The Department of Statistics in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts has paired with the College of Engineering to develop a multidisciplinary new undergraduate major in data science, beginning in the fall of 2015.

In the current age of “big data,” it is increasingly important to be able to understand and synthesize the information we receive about the world around us in order to help us make new discoveries and improve our lives. The new major will also help meet the growing need for professional data analysts and experts.

“Our world is exploding with data,” says Marios Papaefthymiou, chair of computer science and engineering in the College of Engineering. “Massive amounts of data in the form of text, audio, video, and sensor measurements are routinely collected in science, health care, business, industry, as well as by government and society at large.”

Combining computer science, mathematics, statistics, and information science, the data science program will teach students to adequately manage, analyze, and interpret data at scale. Electives for the program will explore a variety of topics, from its applications to robotics, healthcare, finance, and beyond.

“Data science has emerged as an exciting field of study with many opportunities,” says Tailen Hsing, chair and Michael B. Woodroofe Collegiate Professor of Statistics. “Students in the program will learn how to use these techniques to address substantial real-life applications.”

Students who enroll through the College of LSA should visit the Data Science program page at the Department of Statistics.

For more information for engineering students, visit this Data Science program website.