If you like the idea of transforming large, complex data into the kind of information that creates intelligent, change-worthy decisions, JCU’s Data Science is worth a thorough analysis.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Science
Data Science Program
A Broader, Deeper, and More Ethical Approach
Because data is everywhere, data science skills are critical to countless disciplines and industries. The Data Science program at JCU was thoughtfully designed to provide an impressive range of knowledge, so you’ll be prepared for whatever comes next.
Here, statistics, computer science, and real-world applications come together. Through research and internships, you’ll master the skills today’s employers seek. As part of a Jesuit liberal arts university, you’ll also explore the complex relationships between big data, technology, and science; the benefits data offers, as well as the societal and privacy issues it creates.
As a Data Science major, you’ll hone your skills and abilities in:
- Data Acquisition by collecting, storing, preserving, managing, and sharing data using multiple programs and big data tools
- Problem Exploration through experiences that foster computational and data-analytic thinking
- Domain Knowledge by using discipline-specific data use cases to solve complex real-world problems
- Interpretation by learning effective data communication and visualization methods
Data Science Program
Business runs on data. No wonder data science graduates are in high demand in virtually every business and industry. Your degree could open doors in national companies with large data analytics departments or be the catalyst for an innovative start-up company; it could lead to a future in medicine, arts and entertainment, sports, government, law, manufacturing, or research.
Top Employers
$78,599
average. salary for entry-level data scientist
27
Fortune 500 companies in Ohio
$103B
global big data market growth by 2027
BS in Data Science Program Highlights
Choose your discipline
Because the career possibilities for Data Science are so wide, our students get to focus on specific disciplines, such as business intelligence, communications, digital humanities, entrepreneurship, exercise science, biology, physics, political science, psychology, and sociology. This allows you to discover and define your interests and career path.
Future-oriented Internships
JCU’s deep connections with Cleveland and regional businesses, coupled with a strong alumni network could mean an exciting internship opportunity for you. Recent placements include the Cleveland Clinic, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
Featured Faculty
“Data can change—and save—lives. My own research proves this, and it is a passion I share with my students. I hold a US patent on a set of machine learning algorithms that predict colon cancer recurrence, and I’m currently working with the Cleveland Clinic to build prognostic cancer models using machine learning algorithms and data visualization tools.”
— Elena Manilich, Associate Professor - Dept of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Data Science
Featured Courses
DATA 470 Data Science Capstone
In this final project, you’ll work in a team on a large data project for a real client. Together, you’ll function as true data professionals, encountering typical project issues and using your skills, abilities, and tenacity to deliver a final, usable data product.
DATA 480 Machine Learning
If you want a theoretical and practical understanding of Machine Learning, this course provides the foundation you need. In it, you’ll build systems using TensorFlow to perform traditional ML tasks, as well as a custom ML system to apply Deep Learning to unstructured, real-world problems.
Notable Alum
Daniel Droder, Data Science ‘21
Status: Data Scientist, J.M. Smucker Company
What inspired your future? I had three internships while working towards my Data Science degree. During a four-month summer internship at the J.M. Smucker Company, I developed a web app that integrated multiple machine learning models and created an automated web scraper. The experience was incredible. JCU’s internship network and opportunities led to greater skills, abilities, and my current job.