Data Science Bachelor Degree
0
Credit Hours
Degree SACSCOC
Class Type
Residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jan 13, 2025
Accreditation
ABET | Computing Accreditation Commission

Learn How to Interpret Data and Use It to Solve Real-World Problems with the Data Science Cognate of our BS in Computer Science Degree

Today, we produce and consume more data than ever before. As more and more people rely on technology and digital platforms to accomplish daily tasks, organizations and businesses must find new and improved ways to use data to make strategic decisions for company growth. With Liberty University’s Data Science Cognate of our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science Degree, you can learn how to conduct operations research, discover data trends and relationships, and use forecasting techniques to help create competitive advantages for your organization.

This bachelor’s degree in data science can help you pursue a wide range of careers, including the role of operations research analyst. Professionals in this field earned a median salary of $82,360 in 2021 – and employment in this industry is projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031!* With such a vibrant career outlook, you can be confident that a data science degree is a valuable investment that can help prepare you for rewarding job opportunities.

This program offers a mix of studies in computer science, data mining techniques, and advanced mathematical and analytical methods. Upon graduation, you can be well-equipped to analyze large amounts of data, create models and algorithms based on that data, interpret the results, then recommend effective courses of action that will help your company make smart organizational decisions and achieve success.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Operations Research Analysts (viewed online Dec. 16, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.


Why Choose Liberty’s Data Science Cognate?

As a data science student, you’ll have access to valuable resources that can help equip you for the professional workplace. Our computer science program falls under Liberty’s School of Business, which is housed in a state-of-the-art building filled with large classroom spaces, several computer labs, and common spaces for students to study and meet up. Our Center for Cyber Excellence, Center for Entrepreneurship, and Center for Financial Literacy are all available to help guide you along your academic journey. In addition, the knowledge you gain from this program can help you potentially pursue a variety of certifications, such as Microsoft, SAP, and Cisco – so you can develop in-demand skills that may give you a leg up in many industries.

At Liberty, we’re committed to offering a high-quality education so that you can enter the job market with the confidence and preparation needed to thrive. Our computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science Program Criteria. Liberty also holds institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). By earning your degree from a university with this kind of recognition and by studying under professors with years of industry experience, you can stand out from the competition.

Additionally, we offer ample opportunity for you to grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally during your time in college. Our small groups give you the chance to connect with your peers and develop deep-rooted relationships that point you toward Christ – and Campus Community allows you to come together with other believers in worship and the study of God’s Word. Our Convocation gatherings let you hear from famous speakers and see how world-changers are making a difference in every field. These are just a few of the ways we seek to help motivated individuals like you impact the world for Christ.


Accreditation

Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science Program Criteria. 

ABET Computing


What Will You Learn in Our Data Science Cognate?

In this program, you’ll take several core computer science courses in areas such as database design, computer architecture, computer security, software engineering management, and programming in C++. Other topics of study include Linux operating systems, Windows system administration, and operating systems design. You’ll also complete 2 computer science practicums, which give you the opportunity to develop real-world applications or application products while working with clients and/or functional domain experts.

The data science cognate provides an in-depth look at how to analyze, interpret, and utilize data to develop practical solutions to modern organizational challenges. Some of the subjects you may explore include:

  • A broad introduction to the modern artificial intelligence field, including modern search techniques, optimization, knowledge representation, and decision-making
  • A data science-specific introduction to the Python and R languages
  • Current data engineering methods for aggregating, curating, and presenting data for analysis, including modern distributed processing systems
  • Data visualization techniques, tools, and dashboards
  • Machine learning techniques that allow organizations to leverage their data
  • Modern data analysis techniques

From there, you’ll complete several quantitative studies courses focusing on elementary functions, coordinate geometry, statistical analysis, and discrete mathematics. You’ll also be able to personalize your degree by choosing from a wide range of lab science and technical elective course options. By taking such a well-rounded array of classes, you can graduate ready to help businesses and organizations of all sizes make informed, data-driven decisions that lead to success.

Review the Degree Completion Plan and check out our featured courses below to learn more about what you’ll be studying!

Featured Courses

CSCN 321 – Python and R for Data Science

CSCN 322 – Data Engineering

CSCN 323 – Data Visualization

CSCN 421 – Applied Machine Learning

Highlights
Degree Information
Careers
Admission Requirements

Highlights of Our Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science

  • Our computer science degrees have around 90 credit hours of general and major-specific courses you take before moving on to the cognate courses of your choice. This gives you some time to decide which cognate is right for you.
  • As this degree is offered through our School of Business, you can take part in all that the School of Business building has to offer!
  • You will be prepared with information to potentially pursue a variety of certifications, such as Microsoft, SAP, and Cisco.
  • Our computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Bachelor’s in Data Science Degree Information

What Can You Do with a Data Science Degree?

Some of the careers you could pursue with a bachelor’s degree in data science include:

  • Business analyst
  • Business forecasting manager
  • Data analyst
  • Data architect
  • Data scientist
  • Strategic analyst

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s BS in Computer Science – Data Science Degree Program

Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:

  • Admission application
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Official college transcripts (if applicable)
  • Admission essay
  • Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.

*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.

 

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