Program Overview

Data science is an emerging discipline that lies at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and statistics. With data being collected everywhere, including from smartphones, computers and televisions, there is a growing need to have qualified scientists who can identify and apply algorithms and statistical models to interpret big data. More than just analyzing information, data scientists utilize machine learning and software tools to process and manipulate data to help organizations visualize and find meaning in their data.

Data Science at UT Dallas

The BS in data science is an interdisciplinary degree that is jointly offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science in the Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Its curriculum provides a solid foundation in the disciplines of computer science, mathematics and statistics, and includes a capstone project. Our program prepares students for data scientist or related positions in industry, business and government, and also for graduate study in any of the three disciplines.

Students must earn 120 hours to graduate: 42 hours from the University’s core curriculum, 65-67 hours in the major, plus 11-13 elective requirements where students can tailor their learning experience more closely to their interests. Visit catalog.utdallas.edu for the most current requirements and courses offered.

Careers in Data Science

Data science is a rapidly growth sector of analytics and graduates seek positions in public and private industry where big data is needed to provide guidance and support to decision makers. In business sectors from finance, technology, healthcare and retail to manufacturing, data scientists are in high demand. Graduates may pursue job titles such as Data Scientist, Data Mining Engineer, Data Analyst, Decision Scientist, Machine Learning Scientist, Data Manager and Data Architect.

About the School of Engineering and Computer Science

The Jonsson School is strategically located in the Telecom Corridor, home of the second-largest high-tech economy in the U.S. The School recently completed a major public-private initiative that greatly expanded its capabilities, including construction of a new state-of-the art 220,000-square-foot interdisciplinary research building, and recently opened a 200,000-square-foot engineering building. With more than 165 tenured/tenure-track faculty members, 7,400 students, and $53 million in research funding, the Jonsson School has six academic departments:

Bioengineering

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Materials Science and Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Systems Engineering

The school also offers a minor in nanoscience and technology.