Bachelor of Science in
Data Science

A Future Decision-Maker’s Best Tool

Data has always been a cornerstone in making decisions that have moved society forward. Every business, and every community, depends on data to extract innovative solutions. Technological advances have allowed scientists to collect immense amounts of data that require the curiosity, creativity, and skill of data scientists to collect, analyze, and process the data to make it understandable and usable. As Wisam Bukaita , PhD, Assistant Professor of Practice in Math and Computer Science explains, “Those who study at LTU and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree will be equipped with tools and knowledge to handle the ever-expanding data landscape to make informed decisions.

“Many scientists and experts collect data, but it’s the data scientist that can tell the story of this data based on professionals’ outcomes. That’s how we can forecast the future based on historical data.”

At Lawrence Tech, data science is an interdisciplinary academic field that uses statistics, scientific computing, scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract or extrapolate knowledge and insights from noisy, structured, and unstructured data, which is what makes LTU’s BSDS program unique, Bukaita explained. 

LTU students learn to understand complex data sets, identify patterns, and gain proficiency by working on projects in medicine, biomedical engineering, machine learning, big data, information technology, and other fields. Bukaita noted that project-based learning, which students experience in LTU's BSDS program, is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a career in data science. He recently introduced a unique feature in his classes: "internship-based credit" while working toward their degree. “The students learn, work, and get paid in one course,” he said, “with team building and leadership skills as a bonus.” Studying with nationally recognized faculty and industry experts, they also hone teambuilding and leadership skills that prepare them for exciting, challenging, and meaningful careers in data science.

Wisam Bukaita on Research Day 2023

Graduates from LTU with a Data Science degree are data scientists and decision makers who are able to develop and create programming code using computer science tools and combine it with statistical knowledge to derive insights from data.

Based on published statistics and social media trends, Bukaita noted that data scientists are in high demand in every industry and profession because they are decision-makers. “Every company and every organization strives to identify the future of their product or service and its implications. That guidance comes from the data. There’s a story for each opportunity and the data scientist states the story starting from the past,” he said. “Data modeling is at the heart of data science when you want to get more accurate conclusions.” The data scientist collects and analyzes data, compares it to the current data, tests for accuracy, and advises management on the best course of action.