Data Science
BS, BS/MS

On-campus Undergraduate Major Minor Interdisciplinary

Earn your undergraduate degree in data science

At UMass Dartmouth, the data science major is an interdisciplinary program, integrating mathematics and computer science with disciplines such as business, engineering, healthcare, planning, science, and sociology.

As a data science major, you’ll build a strong foundation in information theory and in the methods and tools of mathematics and computer science. You’ll gain skills in complex problem solving, data-driven discovery, decision support, machine learning, predictive and visual analytics, and statistics.

You’ll be prepared for leadership positions in data analytics, discovery informatics, information management, and knowledge engineering. Businesses, government, healthcare, and the natural and social sciences need more data scientists to explore and explain complex information.

What do data scientists do?

Data scientists are professionals who transform raw data into meaningful, actionable insights. They extract knowledge from vast amounts of data to help organizations make informed decisions, solve problems, and drive innovation.

Data scientists manage, mine, and analyze big data across multiple disciplines, and use computational thinking to gain new knowledge and solve real-world problems of high complexity. Their work includes collecting and analyzing data, developing and deploying statistical models, creating charts, graphs, dashboards, and interactive visualizations to present data insights, and harnessing high-powered computing technologies. Whether it's predicting future trends, automating processes, or uncovering hidden patterns, data scientists are essential for navigating and leveraging the vast landscape of data.

Data science is relevant in many different fields, including healthcare, finance, academia, government, tech, and more.

For the BS in data science, you'll complete 73 credit hours in core data science courses, computer and information science, and mathematics. A total of 120 credits are required for the degree.

Offered jointly by the Computer Science Department and the Mathematics Department, the data science curriculum covers topics such as data visualization and matrix methods for data mining—as well as traditional courses in computer and information science and mathematics. Graduates will acquire skills in computer programming, statistics, data mining, machine learning, data analysis, and visualization needed to solve challenging problems involving large, diverse data sets.

During your senior year, you will complete a team capstone project that focuses on real-world, industry-specific challenges. Our students have classified gravitational wave signals, analyzed attendance patterns at NBA games, and classified and predicted the effectiveness of cancer drugs.

Learn more about the BS in Data Science program requirements.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

The minor in data science is designed for STEM-focused students looking to broaden their skillset with data science tools and techniques in data visualization, statistical analysis, and programming. Considering the growing importance of data science skills for the current and future workforce, a data science minor will complement a variety of majors including crime and justice, political science, business, psychology, biology, and physics, to name a few. Engineers of all types are also well suited for the data science minor. A total of 24-26 credits are required for the minor.

Student success

McCord Murray '24, Data Science and Mathematics dual major.

McCord Murray '24: The science of math

Data science and mathematics dual-major unlocks his potential

Internship sites

UMassD students intern with renowned companies, agencies, and institutions, including:

Brown University
CVS Pharmacy
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Career placements

Recent graduates have secured jobs at:

Capital One
Citizens Financial Group
New England Survey Systems
Pratt & Whitney

Research

Research in data science unlocks mysteries of the galaxy

Professors Scott Field, Vijay Varma, and their students have emerged as leaders at the forefront of gravitational wave science. Merging UMass Dartmouth's mathematics, data science, and physics departments, the research consortium is one of the largest in the world.

Capstone projects: most senior engineering students work in small teams on real-world, industry-specific challenges that demand analysis, proposals, prototypes, and solutions.
Center for Scientific Computing & Visualization Research: Faculty and students collaborate on problems in science and engineering using high-performance computing.
Internships & co-op: Gain hands-on experience that will be valuable to local, national, and global employers.

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

UMass Dartmouth offers a great transfer experience for students who:

have graduated from an accredited community college, or
have earned college credits from an accredited college or university

Transfer Admissions

Accelerated BS/MS in Data Science: Continue your education at UMassD with an accelerated BS/MS degree program for qualified undergraduates that can be completed in five years.
MS in Data Science: Prepare for leadership positions in data analytics, information management, and knowledge engineering.
MS in Computer Science: Advanced study in theoretical computer science, computer systems, software engineering, parallel and distributed computing, and computer networks.
PhD in Engineering & Applied Science: Emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of modern research at the interfaces of engineering, the applied sciences, and technology.
PhD in Mathematics Education: Prepares graduates for careers in education, scientific institutions, industries, and federal agencies.