Data Science and Analytics

Our Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics program prepares students to change the world by harnessing the power of information. In fact, Data Science already impacts your world. It is the force behind everything from Facebook ads to personalized medicine.

Students in class

Data Science and Analytics, a field that also goes by the names of Data Science, Data Analytics, and Predictive Analytics — is also related to “Big Data”, “Machine Learning” or “Artificial Intelligence”. In the Bachelor’s in Data Science and Analytics degree program, students combine computer science, statistics and project management with in-depth knowledge of a specific discipline to become expert analysts. They then apply their expertise in the real world through internships that prepare them for exciting careers in their chosen field.

Why study Data Science and Analytics?

Big data has big opportunities. Technological advancement also creates new and exciting opportunities for those who use, analyze, and understand the ever-changing technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports enormous projected job growth in the field of mathematical science—as much as 27.9 percent from 2016 to 2026. Data Scientists are being employed in nearly every industry today, from social media to pharmacology to transportation and automation.

What will you learn?

Simmons’ Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics consists of 63-67 credit hours. 43 of these credit hours are spent in required courses—see the list in the Program Requirements drop-down menu below—with the remaining 20–24 being filled by courses in your selected concentration.

Simmons’ Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics provides a comprehensive education in mathematics, statistics, and programming, as well as hands-on experience applying what you've learned to real-world data.

In addition to the classroom curriculum, Data Science and Analytics students also have numerous research and internship opportunities to gain real-world experience in the field. Find out more about pursuing an internship.

What can you do with a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science and Analytics?

Many careers opportunities exist for Data Science and Analytics degree holders. Depending on your chosen concentration, or area of expertise, career possibilities for Simmons graduates include:

  • Data Analyst
  • Big Data Engineer
  • Data Architect
  • Business Intelligence
  • Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Drug Discovery Scientist
  • Genomics/Epidemiologist
  • Data Warehouse Analyst
  • Social Science and Public Policy Analyst
  • Ethical Hacker
  • Meteorologist

Learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics!

Are you ready to pursue your Bachelor’s in Data Science and Analytics degree? Are you wondering if Simmons is right for you? Pay us a visit—it’s the best way to get a feel for what the Simmons community is all about. You can also request more information about the Data Science and Analytics program.

If you’d like to contact us, give the Admissions Office a call at 617-521-2051. Tell us where you want to go in your data science career—we’ll tell you how Simmons can make it happen.

Core Courses

CS112 Introduction to Computer Science 4
MATH211 Linear Algebra 4
STAT118 Introductory Statistics 4
STAT228 Introduction to Data Science 4
STAT229 Regression Models 4
CS347 Applied Data Science 4

Programming Depth (2 courses)

CS214 Data Interoperability 4
CS221 Database Management Systems 4
CS232 Data Structures 4

Statistical Depth (2 courses)

STAT227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis 4
STAT338 Probability 4
STAT339 Statistical Theory 4
STAT391 Special Topics in Statistics and Biostatistics 4

Application Domain 1 course

Choose from a list of approved upper-level courses in another department. Examples:
PSYC203 Research Methods in Psychology 4
SOCI239 Introduction to Social Research I 4
PH201 Introduction to Epidemiology 4
BUS221 Project Management 4
Or other application domain course identified by the student with their advisor.

Electives (2 courses)

CS224 Data Visualization 4
STAT345 Stochastic Processes 4
BUS100 Introduction to Business and Management 4
BUS221 Project Management 4
BUS234 Organizational Communication & Behavior 4
Any course in the Programming/Stats depth areas not taken for another requirement area.

Capstone (1 course)

STAT346 Data Mining 4

The minor in Data Science and Analytics consists of

CS112 Introduction to Computer Science 4
STAT118 Introductory Statistics 4
OR
STAT227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis 4
STAT228 Introduction to Data Science 4

And two of the following

CS214 Data Interoperability 4
CS221 Database Management Systems 4
CS232 Data Structures 4
MATH211 Linear Algebra 4
STAT227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis 4
STAT229 Regression Models 4
One of the two courses must be a CS course

Hands-on research experience is a key part of a Simmons STEM education. Research opportunities are open to students as early as their freshman year.

Many students also complete internships in their field. Simmons students find internship opportunities around Boston, where the big data industry continues to grow.

Spotlight on Data Science Students and Alums

Lauren Wagner in sitting in front of flowers

Lauren Wagner ’21 pursues Master’s in Data Science at the London School of Economics

Tell us about your Simmons experience. Simmons was all about growth for me. I'm from a relatively small town in Indiana, so moving to Boston was a big step. It gave me a chance to be an individual, separate from...


2022 Orientation Leaders

Meet Your Orientation Leaders: Emily Marder '23, Katelyn Fox '25, Kiki Regan '23, Sophie Bredensteiner '23, and Tess Federico-Maietta '23

Emily Marder '23 is a Nursing major from Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Emily explains why she became an Orientation Leader: "I had fond memories of my orientation and liked how the Orientation Leaders were able to foster a community feeling and connect...


Nicole Morison Acrylic Gouache on Paper

Technology, History, Art, Gender, and Class: Students Re-Envision Modern America (and the World) at the Simmons Undergraduate Symposium

Undergraduate students across Simmons presented research projects and creative works in a dynamic day of live Zoom panel sessions and pre-recorded video presentations . In a live presentation, Computer Science students Chelsea Hua ’24, Livic Inoa ’22, Melat Ali ’22...


Eliot Stanton

Eliot Stanton ’22 Researches Technology for Trans Liberation

Data Science major Eliot Stanton '22 was chosen as a keynote speaker at the Undergraduate Symposium. Stanton will present their research paper, “Binaries in Binary: Harmful Consequences and Radical Possibilities of Technology for Trans Liberation.” What made you choose to...


Eliot Stanton at Convocation

Eliot Stanton ’22 Awarded Alumnae/i Award for Academic Achievement

Data Science and Analytics major Eliot Stanton ’22 was selected by the Administrative Board as the winner of the Alumnae/i Award for Academic Achievement, given annually to a rising senior nominated by their department for distinguished scholarship. Stanton received the...


Headshots of Lila Crum, Rachel Beaulieu, Nicole Rasmussen and Lauren Wagner

"Computer and Data Science: They’re Not What You Think!": Student Panel to Present at Undergraduate Symposium

In this panel, Rachel Beaulieu '22, Lila Crum '21, Nicole Rasmussen '21 and Lauren Wagner '21, will showcase the range of possible applications for data science and computer science while also exhibiting their individual areas of expertise.


Simmons University Main College Building's cupola with the Boston city skyline in the background

Samin Charepoo ’22 Dedicates Passionate Leaders Project to Strengthening the Boston Community

Charepoo's project, “Understanding How The Ruhi Institute Can Advance in The Boston Area,” will focus on the Institute's successes in communities around the world in the hopes of contributing to the growth of local programs in Boston.


Headshot of Ismah Ahmed

Using Data Science to Analyze COVID-19 with Ismah Ahmed '22

We caught up with data science and analytics major, Ismah Ahmed '22, about her COVID-19 project and online learning during a pandemic.