Data Science at Utah State University
If you are in any of these three circles and want to make a difference in the world using data, please join us at the intersection of Data Science at USU!
What is Data Science?
Data Science is one of the fastest-growing (and exciting!) fields of study. The State of Utah projects a 64% increase in Data Science positions over 2020-2030; these are five-star rated positions – strongest employment outlook, high employment stability, and high wages!
Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that includes the management, analysis, and visualization of data to make the best possible evidence-based decisions, and draws primarily from the fields of Statistics and Computer Science. Scientists and engineers in today’s workforce have vast amounts of data available to them, but too often they do not have sufficient Data Science expertise to make full use of the data. With so much of today’s STEM innovation being data-driven, expertise in collecting, analyzing, and operationalizing data is critical to industry success.
What Data Science programs are available at USU?
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Computer Science offer two standalone degree programs:
The BS degree, in particular, includes a core set of classes from mathematics, statistics, and computer science in addition to core and elective courses in data science. A rigorous foundation in these areas will prepare students to: 1) use modern database tools, programming languages, and algorithms to build, clean, manage, process, and analyze large datasets; 2) accurately interpret and analyze data to facilitate forecasting, prediction, and decision making; and 3) understand the underlying mechanics, assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of conventional and modern data science methods so that students can apply the methods appropriately and develop new data science methods when needed.
In addition, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Department of Computer Science, and industry partners have collaborated to develop two stackable credentials specifically for students in STEM disciplines:
For most STEM students, these credentials can overlap with much of your primary degree requirements. Just stack these credentials on top of your current program and strengthen your future prospects!
The primary audience for these stackable credentials is students or working professionals in STEM disciplines, who will enter the workforce with core science skills, and these Data Science credentials will strengthen their ability to create Data Science tools and utilize them to add value in the workforce.
New Data Science courses for 2023-2024
New special topics courses (all using “STAT 5810” as a temporary course number) that can apply to either the minor or the graduate certificate include:
- Spring 2024
Data Science Scholarships
Initial scholarships (up to $1,000 each, depending on number and quality of applicants) are available for students pursuing either the minor or the graduate certificate. These are single-semester scholarships that can be received more than once. To apply, you will need to meet with your undergraduate advisor to declare a Data Science minor (if an undergrad student), or (if a grad student) declare a Data Science graduate certificate (via your GPC, using the Concurrent Degree Form). You will also need to be enrolled in a qualifying course for the applicable semester. To formally apply for this "CoS Data Science Stackable Credentials" scholarship, you will need to log in to Scholarship Universe, go to your matched scholarships, and click which qualifying course(s) you are registered for the applicable semester.
Data Science Research at USU
Active research programs in Data Science are interdisciplinary and include faculty from multiple departments, including:
Contact
For questions about Data Science programs at Utah State University, email kevin.moon@usu.edu