Data Science (BSc)

Harnessing data is crucial as technology generates vast amounts of information – otherwise known as big data. Master the art of extracting meaningful insights from information by developing skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. 

This expertise will enable you to analyze complex datasets and make data-driven decisions that drive innovation and efficiency across various industries. 

Tailor your degree by studying financial risk analysis, statistical analysis or focus specifically on big data. The rising demand for data-oriented professionals means you could work in insurance, marketing, finance, health care and other sectors.

Degree Highlights

• Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. 

Here are a few things you can count on in this program:

• Career-Ready Curriculum: Develop expertise in mathematical guidance and programming to extract patterns, trends, and insights from complex data sets. Equip yourself with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly growing field with diverse career opportunities. 
• Science Maker Lab Experiences: Take science entrepreneurship courses and explore the Science Maker Lab to gain practical experience and turn innovative ideas into reality. 
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Learn how to analyze and interpret vast data sets with cutting-edge hardware, software, and statistical techniques. Discover how data-driven decision-making is revolutionizing industries from scientific research to business analytics.

Top Experiences
Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!): 

• Co-op: You can apply to co-op at the end of first year, and complete three four-month work terms over the course of your four-year degree. 
• Competitions: Participate in Datathons, Hack-a-thons, and the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition to demonstrate your skills and showcase your learning achievements. 
• Research and Faculty Mentorship: Earn a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) and gain hands-on experience as a research assistant. Work directly with professors and delve into impactful research projects. 

First-Year Core Courses

• Calculus I
• Data Structures I
• Introduction to Business Principles for Entrepreneurs or Understanding the Business Environment
• Introduction to Data Analytics
• Foundations and Applications of Mathematics or Introduction to Mathematical Proofs
• Introduction to Programming
• Introductory Linear Algebra with Applications

Sample First-Year Electives

• Introduction to Microeconomics
• Introduction to Macroeconomics
• Environment, Sustainability and Society 
• History of Computing 

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• Discrete Mathematics
• Probability
• Computational Methods for Data Analysis
• Regression Analysis
• Statistical Learning
• Data Visualization
• Machine Learning
• Data Mining

You can also complement core courses with electives from natural and social sciences, arts, business and economics.

Concentrations

• You can tailor your studies by choosing to concentrate in Big Data, Financial Risk Analysis, or Statistical Analysis.

Options and Minors
In addition to adding a concentration to your Data Science degree, you can add one of our popular options or minors that allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

• Economics Minor
• Entrepreneurship Core
• Geomatics Option
• Minors in natural, physical and social sciences or humanities disciplines

Management Option

• The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics. Apply directly to Data Science with Management Option on OUAC.

Medical School Pathways

• We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University.

Your Career Awaits

• It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.
• Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options
Note: Additional training and education may be required.

• Big data architect
• Business data analyst
• Catastrophe risk analyst
• Data engineer
• Data project manager
• Data scientist
• Industry analyst
• Operational risk consultant
• Venture capital associate

Your Co-op Experience

• Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.
• You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.