B.S., Data Sciences
Applied Data Sciences option
Data is everywhere, but its true value lies in how it is analyzed and applied.
The rise of internet-based technologies and the ability to store and analyze massive datasets has created a world built on data. The B.S., Data Sciences program positions you to uncover patterns and actionable insights from massive amounts of unstructured data that can drive informed decision-making. By leveraging resources from three colleges, you'll gain both depth and breadth in data sciences so you can harness the power and potential of big data to address scientific and societal challenges in fields like education, sustainability, and health care.
Is Data Sciences Right for Me?
Data Sciences combines technology with computer science, math, and statistics, leveraging the power of three colleges to help you solve real-world problems. This program could be a great fit if you want to
- analyze information to discover new insights
- apply data analytics to make strategic decisions
- understand how data can be used to visualize phenomena using AI and data science techniques
What You'll Study
Gain foundational knowledge and state-of-the-art skills needed to harness the incredible power of big data by exploring topics like these.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Integration
- Algorithmic and Data-Oriented Problem-Solving
- Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics
- Visual Analytics
- Programming Models for Big Data
- Privacy and Security in Data Sciences
- Ethical Issues in Data Science Practice
Application Focus Areas
Pick an application focus area or work with an adviser to create your own so you can develop and apply more specialized knowledge in a specific field.
- Astronomy
- Business Fundamentals
- Economics
- Food Science
- Human-Centered Design and Development
- Information and Cybersecurity Sciences
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Custom Application Focus
Three Colleges. One Major.
The B.S., Data Sciences program leverages the strengths of three colleges to help you learn the technical fundamentals of data sciences and develop the critical skills needed to manage and analyze large-scale unstructured data. You’ll take two years of common courses and then select from one of the three options below to explore in depth.
- Applied Data Sciences option (offered by the College of Information Sciences and Technology)
- Computational Data Sciences option (offered by the College of Engineering)
- Statistical Modeling Data Sciences option (offered by the Eberly College of Sciences)
Students in all three options come together in their junior and senior years for two shared capstone experiences.
The Power of Internships
Every Data Sciences student must complete at least one internship before graduating—most complete more than one, and 84% receive a job offer from an internship provider. With hundreds of organizations recruiting and a dedicated Career Solutions team to support you, you'll have the tools and opportunities to launch your career.
View Past Internships
"There's a magic that happens when you can light a path around technology or data and bring that perspective to somebody who has deep subject matter expertise. And when those things come together and you can move something forward, it's absolutely one of the best feelings in the world."
Jason Lally '05 , State Chief Data Officer, California Office of Data & Innovation
Discover Your Career
Technology is ever-changing, and so are the careers that create, use, and study it. As you work toward your degree, you’ll identify and refine your career interests through courses, student organizations, and experiential opportunities. With guidance and resources from our dedicated Career Solutions team—from your first job to the executive suite—you'll gain the technical expertise, business savvy, and communication skills to lead in business, health care, defense, technology, and countless other industries.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Designs and implements systems for data-driven decision-making, building dashboards, reports, and visualizations using business intelligence tools to present integrated business insights.
Data Scientist
Collaborates with data providers and users to define questions and use machine learning and data mining to develop predictive models, uncover insights, and forecast outcomes.
Big Data Engineer
Builds systems to manage large data sets, leveraging platforms like Hadoop or Spark, and integrates data for accessibility by data scientists and analysts.
Data Analyst
Gathers, cleans, and interprets data to provide insights, collaborating across functions to integrate data and create a cohesive view of operations.
Data Integration Specialist
Consolidates and synchronizes data from multiple sources, using ETL tools to build and maintain pipelines that feed into data warehouses or distributed databases.
Business Systems Analyst/Consultant
Analyzes business problems and designs technology solutions, bridging gaps through architecture, tools, or software applications to resolve issues and improve processes.
AI Engineer
Builds AI models from the ground up and explains results to product managers and stakeholders.
Technology Advisor
Provides expert advice and detailed information in a specialized field, guiding organizations to ensure safe, effective practices and informed decision-making in complex or high-risk scenarios.
Data Visualization Specialist
Creates visualizations and analytical tools to address targeted problems, enhancing data understanding, knowledge distillation, and decision-making by bridging computational systems with human analytical skills.
Nittany AI Alliance
Through mentored research, student organizations like Nittany Data Labs, and experiential learning opportunities like those offered through the Nittany AI Alliance, Data Sciences students can extend learning far beyond the classroom. Nittany AI Alliance connects students with industry partners to address real-world problems with AI-based solutions. Through challenges, internships, and events, you can put your data sciences knowledge to work.
Connect with Nittany AI