Data Science

Every day, human interaction with technology generates enormous volumes of data. This ever-growing collection of information is leveraged in virtually every industry across the globe, including healthcare, government, technology, manufacturing, social media, finance and entertainment.

As a data science student, you will learn practical solutions to solve a wide array of data-related problems—from those involving small data sets to those involving massive amounts of data. Your curriculum will incorporate the entire data science pipeline, including problem formulation, data collection, high-powered computing, statistical analyses and meaningful interpretation and communication.

You'll develop proficiency in navigating both the overarching concepts and nuanced details of data science, empowering you to confidently achieve the following objectives:

  • Managing, processing and analyzing data effectively.
  • Using data visualization techniques to extract valuable insights.
  • Creating statistical models and machine learning algorithms to solve complex problems.
  • Interpreting model outputs and making informed decisions.
  • Communicating data findings clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Staying updated on the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Building a solid foundation for future graduate studies in data science.

Program Information

Duquesne University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Data Science program provides comprehensive training for a variety of careers in technology, finance, healthcare, marketing and more. Gain expertise in the entire data science pipeline, from data collection to cutting-edge model development and implementation and effective communication, while mastering subjects like statistics, machine learning and computer programming.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

School

School of Science and Engineering

Academic Department

Mathematics and Computer Sciences

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

120

Data Science FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Data Science program at Duquesne

A data scientist is a professional who analyzes and interprets complex data to uncover insights and trends that can inform business decisions, strategies and solutions. Data scientists use a combination of statistical analysis, machine learning techniques, programming skills and domain knowledge to extract meaning from large datasets.

Data scientists work across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare and marketing, helping organizations leverage data to optimize processes, improve products and drive innovation.
Absolutely! Students may opt for the dual degree in data science, and our bridges curriculum makes it easy to do! Bridges courses make up approximately one third (more than one year!) of your college curriculum. The best first step is to speak with your Success Coach and let that person know your interest. 
Students receive a comprehensive support system that includes free tutoring services, state-of-the-art computer labs and personalized one-on-one mentoring with our faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. This robust framework is designed to ensure that students not only have access to academic assistance but also benefit from a tailored guidance experience, fostering a rich and engaging learning environment.

Absolutely! If you are not majoring in data science, you can earn a minor in data science. The minor will provide you data analysis and quantitative skills to enhance any degree program. Pursuing a minor in data science entails completing nine additional credits of data science course work and six credits of statistics.

Learn more about the minor

Prepared For Anything

 
data science video

The Student Experience

Gain firsthand insights from our students and faculty as they share their perspectives on the student journey within the Data Science program at Duquesne University. Discover the innovative research initiatives, state-of-the-art facilities and the close-knit community that characterize the distinctive essence of our data science program.

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internship opportunities

Internship Opportunities

Internships play a crucial role in career development. As a student in our program, you will have access to a wide range of internship opportunities, spanning large and small companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies.

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girl looking at a computer

Student Organizations

Explore our diverse array of clubs and organizations spanning interests in mathematics, computer science and other STEM programs. With guidance from faculty advisors and staff, you'll have the opportunity to meet students with similar interests, organize events and make a positive impact in your community.

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Hear From An Alumna

"Data science allows you to combine the best parts of math, statistics and computer science to solve problems of all sorts. Even if you don’t have any background knowledge in these areas, the professors at Duquesne provide all the tools to help you learn and succeed."

—Val Koester BS in Data Science, '23

Sample Course Work

This is sample coursework for the Data Science BS degree. Please note: Students in the Honors College need to complete 6 honors courses. Bridges Coursework requires students to take one Theology and one Philosophy course. It is recommended to do this as a Bridges Competency course.

Fall Semester (17 credits)
  • General Elective
  • EQ XXX Essential Questions Seminar
  • MATH 115 Calculus I
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis
  • COSC 170 Programming: Python
  • BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills

Spring Semester (16 credits)
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature
  • DTSC 110 Intro to Data Science
  • MATH 116 Calculus II
  • COSC 216 Data Structures in Python
  • MATH 135 Discrete Math
Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • DTSC 220 Data Expl & Visualization
  • MATH 215 Calculus III
  • MATH 301 Intro Prob & Stats I
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning
  • COMM 250 Technical Communication

Spring Semester (15 credits)
  • THEO xxx Theology Course
  • MATH 302W Intro Prob & Stats II
  • Bridges course - Communication & Creative Expression
  • COSC 300 Algorithms
  • General Elective
Fall Semester (14/15 credits)
  • PHIL xxx Philosophy Course
  • General Elective
  • BIOL 111/L, CHEM 121/L, or PHYS 211/L
  • MATH 325W Applied Stats w/ Regression
  • Experiential Learning course __ (SPRG 108 recommended)

Spring Semester (16/17 credits)
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra
  • DTSC 330 Big Data & Databases
  • BIOL 112/L, CHEM 122/L, or PHYS 212/L
  • Bridges course - Critical Thinking
  • General Elective
Fall Semester (13 credits)
  • DTSC 140 Professional Development Seminar
  • Bridges course - Ethical Reasoning 
  • Bridges course - Cultural Fluency
  • Bridges course - Social & Historical reasoning
  • General Elective

Spring Semester (15 credits)
  • COSC 423 Machine Learning OR 410 Artificial Intel
  • DTSC 481 Data Science Capstone Project
  • MATH 473 Statistical Computing
  • General Elective
  • General Elective

Learning Outcomes

  1. Write code to gather, clean, integrate, and manipulate data.
  2. Identify trends, patterns, and outliers in real-world datasets using descriptive statistics and visualization techniques.
  3. Identify appropriate machine learning algorithms for a given problem, implement them, and assess their performance.
  4. Identify and perform appropriate statistical tests and explain their output.
  5. Communicate data-driven insights to diverse audiences.

Questions? Contact Us!

Initiate your journey into Data Science today by reaching out to your curriculum coordinator!

Lauren Sugden, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Statistics

Mathematics and Computer Science