B.S. in Data Science

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate programs

1. Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at NAU are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.
   • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 70 or higher.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
   • PTE: Overall PTE score required is 56.

Score reporting is required.

To support their academic pursuits, NAU offers various scholarships and financial aid options. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. International students are encouraged to explore the available scholarships to help ease the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

1. Global Achievement Award: This scholarship is available to incoming international undergraduate students and is based on academic merit. The Global Achievement Award provides partial tuition waivers, making quality education more affordable for deserving international students.

2. International Excellence Award: The International Excellence Award is a competitive scholarship available to outstanding international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. Recipients of this scholarship receive a substantial tuition reduction.

3. Into NAU Scholarships: Into NAU is a pathway program for international students, and it offers several merit-based scholarships for students entering NAU through the program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and leadership potential.

4. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: This scholarship is available to transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. It offers financial assistance to eligible international transfer students pursuing their bachelor's degree at NAU.

5. Diversity Scholarships: NAU values diversity and offers several scholarships that promote inclusivity and support underrepresented international students. These scholarships aim to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community.

6. Athletic Scholarships: Talented student-athletes have the opportunity to receive athletic scholarships, which are awarded based on athletic performance, skills, and potential to contribute to NAU's athletic teams.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at NAU offer scholarships to international students based on specific academic achievements and majors. Students are encouraged to inquire with their respective departments for available opportunities.

8. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the chance to secure graduate assistantships, which provide financial support and valuable professional experience through research, teaching, or administrative roles.

9. External Scholarships: NAU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities available through organizations, governments, and foundations that provide financial support for studying in the United States.

Application Process and Deadlines: Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines.

Graduates of the B.S. in Data Science program at Northern Arizona University are well-positioned for diverse and rewarding careers in fields such as data science, business intelligence, machine learning, research, and data privacy. With their strong analytical skills, technical proficiency, and interdisciplinary knowledge, they can make valuable contributions to organizations across various industries.

1. Data Scientist/Analyst: Graduates with a B.S. in Data Science from Northern Arizona University are well-equipped to pursue careers as data scientists or analysts. They can leverage their skills in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling to extract insights from large datasets, identify trends, and inform business decisions. Data scientists are in high demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and technology.

2. Business Intelligence Analyst: With a strong foundation in data analysis and visualization, graduates can pursue roles as business intelligence analysts. These professionals are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions. They develop dashboards, reports, and data visualizations to communicate insights to stakeholders and drive strategic initiatives.

3. Data Engineer: Data engineers play a crucial role in building and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for storing, processing, and analyzing data. Graduates with a B.S. in Data Science have the technical skills to design databases, develop ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines, and optimize data workflows. They work closely with data scientists and other stakeholders to ensure data integrity and accessibility.

4. Machine Learning Engineer: As companies increasingly adopt machine learning algorithms to automate processes and gain competitive advantages, the demand for machine learning engineers continues to grow. Graduates with expertise in machine learning techniques, algorithms, and programming languages like Python and R are well-suited for roles in developing and deploying machine learning models.

5. Data Consultant/Strategist: Data-driven decision-making is becoming essential for businesses to stay competitive in today's market. Graduates of the B.S. in Data Science program can pursue careers as data consultants or strategists, helping organizations leverage their data assets to drive growth and innovation. They advise clients on data-driven strategies, develop analytics solutions, and provide insights to optimize business processes.

6. Research Scientist: For those interested in academia or research, a B.S. in Data Science opens doors to opportunities in research institutions, government agencies, or academia. Research scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish findings in academic journals or present at conferences. They may focus on advancing knowledge in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, or computational biology.

7. Data Privacy and Security Specialist: As concerns about data privacy and security continue to rise, there is a growing need for professionals who can ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard sensitive information. Graduates with expertise in data ethics, privacy laws, and cybersecurity measures can pursue roles as data privacy officers, security analysts, or compliance managers.