Data Science can be defined as the science of gathering insight and information from data. It is the science of everything associated with data:
- creation of algorithms
- software
- tools and techniques
- mathematical/statistical theory and practice of analysis
- theory and practice of visualization and presentation
- data engineering
The Data Science program is a collaboration between the Computer Science and Mathematics departments at Southern. Students in this program begin learning data science during their first semester in DSC 100 and continue the next semester in DSC 101. These classes introduce students to Python programming and the fundamentals of data science. Majors complete upper-level coursework in computer science and mathematics/statistics:
- data mining
- machine learning
- web and database development
- linear algebra
- Bayesian analysis and decision making
- time series analysis
- non-parametric statistics
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and assess organizational needs for data science.
- Acquire data which can be used to address the needs identified.
- Store and manage data acquired for data science tasks.
- Safeguard data throughout all operational stages; treat data and its analysis/application ethically.
- Devise and implement data science solutions based on knowledge of related models and their applicability.
- Interpret model results and understand the limitations of and assumptions in the model.
- Communicate results effectively to different audiences and in different formats that include professional presentations and technical writing, with an emphasis on the visual display of data.
Careers
Data Scientists are in high demand: jobs in technology, marketing, health care, pharmaceuticals, finance, and government abound. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 19% increase in demand from 2016 through 2026, and excellent opportunities exist through Connecticut's tech corridor (Stamford to New Haven to Hartford) and in the financial centers of Boston and New York City (NYC).
Southern's Data Science B.S. program will prepare students for a promising career in business, industry, or technology, or to continue their studies at the graduate level. The skills gained from the Data Science program are applicable to dozens of fields, from biotechnology to finance and business analytics. Graduates are skilled in identifying and assessing organizational needs for data science, acquiring data, and implementing data science solutions based on knowledge of related models.
For 2019, LinkedIn identified Data Scientist as the most promising job in the U.S., with a median base salary of $130,000 and a 56 percent increase in job openings in the last year.
Typical Job Titles
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Big Data Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Statistician
- Operations Research Analyst
- Risk Analyst
School / College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
Mathematics
Computer Science
Contact
Dr. Aaron Clark