What do you learn in a bachelor's in data science?

Are you thinking about getting your bachelor's degree in the field of data science? Discover what you can expect to learn in a bachelor's in data science program, and find out what requirements you'll need to meet to graduate.

What to expect from a data science bachelor's program

The core focus of a data science bachelor's program is to help students learn to collect, analyze, and draw insight from data to support and improve decision-making. Ultimately, these programs aim to teach students to apply quantitative and computational thinking across industries such as healthcare, government, and retail.

A bachelor's in data science program typically takes four years to complete, with an average total credit load of 120 hours (15 hours per semester).

Students in data science degree programs will likely encounter courses in math, computer science, programming, and information management. To graduate from this degree program, you may be required to choose an area of concentration, complete a capstone project, and earn a satisfactory grade in the major's core courses.

Bachelor's in data science curriculum

What do you learn in a bachelor's in data science? Students often take a mix of courses covering statistics, computer science, and data visualization and analysis.

Three common courses you will likely encounter in a bachelor's in data science program are:

• Applied probability and statistics: Introduces foundational concepts in probability and statistics, univariate and bivariate data analysis, and the fundamentals of experimental design, including sampling, planning, conducting studies, simulation use, and statistical inference
• Database systems: Offers students a review of file systems, file processing logic, and the major phases and elements of relational database design and development, including analysis, implementation, and optimization
• Data visualization: Shows students how to prepare and analyze large datasets as well as core theories of data visualization, standard design principles, and modern techniques to help them communicate in a clear and visually compelling manner

These courses can offer a solid foundation in data science and analytics and prepare you to work in various organizational environments.

Specializations and concentrations

Some standard concentrations for data science majors include:

• Economics: You'll likely learn how to apply data science techniques to economic theories, build predictive models, and address complex questions with data.
• Business: You can learn to use principles of business, marketing, and financial analysis to help organizations make better strategic decisions.
• Psychology: You may learn how to apply data analysis techniques to design and conduct research studies, as well as analyze and report results and findings.

Much of what you'll learn in a bachelor's in data science program depends on the classes you take for your specialization. The specializations available depend on the institution or degree program you choose.

Graduation requirements for a data science bachelor's degree

To graduate with a bachelor's in data science degree, you may need to complete a capstone project. This may involve applying your theoretical knowledge to a real-world problem.

You'll engage in the process from start to finish, including collecting and processing the data, as well as using statistical and analytical methods you have learned during your degree program.

Sometimes, the capstone research project may be completed with a member of the school faculty. In other cases, program officials may arrange for it to be completed within the context of a business internship.

Keep in mind that some degree programs require students to maintain a satisfactory grade of “C" or higher in core classes. Failure to do so may result in you having to repeat the coursework.

Explore bachelor's degrees in data science

Are you ready to kickstart your career in the burgeoning field of data science? Then check out edX's bachelor's in data science programs and get started today.