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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Provide effective solutions to complex problems, based on technical knowledge, methods,
and practices of the dynamic data science field.
Serve and work as effective and ethical data science professionals to contribute to
their community and society.
Assume positions of leadership in industry, academia, public service, and entrepreneurship.
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
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.
Formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
Develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and
use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
Understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or
scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
Function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and
analyze risk and uncertainty.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Chair & Professor Data Science & Business Analytics 
Associate Professor 
Associate Professor 
Assistant Professor 
Assistant Professor 
