Driving Decisions Using Data
Carleton’s New Bachelor of Data Science Program
At the heart of every decision in business, government, and research is data. Turning raw data into meaningful insights requires technical skill, analytical thinking, and curiosity. At Carleton, the new Bachelor of Data Science program is designed to give students all three.
Dr. Dave Campbell, Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, helped create the program based on years of experience in both academia and industry.
The Bachelor of Data Science was designed to fill gaps in traditional undergraduate science education. While Carleton offers strong programs in statistics and computer science, this program integrates both disciplines along with new, specialized courses that teach students to collect, clean, analyze and interpret data.
Dr. Campbell explains that the overall goal of the program is to have students be able to convert information into evidence that can be used for decision-making.
“We want to prepare students for real-world problem solving in fields like economics, environmental science, forensics, and more.”
Developing Skills Across Disciplines
As part of the program, students will work closely with experts in other fields to develop the communication and analytical skills needed to thrive on interdisciplinary teams.
“Data science is a team sport,” says Dr. Campbell.
In the program’s statistics concentration, a fourth-year consulting-style course will give students hands-on experience explaining their work to people outside of their field, so they’re prepared for industry and government roles in the future. The program also has co-op options, so students can gain practical experience while building their network if they choose.
The combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world exposure will ensure students are both adaptable and career ready once they graduate.
Career Opportunities Without Limits
Dr. Campbell spent two years away from Carleton leading the data science team at the Bank of Canada. There, he discovered firsthand which skills were highly valuable, and which were in short supply.
“I saw what kinds of people were hard to hire, what skills were missing, and what was needed for teams to succeed,” he says. “This program was built with all the industry’s needed skills and backgrounds in mind.”
Students can choose concentrations in artificial intelligence or statistics, and explore electives that complement other areas of interest, such as entrepreneurship, psychology, or environmental science.
“We want students to follow their curiosity,” says Dr. Campbell. “Whether it’s data science paired with sociology, business, or another science, students can customize their learning to fit their career goals.”
Graduates of the Bachelor of Data Science program will be prepared for a wide range of careers like data scientist, data engineer, business analyst, and quantitative specialist, among others.
“There is a high demand for these skills,” says Dr. Campbell. “You can see it just by looking at job postings.”
The Future of Data Science
As the field evolves, the program will continue to adapt. Emerging tools, like generative AI and domain-specific modeling, are changing the ways organizations collect, analyze, and apply data. Carleton’s Bachelor of Data Science program equips students to not just keep up, but to innovate as well.
Dr. Campbell says that the program is ideal for curious problem solvers who are ready to turn data into action. For students excited by the idea of working at the intersection of statistics, computer science, and real-world problem solving, this program is a launchpad to success.
When asked why students should consider applying to the program, Dr. Campbell’s answer is simple:
“It’s practical. It’s hands on. And honestly, it’s fun.”
Ready to transform data into decisions? Learn more about Carleton’s new Bachelor of Data Science program.
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