Why You Should Consider a Degree in Data Science

Become a data-oriented professional with a degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Technology is rapidly advancing around the world, creating exciting new innovations and opportunities. This also means that there are unprecedented amounts of information — called big data — being created, which needs to be analyzed and understood. This is where a degree in Data Science comes in.

What is Data Science?

Data Science is the process of understanding how to analyze and make sense of big data and using that information to make data-driven decisions. The results of data analysis have many applications ranging from scientific discovery to business intelligence and analytics.

Why study Data Science?

There is a growing demand for data-oriented professionals across a wide range of industries, organizations and disciplines. And as information and data sets continue to grow, it’s necessary to have mathematical guidance and programming expertise to be able to analyze big data.

Wilfrid Laurier University offers a Bachelor of Science (Bsc) in Data Science, which is the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Canada. The program focuses on learning in mathematics, statistics, and computer science and offers concentrations in Big Data, Financial Risk Analysis, and Statistical Analysis. Students can also take electives from business and economics, natural and social sciences, and arts as a complement to the program’s core courses.

Careers in Data Science

Data Science graduates could work in insurance, marketing, finance, health care, and many other sectors. Sample career options include Big Data Architect, Data Scientist, Venture Capital Associate, Business Data Analyst, and Data Engineer.

Participating in co-op is a great way to gain work experience for a career focused on data science. At Laurier, students in the Data Science program can complete up to three co-op work terms that are each 12 to 16 weeks.

More opportunities at Laurier

Laurier’s Data Science program also offers select undergraduate research opportunities through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA), which allows students to work for one term as a research assistant to a professor.

Data Science students can also participate in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, seek part-time or volunteer positions in the Mathematics department, and gain hands-on experience through the Science Maker Lab. And Laurier’s pathway agreement with the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine means students interested in medical school who meet all academic requirements are automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine.