Data Science Bachelor’s Degree at Ole Miss Addresses High Industry Demand

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI – A New Era of Education

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is introducing a new Bachelor of Science degree in data science through its School of Engineering. The goal of this initiative is to address the increasing demand for professionals with expertise in computational skills and data analysis.

Data Science Degree: A Response To Industry Needs

The decision to launch a full data science degree program comes after the successful implementation of a data science minor and data science emphasis four years ago. The administrators realized the program’s potential for growth due to the high industry demand for skilled professionals in this ever-evolving field,” said Yixin Chen, chair of the Department of Computer and Information Science.

Rise in Data Science Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science occupations were anticipated to grow by 35% from 2022 to 2023, faster than average job growth rates. Skilled data scientists apply statistical methods, machine learning, and advanced data analysis techniques to derive insights from complex data sets. Introduction of a bachelor’s degree in data science will offer graduates flexibility, opening job avenues in virtually any field, according to Timothy Holston, instructional assistant professor and assistant chair of computer and information science.

A Degree with a Broad Application

“The need for professionals is not just limited to those who can crunch numbers. The demand is for specialists who possess computational skills and are trained in a particular field,” Holston said. Applications of data science range from investigating the veracity of news in journalism, predicting patient outcomes in healthcare to personalizing customer experiences in retail and telecommunication service optimization. Hence, the curriculum will incorporate courses in a focus area selected by the student, allowing the application of data science skills to a specific domain.

Available to All

Though a large number of current computer science students have already opted for this program, Holston clarified that the degree is open to anyone interested in the field. The Department’s next goal is to achieve accreditation for this new program from ABET, the accrediting body for all Ole Miss engineering programs, added Chen.

Looking Ahead

Ole Miss expects to welcome its first batch of data science degree students in the fall of 2024. With a well-defined curriculum, the University is confident in meeting the demand for data-savvy professionals in various industries. As the demand for specialized computational skills continues to increase, the introduction of this comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree in data science is a strategic move to prepare students for lucrative careers in this exponentially growing field.