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What is a Degree in Data Science and AI?

A close-up photo of a microchip where one of the components is labeled AI. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.

Want to work with some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century? Are you interested in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, and do you enjoy spotting patterns in data? Are you interested in careers building intelligent systems that use data to predict the future and lead to more informed decision-making?

A Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be the perfect way to launch your career. This degree will prepare you to solve complex problems in roles including data analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI engineer, and more. 

What are AI and Data Science?

While data science and AI often overlap and rely on each other, they have different goals and daily applications.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines data science as "the field that combines domain expertise, programming skills, and knowledge of mathematics and statistics to uncover meaningful insights from data." 

Conversely, NIST describes AI as "a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments."

Combining these two areas enables organizations to go beyond simply understanding data to acting on it intelligently. 

Careers in Data Science and AI

Companies and organizations increasingly look for experts in data analytics, data-informed decision-making, and AI systems to improve their operations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees strong job growth for data scientists. This holds true across nearly every industry, from social media and medicine to transportation.

A bachelor's degree in Data Science and AI positions you to meet that need. It creates pathways to in-demand careers in technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, research, and other industries.


Earn a BS in Data Science and AI at Simmons University

Two Simmons students using microscopes in the Biology lab

Why Study STEM at a Women's College?

If you’re interested in STEM and want to study in a place where you feel acknowledged and supported, enrolling in a women’s college is a smart option. Research shows that women’s colleges are particularly well equipped to help you thrive in STEM fields.

Explore the Benefits of Studying STEM at a Women's College

Simmons University offers an exciting opportunity to earn a BS in Data Science and AI through its reputable women-centered undergraduate program in Boston, Massachusetts. This degree program provides you with the skills to harness the power of information through data science and AI. 

In our program, you'll combine computer science, mathematics, and statistics to build intelligent systems, develop machine learning models, and solve real-world problems. You'll apply what you learn through hands-on research and internship opportunities in a city that is home to top businesses in finance, healthcare, and technology.

The Data Science and AI major integrates learning from multiple foundational disciplines, including:

  • Required courses in statistics, computer science, and mathematics
  • Research and internship opportunities that help you put theory into practice and build a strong professional foundation
  • A capstone experience that brings everything together

Learn more about Simmons’ BS in Data Science and AI

Data Science and AI Career Paths 

Here is a sample of roles aligned with data science and AI:

  • AI and machine learning: AI engineer, machine learning engineer
  • Data analysis and engineering: Data analyst, Data engineer, Data architect, Data scientist, Data warehouse analyst, database specialist
  • Scientific and specialized applications: Drug discovery scientist, genomics/epidemiologist
  • Policy, ethics and security: Social science and public policy analyst, ethical hacker

Learn more about Studying STEM at Simmons

Spotlight on STEM Students at Simmons

Nailya Alimova (Alim) ’26

Simmons Student Researches AI at MIT and OpenAI

Nailya Alimova ’26 shares her experience as an international student in the STEM field, and how Simmons supported her AI research.


Giselle Yang

Shared Discovery and Community Building in STEM

During her time as a Simmons student, Giselle Yang enjoyed serving as a teaching assistant (TA), tutor, and student liaison, and participating in the Break Through the Tech AI program. As a TA and tutor for several classes, she helped other students while also deepening her own understanding of these subjects.


Maya McCabe '27 presents research at the New England Science Symposium, held at Harvard Medical School.

3+2 Engineering Student Researches Ultrasound Technology

Maya McCabe ’27 is a biochemistry major and physics minor in the dual degree (3+2) engineering program. She spoke with us about her research funded by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the hands-on STEM training she is receiving at Simmons.


Jenn Leishman ’26

Digitizing Local Archives and Reminiscing with Alumnae/i

Jenn Leishman ’26 reflects on choosing their major, an internship in the West End Museum in Boston, favorite courses, and how Simmons helped prepare them for a career as a library professional.


Janhavi Beley ’27 with her poster from the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM conference

STEM Student Receives Presentation Award

International student and data science and analytics major Janhavi Beley ’27 recently received the 2025 Student Presentation Award from the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM conference. We spoke with her about this honor and studying STEM at Simmons.


A collage of the 2026 Bonner Leaders: Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29

Meet Our 2025–26 Bonner Community Leaders

The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This academic year, Simmons announced a new cohort of Bonner Leaders including Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29.


Aseya Mahamed ’27 and Kamryn Sanborn ’28

Pre-Dentistry Students Doing Ultrasound Research at Simmons

Biochemistry majors and pre-dental students Aseya Mahamed ’27 and Kamryn Sanborn ’28 are researching the use of high-intensity ultrasound for the non-invasive treatment of endodontic infections at the Biomedical Ultrasound Lab.


Alive Caenorhabditis elegans worms with GFP (green fluorescent protein) inserted into their neurons to visualize neural development in a living worm. Image by Heiti Paves, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Creative Commons.

Dix Scholar Studies Parkinson’s Disease

Dix Scholar and biology major Ann Paim ’26 came back to school to cultivate her love of science. We spoke with her about her research on Parkinson’s Disease and the faculty support she receives at Simmons.


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Laura Pedulli