What you will study
Through the Data Science BS program at the University of Central Missouri, we help
you gain the knowledge and skills needed to organize, analyze, understand and visualize
data — all in an effort to make new discoveries.
You’ll take specialized courses in data science such as:
- Big Data Analytics
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Neural Network and Deep Learning
- Data Visualization
- Artificial Intelligence
- NoSQL Databases
In your senior year as a Data Science major, you will gain vital hands-on experience
through a senior project course. Collaborating with fellow undergraduate students
in our Data Science bachelor’s degree program, you will work with one of our industry
partners and tackle a real-world project related to data science. Applying the knowledge
and skills you’ve learned, you could choose a project related to software development,
project management, data analytics or another area you’re interested in.
Excellence in Data Science
- #1: Most Popular Colleges for Computer Science in Missouri (College Factual, 2023)
- 95%: UCM Data Science BS graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months
- Top 20%: Best Vaule Colleges for Computer Science in the Plain States Region (College Factual,
2023)
Unique learning opportunities in data science
Get outside the classroom and put your learning into practice. Our Data Science major
gives you several ways to get hands-on experiences.
- Internships: One of the best ways professionals have built their careers in data science is with
an internship. Through our Data Science bachelor’s degree program, you can gain valuable
experience while earning college credit. Our faculty members have many industry connections
and can help find the right internship for you.
- Study abroad: Gain a global perspective and experience different cultural values surrounding data
privacy through a study abroad program. The University of Central Missouri has scholarships
and grants available for undergraduate students studying abroad, including those earning
degrees in Data Science. You can study data science coursework in Germany, France
or the Netherlands.
- Undergraduate research: Data is everywhere, with new sources of data emerging and evolving regularly. As
a Data Science major at the University of Central Missouri, you will have the chance
to assist on a faculty-led research project or undertake a research project of your
own through independent study or a specialized, 1-on-1 class. Research offers valuable
experience for grad school, practice with your knowledge and skills and a chance to
contribute to the profession — even as an undergrad.
- Programming competitions: Data Science majors frequently team up to compete in programming competitions. You
might take part in the International Collegiate Programming Competition (ICPC), 48-hour
Code-A-Thons or UCM-hosted Game Jams. You’ll challenge yourself, solve problems and
gain valuable experience that you can add to your resume alongside your Data Science
bachelor’s degree.
What can you do with a degree in Data Science from UCM?
It’s never been a better time to pursue careers in data science. Our alumni with degrees
in Data Science are hard at work processing and analyzing data in a number of professions.
Are you interested in learning more about working in the data science field? Check
out job outlooks, salary expectations and more using the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Data Science bachelor’s degree
Get the most value out of your Data Science BS from the University of Central Missouri.
We help make paying for college easier by providing competitive tuition rates.
We also offer many ways to finance your college education for low student debt. For example, you can work as a tutor or teaching assistant
while gaining work experience and developing leadership skills. We also offer program
scholarships to students pursuing Data Science degrees. Here are a few examples:
- ACM Scholarship
- Brown Scholarship
- Griffith Scholarship
- Harmon Scholarship
- Kennedy Scholarship
- Moore Scholarship
Meet Victoria W.
BS Computer Science ’16 - IT Database Developer, Commerce Bank
“UCM’s data science professors really make the difference. They encourage you to ask
questions, experiment and learn through experience. With a wide array of electives,
you’ll learn what you love and what you’re good at, then leave prepared to join the
workforce.”
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Take classes in labs filled with industry-leading technology
While it’s important to have experienced faculty lead you in the classroom, access
to the latest technologies is equally vital for our degrees in Data Science. As you
pursue coursework and research, we provide you with access to more than 200 computers
— all equipped with Linux and Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Learn More
Take Your Education Outside the Classroom
Activities help you connect with other students earning degrees in Data Science
You can join a student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery or Upsilon
Pi Epsilon, an honor society for computing and information disciplines. These organizations
provide opportunities for you to hear from leaders in the field, attend conferences
and take part in programs throughout Missouri and beyond.
Get Involved
How UCM Is Advancing Cancer Research
Helping doctors through artificial intelligence
Millions of cancer patients each year receive radiotherapy treatments, which helps
control the metastasis or spread of the disease. Zhiguo Zhou, a UCM assistant professor
of computer science, is leading research that helps doctors predict when patients
are at a low risk of metastasis.
Explore Zhou’s Research
leftright