computer-science-Hayes-MYBG4590

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Computer Science: Computational Data Science

Vast amounts of data are generated every second – sales, weather patterns, personal profiles, health outcomes, tax payments, test scores. A computational data science degree from Bowling Green State University will equip you to organize and translate all those facts and figures into knowledge that’s digestible, useful and actionable.  

A Bachelor of Science in computer science with a computational data science specialization teaches you to harness the power of raw, unstructured data to unlock valuable insights and encourage innovation. Leaders across the board look to data scientists to ensure their business decisions are backed by solid evidence.  

BGSU graduates with a data science bachelor degree  leverage advanced algorithms, machine learning and data analytics. They help tackle some of the world’s most complex and pressing problems because they can:

  • Interpret data
  • Forecast trends
  • Create predictive models
  • Design systems for faster, more efficient data analysis

Why study computational data science at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Computer science leaders. In 1969, BGSU became the first university in Ohio to offer an undergraduate computer science major. We’re still the only one to have received a Program Excellence Award from the Ohio Board of Regents.
  • Faculty expertise. BGSU computational data science faculty have relevant academic and industry experience and connections to help you succeed. Student-teacher ratios are kept low to maximize your learning experience. 
  • Robust curriculum. The BGSU computational data science curriculum provides a well-rounded education covering both foundational and advanced topics – including data structures, algorithms, programming languages, network architecture, mathematics and statistics and ethics.
  • Learn by doing. Data science is a hands-on field. Our computational data science degree prioritizes practical experience with hands-on projects and a mandatory paid internship/capstone.    
  • Technology and tools. Our labs are well-equipped with advanced software and tools, cloud platforms, data systems and computing resources – everything you are expected to know in the workforce.
  • Computer science clubs. Join the BGSU ACM student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery , the world’s largest scientific and educational computing society.
  • BGSU graduate options. Our master’s program in data science and Ph.D. in data science give students deeper technical knowledge and in-demand skills. Graduates are prepared for impactful roles in data analytics, AI, research and academia.

The job outlook for data scientists is expected to grow 36% over the next decade – much faster than the national average for all occupations.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career - what can you do with a computational data science degree?

Data analysis – and specifically computational data science – is how we make sense of massive data sets. The work of data scientists allows decision-makers to make informed, evidence-based choices, rather than just relying on hunches.  

With a computational data science degree, BGSU graduates are able to filter vast volumes of data to zero in on relevant trends. They uncover patterns that may be less-than-obvious.

  • In industries such as retail and logistics, they analyze historical data to forecast future trends and outcomes – which in turn assures more accurate demand forecasting, smarter resource allocation and optimized supply chains. 
  • In healthcare, predictive analysis can help providers anticipate disease outbreaks, personalize treatment plans and prevent patient complications. 
  • In education, data scientists can help organizations fine-tune learning experiences to allow for more personalized approaches that better meet the needs of individuals. 
  • In areas like finance, cybersecurity and transportation, computational data science provides real-time data – often critical for rapid response to emergencies like cybersecurity threats, scams or traffic jams.  

So many of today’s challenges are highly complex and involve multiple variables. With a data science bachelor’s degree, you’ll be capable of analyzing information in 4D and helping to identify the most comprehensive solutions.

Career paths

  • Big data engineer
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Data engineer 
  • Data architect
  • Data scientist
  • Machine learning engineer

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View average salaries

The median annual wage for computational data scientists is 125% higher than the national average.  

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Curriculum

The computational data science degree program at BGSU begins with a broad base of computing concepts and a large selection of specialized elective courses.  

From there, students delve into more detailed topics like machine learning, database management and high-performance computing. Programming projects in computer science courses give students experience working in a variety of computing environments.  

Students in the computational data science bachelor’s degree program must also complete one departmentally-approved co-op experience. Get academic credit, valuable practical experience and good pay while growing both personally and professionally.  

Required courses

Criminal Justice

Sample courses

  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Parallel Computing
  • Database Management Systems
  • Python for Computational & Data Science

BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

The computer science degree with a specialization in computational data science is part of the Department of Computer Science in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Updated: 11/21/2024 02:37PM