally, students may obtain employment as summer interns.

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.

Mathematics and Engineering Courses

Science Requirement

The Science Requirement can be satisfied by completing one of the sequences listed below. Students wishing to combine data science with other science disciplines can alternatively satisfy the Science Requirement either by completing one of the following minor programs: Biology, Chemistry, or Geological Sciences; or by completing one of the following major programs: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geological Sciences, or Neuroscience.

Core Requirement

Core courses provide our students with a strong background in foundations and analytics.

Foundations

Each student must supplement their competence in foundational technical areas by taking at least two additional courses, totaling at least 6 credit hours from the following list. Other courses, beyond those that are listed, may be approved by the student’s academic advisor. The following list is organized in topical areas for informational purposes only; foundation courses may come from the same or from different areas.

Applications

Data science graduates are expected to be knowledgeable in a wide range of areas of applications of the data science profession. The breadth requirement is satisfied by choosing at least two courses (totaling at least 6 credit hours) from the following list. Additional courses, beyond those that are listed, may be approved by the student’s academic advisor.

Technical Electives

Students are required to complete two more technical electives for at least 6  credit hours.  The courses can be any CSDS course or a course from the foundations and applications lists. The combination of core, foundations, and application courses with technical and open electives makes it possible to achieve a minor in fields as different as Economics and Biology. Interested students should contact their advisors.

Sample Plan of Study

The following is a suggested program of study. Current students should always consult their advisors and their individual graduation requirement plans as tracked in SIS.

a

Unified General Education Requirement.

b

One of STAT 302 or STAT 312 or STAT 313.

c

Two courses and six credit hours required from the Foundations list.

d

Two courses and six credit hours required from the Applications list.