Western Kentucky University introduces new data science program
The new program awards a bachelor of science degree and requires 51 to 61 credits to graduate. Students will be able to complete the program in four years.
Western Kentucky University has a new program offering available for students: a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree program. The program is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration between Western Kentucky University’s Gordon Ford College of Business and Ogden College of Science and Engineering.
According to an article on Western Kentucky University’s website, Dr. David N. Brown, who serves as the Dean of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering, was quoted as saying of the new program, “The new Data Science program is exciting because our colleges have teamed up to provide students robust experiences that provide them with both the technical fundamentals and application opportunities. This kind of cross-campus cooperation benefits our students and, in turn, our community.”
The program coordinator will be Dr. Alex Lebedinsky, who is the Associate Dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. Dr. Lebedinsky points to the earning potential for individuals with this type of degree as a point in favor of pursuing it: “The program will offer an excellent return on investment for the students - the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 20,000 new data science jobs with a median salary over $100,000 will be created annually over the next decade,” said Dr. Lebedinsky.
According to the program page for the Data Science program, students who pursue this degree will build a strong foundation in skills like computer programming, database maintenance, and machine learning techniques, and that “through a combination of theoretical coursework, hands-on projects, and real-world applications, students will graduate with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving landscape of data-driven industries.”
The program comes along with the opportunity for personalization, as students will be able to pursue certain certifications along the way as they make their way through the curriculum. Some of these possible certificates include an Economic Data Analytics Certificate, an Applied Analytics Certificate, a GIS Certificate, and a Health Informatics Certificate.
For more information about Western Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.