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Data Science

Turn Data into Decisions.

Launching Fall 2026, Baker’s new Data Science major (B.A. & B.S.) blends math, computer science, and business to prepare you for in-demand careers—through real projects, an internship, and a capstone experience.

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Quick Highlights

Choose Your Concentration

Scientific, Analytical, or Engineering

Built For Outcomes

internship + capstone Data Projects

Accelerate Further

4+1 pathway into the MBA in Data Analytics

Why Data Science at Baker

Baker’s Data Science major is designed for students who want a practical, future-facing degree without losing the breadth of a liberal arts education. You’ll learn to ask the right questions, build and evaluate models, and communicate insights clearly and ethically.

Market demand

Data Science/AI was identified as one of the top opportunities for enrollment growth, with a “Best” rating for labor market opportunity and student ROI.

Program Information

Campus - Baldwin City
College of Arts & Sciences
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS)

What You’ll Learn

Analyze

Transform and analyze data sets with modern computational algorithms and software; apply statistical methods to identify actionable insights.

Build models

Demonstrate predictive and prescriptive modeling through problem-solving, case studies, or projects.

Communicate

Share results through visualizations and other media in an effective and engaging manner.

Act responsibly

Understand impacts and consequences of analytical applications, including ethical and societal concerns.

Smiling man in a plaid shirt and bow tie, standing in front of a stone building.
Dr. Abraham Pascoe, Assistant Professor of Data Science

"What excites me most about our data science program is how applicable it is to today’s society."

Data is everywhere, and helping students understand real patterns in real data empowers them to make informed decisions that matter. By working with authentic datasets and community partners, students gain hands-on experience that truly prepares them for the real world.

Choose a concentration

Talk to an Admissions Counselor
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Scientific

Apply data science to scientific questions and research contexts.

Two focused women observe green data on a computer screen in a lab setting.

Analytical

Emphasize business/decision analytics and insight generation.

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Engineering

Focus on building robust data pipelines and technical systems.

Careers, Outcomes & Real-World Experience

Data Science opens doors in nearly every industry. Graduates will be prepared for roles such as data scientist, data analyst, and data engineer, supported by applied learning through an internship and a capstone Data Projects experience designed to build portfolio-ready work.

Learn More About Data Science

Data Scientist • Data Analyst • Data Engineer • Analytics Consultant • Business Intelligence Analyst

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Dr. Stephanie Brockman, Assistant Professor of Economics

"Data science is inherently interdisciplinary. You can't answer meaningful questions in any field—whether it’s economics, environmental science, health care, or education—without using data."

Our goal is to help students think critically and creatively, combine data from different disciplines, and apply it to real problems that matter.

4+1 Accelerated MBA Pathway

Ask a Counselor About 4+1

For students who want to accelerate their business and analytics credentials, Baker pairs the Data Science major with a 4+1 pathway into the MBA in Data Analytics—a streamlined option designed to build momentum and differentiate graduates in the marketplace.

Featured Faculty

Stephanie Brockmann

Assistant Professor, Rhodes Chair of International Business

Abraham Pascoe

Assistant Professor of Data Science

  • Email Copy
  • College of Arts & Sciences

Justine Nwanakwere

Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Both options are offered.

  • Planned for Fall 2026.

  • Data science helps us uncover patterns in data that aren’t immediately visible and use those insights to make better decisions. Faculty emphasize that data is everywhere in today’s society, and understanding it is essential across industries—from business to healthcare to public service.

  • No. Faculty repeatedly note that data science is inherently interdisciplinary. Students interested in economics, environmental science, health care, sports, education, or the arts can all apply data science tools to questions they care about.

  • Baker’s approach emphasizes:

    • Small class sizes and strong student‑to‑faculty interaction
    • Real datasets brought into the classroom through community and consortium partnerships
    • Hands‑on projects that mirror real‑world problem solving

    This structure allows students to work closely with faculty and apply data science in meaningful, practical ways.

  • Students work with real datasets, often connected to community partners or real organizational challenges. Faculty describe giving students raw data and asking them to explore questions, discover patterns, and generate insights—just like they would in professional settings.

  • Students develop:

    • Critical and creative thinking abilities
    • Confidence in working with data tools and programming languages
    • The capacity to ask meaningful questions about data
    • Communication skills to clearly explain insights to non-experts

    These skills equip students to handle data thoughtfully and responsibly across various fields.

  • Yes—and faculty explicitly address this concern. Courses are designed to start at square one, assuming no prior coding experience. Professors emphasize support, gradual learning, and reassurance that everyone—including faculty—had to start somewhere.

  • The program prepares students by:

    • Exposing them to real‑world datasets and decision‑making scenarios
    • Emphasizing projects over high‑pressure exams
    • Helping students understand how data science applies to emerging career paths

    This experience helps students feel confident and prepared as they enter the workforce.

  • Yes. Baker emphasizes the importance of data literacy, ethical thinking, and understanding what data truly shows—without manipulating results to fit opinions or emotions. This ethical foundation is considered essential for modern data science practice.

  • Absolutely. Data science serves as a strong supplement or partner to other majors. Students are encouraged to combine data science with their passions, using data tools to explore questions within their chosen fields.

  • Faculty consistently say they want students to leave with:

    • Confidence in their ability to work with data
    • Curiosity about the world around them
    • The ability to think deeply, creatively, and critically about complex problems

    The ultimate goal is to empower students to use data to make informed, meaningful contributions.