Program Overview

Data Science (B.S.)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science from Old Dominion University prepares students for a career in one of the fastest-growing fields, offering a wide range of opportunities across various industries. This program teaches students to use computational tools to uncover meaningful patterns in large datasets, turning raw data into actionable insights that solve real-world problems.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on experience: Complete an internship or undergraduate research project to gain real-world expertise.
• Expert faculty: Learn from ODU professors actively engaged in research in Data Science and AI.
• Choose a specialization: Explore Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Geospatial Analytics, or Data for a Human World to focus your program on key areas in data science.
• Two program formats: Study on campus in Norfolk, Virginia, or online.

At a Glance

• School: School of Data Science
• Degree Level: Undergraduate
• Degree Earned: Bachelor of Science
• Delivery Modes: Online, On-Campus

Featured Courses

DSC 300: Foundations of Data Science

This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of data sciences, drawing on key elementary topics related to data analytics. It focuses on how decisions made about data inform policy, product development, and humanity, covering topics such as elements of data, data collection, 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

DASC 357E: Ethics in Data Science

This course explores ethical questions arising from collecting, drawing inferences from, and acting on data, especially when these activities are automated and on a large scale. It provides a framework for considering the ethical implications of data usage, discussing systematic approaches to assessing ethical issues, privacy, confidentiality, research responsibilities, implicit and structural biases, freedom of speech, and consent to data collection.

• Prerequisites: ENGL 110C

DASC 436W: Data Science Capstone Project

Students work individually or in groups to plan, design, and carry out a research project demonstrating expertise with data science. Final papers are presented in a formal research seminar, reflecting 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

Careers

• Business Intelligence Analysts: Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Median salary: $108,020.
• Computer and Information Research Scientists: Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Median salary: $145,080.
• Data Scientists: Develop and implement analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information. Median salary: $108,020.

Requirements

Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Data Science should meet the minimum university admission requirements for Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

Old Dominion University understands that transfer students have unique needs requiring 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 transition of transfer students.

Cost

Estimated rates for the academic year are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates apply to international students.

• Active Duty Military Rate: $250 per credit
• Virginia Resident: $268 per credit
• Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States: $444 per credit
• Non-Resident: $953.50 per credit

Ways to Save

Visit University Student Financial Aid for more information on saving on the cost of attending ODU.

Related Programs

• Data Science & Analytics (M.S.)