Data science is an interdisciplinary field of study which combines the power of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and domain specific expertise to uncover hidden insights and extract knowledge from data. Data has become a key asset that enables institutions to be effective, vigilant, and remain competitive in today’s dynamic environment. Potential applications are wide ranging and include healthcare, finance, transportation, security, manufacturing, entertainment, and retail. Employers are actively looking for those with strong technological skills who can harness the power of large-scale data in order to enhance informed decision makings. The Data Science program at RWU is a collaboration of several departments and programs, including Mathematics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Natural Sciences, and Business.
The Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Data Science program provides students with a solid
foundation in data science. Students learn a diverse set of skills, including data science principles, tools, and techniques across the entire data life-cycle; data privacy and security; and legal and ethical considerations. Students are prepared to integrate and implement those skills to find data-driven solutions for challenging real-world problems. They learn how to ask research questions, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, implement and evaluate different mathematical and computational approaches, and present outcomes in a scientific or professional community. Students in the BA program are exposed to the mathematics and computer science necessary for the practical application of data science. The BA program
includes significant flexibility, and students are encouraged to pursue a minor or second major in an area of application of data science. Students can enroll directly in the BA program as incoming freshman or may transfer to the program in their second year or add it as a second major. Prospective graduates are prepared for employment in many industries in rolls such as Data Analyst or Quantitative Analyst or may choose to apply their knowledge of data science to their primary field of study.
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