Data Science, Bachelor of Science (5012)
Program Coordinator
Alexander G. Lebedinsky, alex.lebedinsky@wku.edu, (270) 745-3150
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary field of data science. This program merges computer science, statistics, and domain-specific knowledge to harness the power of data for informed decision-making and innovative problem-solving. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, hands-on projects, and real-world applications, students will graduate with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving landscape of data-driven industries.
To earn the degree, the students have to complete a core set of classes and at least one certificate or a minor. The students will have an opportunity to personalize the degree by choosing one or multiple certificates that align with their interests.
Program Highlights:
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Our program seamlessly integrates concepts from business data analytics, economics, computer science, mathematics, and domain-specific areas, providing students with a holistic perspective on data science.
- Strong Foundation: Students will develop a solid foundation in programming, database management, statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques.
- Data Visualization: Learn to create compelling visualizations that effectively communicate complex insights to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Industry-Standard Tools: Gain proficiency in popular tools and technologies used in the field, such as Python, R, SQL, and data manipulation libraries.
- Capstone Project: Culminate your learning journey with a capstone project where you will tackle a real-world problem using data-driven approaches under the guidance of faculty mentors.
- Career Preparation: Receive guidance on resume building, interview techniques, and job search strategies, and access our strong network of alumni working in various data science roles.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the data science field, including but not limited to:
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
- Predictive Modeler
- Market Research Analyst
- Data Scientist
Program Requirements (51-61 hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 42 | |
| BDAN 250 | Introduction to Analytics | 3 |
| BDAN 310 | Business Data Analytics | 3 |
| BDAN 350 | Data Management | 3 |
| BDAN 420 | Predictive Modeling | 3 |
| CS 180 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| DATA 301 | Big Data with its Applications | 3 |
| ECON 206 | Statistics | 3 |
| ECON 465 | Regression and Econometric Analysis | 3 |
| ECON 487 | Data Methods in Economics | 3 |
| MATH 136 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 306 | Applied and Computational Linear Algebra | 3 |
| STAT 330 | Introduction to Statistical Software | 3 |
| DATA 399 | Career Readiness in Data Science (Career Readiness) | 1 |
| DATA 499 | Senior Assessment - Data Science (Senior Seminar) | 3 |
Select a block of electives from one of the options below
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses leading to the Applied Analytics Certificate | 9 | |
| BDAN 305 | Data Modeling and Analysis | 3 |
| Select two courses | 6 | |
| Structured Data Analysis | ||
| DSS Analysis and Design | ||
| Data Visualization | ||
| Courses Leading to the Applied Statistics Minor | 9 | |
| STAT 402 | Experimental Design | 3 |
| MATH 382 | Probability and Statistics I | 3 |
| MATH 482 | Probability and Statistics II | 3 |
| Courses Leading to the Computer Science Minor | 16 | |
| CS 290 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| CS 351 | Database Management Systems I | 3 |
| Three 300- or 400-level CS course not already in the program | 9 | |
| Courses Leading to the Economic Data Analytics Certificate | 9 | |
| ECON 307 | Financial Data Modeling | 3 |
| ECON 480 | Economic Forecasting | 3 |
| ECON 486 | Applied Statistical Methods in Economics | 3 |
| Courses Leading to the GIS Certificate | 14 | |
| GISC 316 | Geographic Information Systems I | 4 |
| GISC 317 | Geographic Information Systems II | 4 |
| GISC 417 | GIS Analysis & Modeling | 3 |
| GISC 419 | GIS Programming | 3 |
| Courses leading to the Health Informatics Certificate | 18-19 | |
| BDAN 305 | Data Modeling and Analysis | 3 |
| BDAN 330 | Structured Data Analysis | 3 |
| HIM 230 | Computer Systems and Applications in Health Information Management | 3 |
| HIM 330 | Electronic Health Record Systems | 3 |
| HIM 430 | Health Data Management and Analytics | 3 |
| Choose one of the following | 3-4 | |
| Health Data Content and Structure | ||
| Health Care Organization and Management | ||
| Courses Leading to the Emergency Managment Disaster Science MDS Certificate | 12 | |
| EMDS 400 | Emergency Management Policy and Practices | 3 |
| EMDS 401 | Natural and Technological Disaster Risks | 3 |
| EMDS 402 | Resiliency in Response to Terrorism and Violence | 3 |
| EMDS 403 | Advanced Disaster Planning, Management, and Preparedness | 3 |
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| BDAN 250 | 3 | CS 180 | 4 |
| COMM 145 | 3 | ECON 206 | 3 |
| ENG 100 | 3 | ENG 200 (or another approved Colonnade Course) | 3 |
| MATH 136 | 4 | HIST 101 or HIST 102 | 3 |
| Colonnade Explorations - Arts And Humanities | 3 | Colonnade Explorations - Social and Behavioral | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| BDAN 310 | 3 | BDAN 350 | 3 |
| DATA 301 | 3 | MATH 306 | 3 |
| STAT 330 | 3 | Colonnade Explorations - Natural and Physical Sciences | 3 |
| Colonnade Explorations - Natural and Physical Sciences | 3 | Data Science Elective | 3 |
| Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 | Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ENG 300 | 3 | DATA 399 | 1 |
| ECON 465 | 3 | ECON 487 | 3 |
| Data Science Elective | 3 | Data Science Elective | 3 |
| Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 | Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 |
| Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 | Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 |
| Colonnade Connections | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| BDAN 420 | 3 | DATA 499 | 3 |
| Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 | Colonnade Connections | 3 |
| Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 | Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 |
| Colonnade Connections | 3 | Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 |
| Elective/Second Major/Minor/Certificate course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Hours 120 | |||