Bachelor of Data Science, BDS

Given our footprint in this field at the graduate level, Carleton leverages its strengths and background to create an undergraduate data science program to prepare students to rapidly enter the workforce. We are proposing a four-year, 20-credit undergraduate Data Science degree with two optional concentrations. This program is created through a collaboration between the School of Computer Science (SCS) and the School of Mathematics and Statistics. This collaboration creates a program with bases in data wrangling, inferential statistics, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and data ethics. Students that wish to further their expertise in Computer Science theory and AI can complete a concentration in AI. Students that wish to bolster their knowledge of inferential statistics and the theory behind it can complete a concentration in Statistics. Furthermore, the concentration and non-concentration paths have enough elective room for students to complete a minor and broaden the applicability of their degree. The proposed curriculum has a strong basis in project-based learning. There are capstone and honours project and thesis courses and co-op option available for students to highlight their data science abilities in applied, practical contexts. In alignment with Carleton University’s Kinàmàgawin Report and progress report, (Carleton University Strategic Indigenous Initiatives Committee, 2020, 2022) curriculum will draw on appropriate Collaborative Indigenous Learning Bundles with a focus on data and research ethics when working with Indigenous communities. The program will be delivered in an in person format, with online components. We will explore a completely online version of the program in the future.