Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.S. in Data Science
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Data Science is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program aimed at cultivating students' ability to extract meaningful insights from vast datasets. The curriculum integrates statistical modeling, data visualization, programming in languages like Python and R, and machine learning algorithms. A distinctive feature of the program is its emphasis on ethical data usage, addressing critical concerns related to data privacy, bias, and the societal impact of data-driven decisions. This holistic approach ensures graduates are not only technically proficient but also socially responsible data professionals ready to tackle real-world problems.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Data Science program at Saint Mary's College of California is a STEM-designated degree. This designation is highly advantageous, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it allows them to be eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This extension grants an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of valuable practical experience in their field.
AACSB Accredited: Yes, the School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA) at Saint Mary's College of California, which houses the B.S. in Data Science program, is accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). AACSB accreditation is a globally recognized hallmark of excellence, signifying that the business and economics programs, including Data Science, meet the highest standards of quality, relevance, and continuous improvement. This accreditation enhances the value and global recognition of the degree for graduates.
Curriculum: The B.S. in Data Science curriculum at SMC is rigorously designed, blending foundational mathematics, computer science, and specialized data science topics. Core courses typically include Calculus I & II, Linear Algebra with Applications, Probability and Statistics, and Data Visualization and Storytelling. Advanced courses delve into topics like Advanced Quantitative Analysis, Database Programming, Machine Learning, Data Warehousing, and potentially specialized areas such as Natural Language Processing or Cloud Computing. The program emphasizes computational skills, analytical methods, and practical application, with dedicated lab components (e.g., Excel Lab) and opportunities for internships and capstone projects.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Data Science program at Saint Mary's College has a strong applied research focus, aiming to equip students with the ability to "transform data into actionable insights for a better and more equitable future." While not traditional laboratory research, students engage in systematic investigations using advanced analytical and computational methods. The curriculum includes courses that delve into statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization, all of which are integral to data-driven research. Students are encouraged to participate in projects that solve real-world problems, with opportunities like the Data Science Club fostering a dynamic community for exploration and analysis, indicating a strong emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning and inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College of California actively leverages its Bay Area location to provide strong industry engagement for its Data Science students. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for success in the rapidly growing field of data analysis and artificial intelligence, aligning the curriculum with industry needs. The college emphasizes providing "hands-on opportunities to gain the tools they need for career success." Through the Data Science Club, guest speakers from the industry regularly share insights and networking opportunities. Furthermore, the curriculum includes courses like "Internship" (DATA 495) and a "Capstone" project (DATA 496), which often involve working with real-world datasets and challenges, facilitating direct engagement with industry partners and preparing students for immediate professional impact.
Global Perspective: Saint Mary's College fosters a global perspective within its B.S. in Data Science program by recognizing the universal nature and global implications of data. The program aims to prepare students to "transform data into actionable insights for a better and more equitable future for everyone," implying an understanding of diverse global contexts and societal impacts. Data science inherently deals with global information flows and challenges, from international market analysis to global health trends. The AACSB accreditation further reinforces this, as it emphasizes developing business leaders with "global and responsible perspectives" who consider global contexts and ethical, economic, social, and environmental values. This holistic approach prepares graduates to work in multinational organizations and contribute to data-driven solutions on a global scale.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Data Science from Saint Mary's College of California (SMC) provides a cutting-edge and highly sought-after education for the modern data-driven world.
Data Scientist: The quintessential role for data science graduates. They gather, clean, analyze, and interpret large, complex datasets to build predictive models, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations that solve business problems.
Machine Learning Engineer: Focuses on designing, building, and deploying machine learning models and systems. They work on implementing algorithms, optimizing model performance, and integrating ML solutions into existing software applications.
Data Analyst: Collects, processes, and performs statistical analysis on data, creating reports and visualizations to present findings to stakeholders. This role is crucial for tracking performance, identifying opportunities, and supporting operational decisions.
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst: Specializes in transforming data into understandable insights for business users. They design and develop dashboards, reports, and data warehouses to help organizations monitor performance and make informed strategic choices.
Data Engineer: Builds and maintains the infrastructure and systems that enable data scientists to collect, store, process, and analyze large datasets. They are responsible for data pipelines, databases, and data warehousing solutions.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant - Entry-Level): Employs advanced mathematical, statistical, and computational methods to analyze financial markets, develop trading strategies, manage risk, and price financial derivatives for investment banks, hedge funds, or asset management firms.
Marketing Analyst: Utilizes data to understand consumer behavior, analyze marketing campaign performance, segment customer bases, and identify opportunities for growth and optimization in marketing strategies.
Product Analyst: Works with product development teams to analyze user data, evaluate product features, understand user engagement, and inform decisions for product improvement and innovation.
Consultant (Data/Analytics): Advises various organizations on how to leverage their data for strategic advantage, optimize processes, and implement data-driven solutions across different industries.
Cloud Data Engineer/Specialist: Focuses on designing, implementing, and managing data solutions on cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency for data storage and processing.
