About the Program
Data science prepares you for careers that explore patterns in large data sets and identify potential trends and insights. The program teaches skills in programing, modeling, machine learning, data visualization and databases and to assess how data can be used to solve novel problems. You will also learn about the ethical, moral and societal implications of data science as well as uncovering insights through manipulation of large datasets. Upon declaring data science as your major, you choose a track from data applications, algorithms and spatial data analysis. Data science is applicable in many fields and students tend to add a second major or a minor to their studies.
Four Key Pillars of the Data Science Program
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Become an expert in data science fundamentals
Acquire skills in programming, modeling, machine learning, network analysis, data visualization and databases.
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Data Science in a Liberal Arts and Sciences Environment
Complement data science education with critical thinking and communication skills to become a future leader in the field.
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Research-Oriented Environment
Work on a variety of cutting-edge applications, including social media analysis, biology, physics and environmental applications.
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Faculty with Premier Portfolios
W&M data science faculty are funded by the National Science Foundation, the Departments of Education, Energy, and Homeland Security and various foundations.
Rankings
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1 st
Data Science B.S. major and minor in Virginia
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# 16
Top Public Colleges for Tech Salaries
Wall Street Journal
Applied Learning
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Courses
Dive into data science with the Ethics in Data Science (DATA 202), Applied Machine Learning (DATA 301), Data Visualization (DATA 303) and Neural Networks & Deep Learning (DATA 442).*
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Affiliate Research Labs
Have access to research labs focusing on many different disciplines such as applied conservation, geospatial evaluation and computational and experimental linguistics.
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Recent Student Projects
Experience the wide variety of research students have completed, ranging from "How Machine Learning in Fashion Extends Beyond Supply Chain" to "Modeling Perinatal Outcomes in Disaggregated Asian American Subgroups."
Outcomes
By the time they graduate, data science students become proficient in assessing how to navigate large datasets to uncover insights and solve complex problems. The combination of robust data science fundamentals and a liberal arts and sciences perspective prepares W&M students for leadership careers upon graduation, joining top management, consulting and IT firms, pursuing government careers or pursuing further graduate studies.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and advisors want to connect with you.
Data Science Program
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current data science major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Data Science Program
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
