Undergraduate Degree Program in Data Science and Analytics

Undergraduate Mission, Objectives and Student Outcomes

The mission of the BS in Data Science and Analytics Program

The mission of this undergraduate program is to provide students with interests in Data Science and Data Analytics a unique and multifaceted educational opportunity within and across each of its areas of concentration. The program will integrate world-class expertise from FAU’s Big Data Platform, FAU’s NSF Big Data Training and Research Laboratory, and FAU’s Center for Cryptology and Information Security (nationally recognized as CAE-R through DHS/NSA), as well as distinguished faculty in departments across five colleges.

The capstone experience in this program will provide high quality, data-driven research opportunities for undergraduate scholarship. This program will also foster interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement among the participating colleges and industry partners.

Educational Objectives

Within three to five years of graduation, DSA graduates are expected to exhibit the following professional characteristics:

Career advancement: They will be successful in practicing the profession of computer engineering through their education and training in critical thinking skills, analytical and problem-solving ability, engineering design and development expertise, and communication and teamwork experience.
Professionalism: They will act with both professional and social responsibility in their career field, including a commitment to protect both occupational and public health and safety, and a commitment to apply ethical standards related to the practice of engineering.
Lifelong learning: They will continue to develop their knowledge and skills through progress toward or completion of graduate education, and/or other professional development for successful adaptation to technological and cultural changes in society.

Student Outcomes

Based on the Educational Objectives of the BSDAS program, the department has established the following student learning outcomes for the baccalaureate program in Data Science and Analytics.

Graduates will have:

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.