Data drives solutions and major decision-making for organizations of all sizes and types. Quinnipiac’s BS in Data Science teaches you the fundamental skills necessary to extract, analyze and interpret massive amounts of data in all of its forms, making you highly sought after by employers in nearly every sector.
There is a growing demand in companies and institutions all over the world for professionals who can harness data to solve complex problems. Their insights are used for everything from predicting a company’s customer retention rate to identifying anomalies in DNA structure to measuring the spin rate of a Major League Baseball pitcher’s curveball. The applications of data science are numerous, and this program positions you to take advantage of the field’s incredible career growth.
Our curriculum exists at the intersection of statistics, mathematics, computer science and domain knowledge. The program was designed from the ground up, with feedback from industry professionals, to ensure that students not only understand the mathematical and statistical foundations of data science, but also how those principles may be applied to cutting-edge tools and technologies. This means our graduates will never fall behind the curve as the industry rapidly advances. It will be administered jointly by the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Economics. Our departments are well positioned to offer a unique degree program that will produce graduates with the skill set needed to work with “big data”, with the option of immediate employment in the field of Data Science or continuing to a Ph.D. program.
All data has context. A keystone of Quinnipiac’s data science major is understanding that context and integrating it with deep technical knowledge to draw meaningful conclusions. With our specially tailored curriculum, students may easily acquire a second major (e.g., economics, mathematics, industrial engineering, biology, etc.) and link those studies to data science through a capstone project. This means that you do not need to “sacrifice” your passion to gain relevant quantitative skills.
You’ll develop a deep understanding of methods in quantitative analysis, predictive modeling and advanced machine learning while mastering the Python programming language and cutting-edge statistical packages in practical, project-driven courses. This range of expertise is vital to employers in finance, health care, technology services, manufacturing, e-commerce, sports, retail trade and just about every other industry. Alternatively, these same skills can prepare you to succeed in graduate studies on data science itself or in related domains.
Field-based experience is a hallmark of this program. Thanks to our vast alumni network and deep industry connections, you’ll have the opportunity to intern at a range of leading companies, including BlackRock, Morgan Stanley, MSCI, Citi, Travelers Insurance and Pratt & Whitney.
Median annual wage for data scientists is $103,500. (U.S. of Bureau Labor Statistics, 2023)
A degree in data science positions you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Architect
Machine Learning Engineer
Statistician
With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the College of Arts and Sciences support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.
James Soda, assistant professor of mathematics and a data scientist, enjoys applying mathematics and data in new ways to solve complex, real-life problems.
“I’m a curious person,” Soda said. “Data science gives me the room to explore different subjects.”
Data science is valuable in many professional disciplines, including economics, business, natural and applied sciences, and the humanities, where data extraction and analysis can be used to study language patterns in literature or even changes in human behavior over time.
This flexibility is exactly what Soda envisioned when he helped develop Quinnipiac’s BS in Data Science program. A big part of the program’s foundation is how algorithms are used. For example, grocery store chains and online retailers such as Amazon examine our buying patterns to help predict future purchases. Likewise, Netflix and other streaming services suggest new TV shows based on our viewing history.
“These outcomes are made possible by algorithms developed by data scientists,” he said. “Industries are becoming increasingly aware of the power they have in data.”
As established industries grow and new ones emerge because of data, Soda believes that wherever his students land, they’ll be able to apply the critical thinking skills they learned at Quinnipiac.
“Our program prepares students for success not just today but five years from now,” Soda said.
The Department of Homeland Security has determined that this program meets the requirements for STEM designation.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be over 1.12 million jobs in STEM occupations in the next 10 years. The Department of Defense also estimates that more than 80% of jobs will require STEM skills over the next decade.
In addition, STEM-designated programs allow certain international graduates to remain and work in the United States for an additional 24 months after graduation on top of the standard Optional Practical Training period (up to 12 months) in order to receive additional training through their work experience.
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.