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Bachelor of Science in Data Science

 

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May 6, 2020
Dr. Rei
Data science researchers at Florida Poly work to improve online community use
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About Data Science

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field and incorporates tools and techniques from statistics, computer science, and business. We focus on real-world applications, providing students with hands-on experience analyzing large datasets and developing data solutions to solve problems in healthcare, transportation, finance, and other industries. Our rigorous yet flexible curriculum, experienced faculty, and access to massive datasets prepare students with the skills and experience to step into data science roles after graduating.

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Careers in Data Science

The B.S. in Data Science combines applied mathematics, computer science, statistics, optimization, data mining, and machine learning to give you a broad and much desired skill set. You will gain hands-on experience with tools such as Excel, Python, R, SQL Databases, and Tableau, and be prepared for emerging careers in Data Science and future advanced study.
job growth

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Data, the employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 17,700 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary Ranges

The BLS reports the median annual salary for data scientists was $103,500 in May 2022. The median annual wage for data scientists was $103,500 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $174,790.

 

Curriculum 

Core courses include data visualization, data mining, machine learning, statistics, and database systems. Students learn to clean, integrate, and analyze complex data to gain actionable insights and tell data-driven stories. Elective tracks allow students to specialize in fields like Big Data Analytics, Econometrics, or Autonomous Systems. In the final capstone course, students apply their skills to solve a real challenge for a company or nonprofit. Recent projects include optimizing supply chain management for a retailer, identifying risk factors for hospital readmissions, and designing a recommendation system for an online education platform.

Curriculum  

 

Why Florida Poly?

At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education. Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.  
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At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they're a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates. 
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Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students' academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields. 
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Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.
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Program Educational Objectives

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. New computational and analytic approaches to a vast array of forms, scales, and sources of data are now critical to research, decision-making, and action.

Data scientists develop mathematical models, computational methods, and tools for exploring, analyzing, and making predictions from data. They ask appropriate questions about data and interpret the predictions based on their expertise in the subject domain.

The rigorous curriculum in the Data Science program focuses on the fundamentals of applied mathematics, computer science, probability, statistics, optimization, and machine learning while incorporating real-world examples.

The BS in Data Science Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are:

  1. Provide effective solutions to complex problems, based on technical knowledge, methods, and practices of the dynamic data science field.
  2. Serve and work as effective and ethical data science professionals to contribute to their community and society.
  3. Assume positions of leadership in industry, academia, public service, and entrepreneurship.

The PEOs can be found in our Program Catalog online and on the Bachelor of Science in Data Science program page.

 

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Upon completion of the Data Science program, graduates will have the ability to

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
  2. Formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
  3. Develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
  4. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  5. Understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  6. Function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

June 30, 2024

Meet the Faculty

Chair & Professor Data Science & Business Analytics
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Gazanfar Karimli

Gazanfar Karimli

Visiting Instructor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
 
 

 

Get Involved Outside the Classroom

We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just for fun.
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Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual 5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get involved.  

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Join Florida Poly's University Teams for next-level competition and camaraderie! Whether you're into esports, soccer, weightlifting, robotics, or lacrosse, there's a team for you. Pursue excellence alongside like-minded teammates and take your skills to the next level. With a diverse range of options, there's something for everyone to enjoy while striving for victory!
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At Florida Poly, campus engagement is key to fostering lifelong connections, teamwork, and leadership. With over 35 student-run clubs, there's ample opportunity to explore passions and forge friendships beyond lectures and labs. Joining clubs empowers students to pursue interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories with like-minded peers, enriching the college experience and shaping futures.
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Florida Poly's exceptional recreation facilities offer students, faculty, and staff opportunities for physical activity, fostering healthy lifestyle habits. Featuring a fully equipped weight room, junior Olympic swimming pool, basketball courts, beach volleyball, soccer fields, and disc golf, there's something for everyone to stay active and energized. 

Data Science in the News

 

Want to be a Phoenix? Get in touch with Admissions.