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Data Science, BS

The shortage of data analysts in the U.S. is growing. In this high-demand field, you'll be able to impact the world in areas such as predicting consumer behavior, detecting fraud, improving manufacturing processes and analyzing medical images. Data science has exciting applications to any industry.

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Students solve equations at a chalkboard, building analytical skills in ASU's Data Science, BS program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
First required math course: MAT 270 - Calc w/Analytic Geometry I
or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Data science professionals use sophisticated statistical, computational and mathematical tools to extract patterns from large, complex and often unordered data sets. In the Bachelor of Science program in data science, you are prepared to be a critical analyst in a variety of areas, such as business, research and government.

With a mathematical core consisting of linear algebra, statistical inference and classification, data mining, machine learning and associated computer methods, the program gives you a strong background in data-related skills that are useful in understanding and solving practical issues.

This transdisciplinary program enables you to choose a focus area in:

  • behavioral sciences
  • biosciences
  • business analytics
  • chemistry and biochemistry
  • computer science
  • mathematics
  • social sciences
  • spatial sciences

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
MAT 270 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MAT 271 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
MAT 343 Applied Linear Algebra
CSE 110 Principles of Programming
CSE 205 Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
DAT 250 Data Science and Society

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Employ analysis of data sets in order to make action oriented, ethical recommendations for societal change.
  • Engage critically with real world data problems involving chosen areas such as healthcare, education, and government.
  • Develop team oriented skills related to civil discourse while utilizing diverse programming languages and statistical processes to interpret results of their own data collection.
  • Write a critique of data interpretations provided by real world sources in which they make critical inferences regarding the validity of provided data.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Undergraduate advisor
Joey Davis
480-965-7195
Joseph.W.Davis@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Jennie Burel
480-965-3953
Jennie.Burel@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3953
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Joshua Capizzi
480-965-7195
jjcapizz@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Jennie Burel
480-965-3424
grad.math@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3951
Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, data science students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Bioinformatics Scientist 4.7% $98,920
Bioinformatics Technician 7.1% $81,490
Business Intelligence Analyst 34.6% $120,230
Clinical Data Manager 34.6% $120,230
Data Scientist 34.6% $120,230
Financial Quantitative Analyst 4.1% $81,100
Scientist/Biochemist 12.3% $127,410
Software Developer 10.2% $135,980
Statistician 11.0% $105,650
Urban Planner 3.9% $89,320

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

U.S. News & World Report ranks data scientist at No. 8 on its list of best jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of data science occupations to grow 36% through 2033.

Graduates of the data science program have skills related to data analysis, data prediction models and ethical uses of research data, helping them to meet the expressed needs of society. Graduates work in a variety of fields, including governmental research, education, health services, consumer behavior and business.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences | WXLR 216
math@asu.edu
480-965-7195

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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