A Bachelor of Science in Data Science from ODU prepares you for one of the fastest-growing fields, offering a wide range of career opportunities across virtually every industry. In this program, you'll learn how to use computational tools to uncover meaningful patterns in large datasets, turning raw data into actionable insights that solve real-world problems.
You’ll master building models and creating visualizations that help translate complex data into knowledge, contributing to decision-making across various disciplines. As a data scientist, you may also play a role in developing computational systems that store, organize, and analyze data, unlocking even deeper insights.
Our interdisciplinary curriculum offers a robust foundation in data science theory, equips you with hands-on experience using cutting-edge tools, and develops critical communication skills. You’ll also explore the ethical dimensions of data use, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the field.
Choose a specialization to explore Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Visualization, or Geospatial Information Systems and further tailor your expertise. With a BS in Data Science from ODU, you’ll be ready to tackle challenges in fields like public health, business, and social sciences, whether entering the workforce or pursuing graduate studies.
Join ODU’s Data Science program and gain the knowledge to derive data-driven solutions and communicate them effectively, empowering better decision-making in any industry.
Program Highlights
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Hands-on experience: complete an internship or undergraduate research project to gain real-world expertise.
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Expert faculty: learn from ODU professors actively engaged in research in Data Science and AI
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Choose a specialization from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Visualization, or Geospatial Information Systems to focus your program on key areas in data science.
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Two program formats: study on campus in Norfolk Virginia. The data science and analytics program is also available online.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Data Scientists
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Business Intelligence Analysts
Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Requirements
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of data sciences drawing on key elementary topics related to data analytics. A specific focus is given to the way that decisions made about data from those disciplinary pursuits inform policy, product development, and humanity. Topics addressed include elements of data, data collection, the connections between machine learning and data, survey research, programming with Python and R, statistical learning, model evaluations, digital engineering, and ethical uses of data.
Prerequisites: junior standing
This course explores, from a philosophical perspective, ethical questions arising from collecting, drawing inferences from, and acting on data, especially when these activities are automated and on a large scale. This course will provide students a framework for considering the ethical implications of data usage. Emphasis will be placed on discussing how historic and contemporary examples of potentially unethical practice could be altered to reduce harm and increase equity. Topics to be covered may include, but are not limited to, systematic approaches to assessing ethical issues; privacy and confidentiality; defining research and the responsibilities associated with conducting ethical research; implicit and structural biases in data collection and analysis; freedom of speech; and consent to data collection.
Prerequisites: ENGL 110C
Students work individually or in groups to plan, design, and carry out a research project demonstrating expertise with data science. Final papers that report the results for the study are presented in a formal research seminar. The projects reflect knowledge gained from undergraduate work and training received in discipline-specific research methods and statistics courses. This is a writing intensive course.
Prerequisites: ENGL 211C/ENGL 221C/ENGL 231C with a grade of C or better and senior standing
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
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