Overview

The data science major at the University of Rochester prepares students to collect, curate, analyze, and make discoveries from large-scale data.

The major combines computer science, statistics, and the student's choice of advanced coursework from a wide range of data science application areas, including biology, brain and cognitive sciences, earth and environmental sciences, and economics and business. The major equips students with the technical skills to process and draw conclusions from data, and trains them to apply their conclusions to real-world challenges.

An exterior view of the front of Wegmans Hall with students walking by.

Why Study Data Science?

In the digital age, data is everywhere - from healthcare and medicine, to government, business, and social media. Consequently, data science has become one of the fastest growing fields in recent years, with a projected job growth of 27.9 percent between 2016 and 2026. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

However, data science is more than just a career - it is a crucial tool. By learning how to interpret and apply data, we can better understand and even solve some of the greatest challenges facing the world today. Students who study data science can become change-makers, shaping this ever-growing field and transforming science, business, and our everyday lives.

Why Rochester?

Our data science students benefit from the Goergen Institute's distinctive position as the University's interdisciplinary data science hub. They can participate in unique, interdepartmental research collaborations, work with industry to gain hands-on data analytics experience, and have access to a wide variety of affiliated faculty members from across campus.

Students also benefit from being able to tailor their degree to their interests, taking courses from a wide range of data science application areas and choosing between bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees.

Capstone Project

Through the semester-long capstone project, students get a taste for working in the industry, conducting real-world analytics projects using data provided by sponsoring organizations. Capstone students work in teams of three to four to understand their sponsor's business problem, clean and analyze data, and devise an appropriate solution. Students also explore ethical issues related to the use of data science.