Ohio Dominican University (ODU) will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Data Science during the upcoming fall 2022 semester. The major is designed to help address a workforce shortage due to industry growth as well as an expanding talent gap.

ODU’s Data Science major will equip students with comprehensive knowledge, tools, techniques and experiences related to querying, cleaning and analyzing data, and using industry staples such as Python, SQL, R, and Tableau. In addition, students will understand the ethical and professional issues surrounding the collection, analysis, use, sharing and presentation of data. Students who complete the major will be prepared to pursue careers in industries such as banking, insurance and retail, which use data to drive business intelligence and decision-making.

“There’s no question that the world is becoming more data driven by the day, and it’s never been more important for organizations of all scopes and sizes to take steps to ensure the appropriate and ethical use of the information it collects and has access to,” said ODU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Manuel Martinez, Ph.D. “This new major will prepare students to understand how they can best leverage this information to serve their organizations, while also serving as ethical stewards of the data in their possession.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientist positions are expected to experience a 15% increase from 2019-2029.

Students pursuing ODU’s Bachelor of Science in Data Science will be required to complete the courses listed below. In addition, students will be required to select a focus area from one of the following options: Accounting, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Risk Management and Insurance, and Sociology.

DAT 111 – Statistics for Data Science I (3 credits)
DAT 112 – Statistics for Data Science II (3 credits)
DAT 210 – Data Visualization with Tableau Software (3 credits)
DAT 341 – Foundations of Data Analysis I (3 credits)*
DAT 342 – Foundations of Data Analysis II (3 credits)*
DAT 441 – Principles and Techniques of Data Analytics I (3 credits)*
DAT 442 – Principles and Techniques of Data Analytics II (3 credits)*
DAT 471 – Data Science Practicum (3 credits)*

The above courses marked with an asterisk indicate those which are offered online via ODU’s partnership with Rize, an education company seeking to prepare college students for careers in fast-growing fields. Rize courses are designed by top academics and industry leaders, vetted by ODU and taught by faculty who are experts in the field.

The bachelor’s program joins an existing Certificate in Data Science program, which launched in fall 2021. Students can complete the five-course, 15-credit certificate program in one year and may choose to take courses 100% online or in a hybrid format, giving them the ability to complete their certificate around their schedule. Traditional undergraduate students majoring in a business- or STEM-related field also can pursue the certificate to enhance their bachelor’s degree.

To learn more about ODU’s Data Science major, visit ohiodominican.edu/DataScience.