Bachelor of Science in Data Science

Shape the future with UNE’s cutting-edge data science program.

Learn to make an impact using Data

Position yourself for success by maximizing the bang of the world’s data explosion. As a Data Science major at UNE, you will fuse your passions for mathematical modeling and computing with new skill sets in data analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling. Through our unique “reverse practicums” (internships that bring the employers to you), you will become one of today’s most sought-after professionals.

Come learn and go earn with UNE’s Data Science program. You’ll establish a strong foundation in essential mathematics and computing through courses in computer programming and applied mathematics, and develop expertise in data mining, predictive modeling, and data visualization.

A student stands next to a large monitor showing site analytics
Two students review six colorful graphs with yellow backgrounds on a large monitor

Why UNE for your B.S. in Data Science

Unlike other data science programs that offer internships, we bring the employer to you through our reverse practicums, allowing you to work under the guidance of faculty and alongside an employer-mentor on real industry projects. In our Makerspace, you will use cloud-based platforms to perform sophisticated analytics for high-tech applications, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

  • Learn how to tackle diverse, interesting problems creatively
  • UNE’s School of Computer Science and Data Analytics is led by expert faculty renowned in the field
  • Work with faculty to create visualizations and models that uncover valuable insights
  • Data science is a highly in-demand career path
  • Data scientists rank high in job satisfaction and compensation
  • Gain skills that help contribute to fields like AI, biotechnology, finance, health care, insurance, marketing, advertising, and sports analytics
  • Explore cutting-edge business models
  • UNE is the #1 Maine college for getting a job after graduation (Zippia, 2023)
Headshot of Shanley Camara

Shanley Camara ’22

Data Science

Experiential Education

Since Data Science is a brand-new major at UNE, I get to work really closely with the math department to help develop the program. I give insights into the classes that they offer. Some of the classes don't even exist yet because it's so new, and I get to give feedback that could influence the way that those classes will look in the future. It’s cool to be part of a new major or a new field in general. The faculty and staff are really nice, and they're very open. I'm not afraid to give my feedback.

I’m a teaching assistant for the head of the department. He gives me a variety of projects to work on. There's one with a company called GWI where we are helping to develop a model to establish internet in rural communities in Maine. I’m also working on another project right now to model how many sections the department might need of certain math classes. I take the data and look at how many sections they had before and with how many students enrolled. I look at if the class is required for students. I then take all of that information and try to model a solution.

It’s really fun. Getting to work with real data and help make decisions for the department is real-life problem solving. It’s awesome.

Welcoming Community

The UNE community is pretty tight, and all of the extracurriculars work together. I’m in a few clubs — math club, hunger initiative, and the NOLA service learning club.

Math club is new and small right now, but we’re working on making review packets for calculus to sell around campus before exams to help fundraise. We’re putting on a math meet soon to practice before the Maine state math meet. We think it’d be fun to get high schoolers together to practice.

UNE is a fun place. It’s a small school, so you get to know a lot of people closely. The beach is so nice. I like to run down Hills Beach Road. It’s a beautiful place to live.

Getting to work with real data and help make decisions for the department is real-life problem solving. It’s awesome.

Data Science

What will you study? Data Science Degree Curriculum Overview

There are many ways you can navigate our Data Science degree. Because data scientists are needed in virtually every field, our curriculum is flexible to allow for a minor or a double major.

B.S. in Data Science Courses

The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Data Science major offers:

  • Data Visualization
  • Data Analysis and Modelling
  • Data Mining
  • Programming
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Database Design and SQL

We also offer a minor in Data Science.

UNE Alumna Destiny Martin on Careers in Math and Data Science

Career Paths for Data Science Majors

With the analytical skills and competencies you gain from your coursework and the business acumen you acquire from close working relationships with faculty and industry partners, you will be well on your way to an exciting career in data science.

Graduates may pursue many fascinating professions, including:

  • Data Scientist
  • Business Analyst/Intelligence Specialist
  • Computer Programmer
  • Data Journalist
  • Database Administrator
  • Health Care Analytics Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Medical Research Consultant
  • Web Analytics Specialist
  • Political/Policy Analyst

Career Advising for B.S. in Data Science Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Data Science By The Numbers

32%

Projected job market growth for computer scientists for 2022–2032

 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
$121k

average data scientist salary

Glassdoor.com

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science Program

Our industry partnerships with local employers give you real-world experience, presenting you with actual problems that businesses face. These relationships may even pave the way to permanent employment. At UNE, you don’t just learn data science — you do data science.

A group of students look at a graph of data on a large monitor

Reverse Practicums

Our unique reverse practicums are internships that put you in the shoes of a consultant. You’ll meet regularly with an employer-mentor as you work on real data science modeling problems. Partnering employers include:

  • Government Agencies
  • Private Laboratories
  • Research Facilities
  • Banks
  • Financial Companies
  • Schools
  • Tutoring Centers
  • Insurance Agencies
  • Hospitals

Data Science FAQ