B.S., Applied Data Science
Interested in learning programming and using data to solve real-world problems in a variety of industries? As the availability of data continues to increase, organizations from start-ups to nonprofits need professionals who can interpret datasets and derive meaningful insights. This flexible B.S. in Applied Data Science prepares you to meet that demand and join one of the world’s fastest-growing fields.
You'll gain foundational skills in programming, mathematics, and statistics along with advanced skills in data management and engineering, data mining, and more. And you'll graduate equipped to take on artificial intelligence and machine learning with an ethical approach.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Programming languages: Become proficient in R with RStudio, Python (Anaconda Release with TensorFlow/Keras & Sci-kit learn using Jupyter and Colab), SQL, Excel, and Tableau.
- A human approach: Advocate for ethical considerations associated with analytics and confidently communicate applied data science in speech and in writing to stakeholders.
- Technical skills: Apply statistical methods, curate and describe data, build and compare models, and build computer scripts to solve analytical problems.
A distinguishing characteristic of a liberal arts education is a required core curriculum. By taking courses that introduce the defining works of the humanities, natural sciences, and social science, all students acquire a common intellectual foundation that expands horizons, shapes character, and prepares them to discern well. The bachelor of science programs require the following core courses:
- ADEX1150 The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses
- 2 Theology courses (one Christian Theology course and one Sacred Texts & Traditions course)
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one pre-1800 and one post-1800)
- 1 Mathematics course
- 2 Natural Sciences courses
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Cultural Diversity course
- ADEX4151 Designing Your Career
| Requirements for Major (10 courses) |
|---|
| Calculus |
| Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus |
| Math Economists (Calculus 2) |
Software Tools |
| Applied Statistics |
| Systems Analysis and Design |
| Data Visualization |
| Database Management |
| Machine Learning 1 |
| Machine Learning 2 |
| Operations Research (Optimization, Simulation, Decision Science) (R & Python) |
| Econometric Modeling (R) |
| Capstone |
Transfer Pathways to Data Science
Transfer seamlessly into the B.S. in Applied Data Science at Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College. Together, we’ll help you make the most of your credits and save time and money as you work toward your degree. We also offer direct pathways for qualified students from BC’s Messina College and Bunker Hill Community College.
Deadlines
- Fall Enrollment
- August 1
- Spring Enrollment
- December 1
- Summer Enrollment
- April 15
- Rolling Admission
- After deadlines, as space permits.
Application
If you are mailing hard copies of application materials, please send them to:
Boston College
Woods College of Advancing Studies Admissions Office
St. Mary's Hall South
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
*Current Woods College Undergraduate degree students interested in adding a certificate to their plan of study should not use the online application.
Academic transcripts
Submit the following:
- Official high school transcript with degree conferral date or official GED
- Official college transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges or universities
If you have been conferred your associate's degree, you may submit an Attestation Form in lieu of an official high school transcript. The completed form can be sent to wcasadm@bc.edu.
Please mail transcripts to:
Boston College
Woods College of Advancing Studies Admissions Office
St. Mary's Hall South
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
If your academic institution provides electronic transcripts please indicate wcasadm@bc.edu as the recipient.
Applicants whose Native language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency, for required scores, visit our International Student page.
Essay
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
Please submit one essay by responding to one of the topics listed below. The essay should be typewritten, double-spaced, and should be limited to 500 – 750 words in length.
The essay is essential to the Admissions Committee as it allows the committee to assess your personal goals, your reasons for choosing the program to which you are applying, your commitment to your educational goals, and your writing ability.
- Discuss your reason(s) for applying to the B.A. program at the Woods College of Advancing Studies at this time. Support your reasons with specific examples.
- Discuss your academic goals and how they apply to your planned career and/or life goals.
The essay must be uploaded as part of your online application.
Application Fee
Application fee: $45
- Paid through online application.
- The application fee is non-refundable.
Recommendations
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. Letters must be sent directly from the recommender through our online application portal or sent directly to Woods College (wcasadm@bc.edu).
Please note: Letters of recommendation should be provided by recommenders who can speak to your professional or academic abilities.
If you are having difficulty securing a second letter of recommendation, please email wcasadm@bc.edu to schedule an interview with the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions. This interview will serve in lieu of the second letter of recommendation.
International Students
1. Demonstrated English Language Proficiency Required
TOEFL: Woods College requires a minimum total internet-based TOEFL score of 90, with minimum scores in each section of 20.
IELTS: Woods College requires a minimum total band score of 6.5, with minimum scores in each section of 6.0.
For additional information about scores, visit our International Student page.
2. Interview
For all international students and non-native English speakers, interviews are conducted as part of the application process.
The purpose of the interview is for the admission committee to gain a better sense of an applicant and how the program fits his or her academic and vocational needs. Additionally, the interview provides the committee an opportunity to assess a student’s specific information and to address the unique needs one may have in transitioning to Boston College. The interview will last no more than 15 minutes. Interviews will only be scheduled once an application has been submitted.
3. Transcript Evaluation
All students who have, or are currently attending, an institution outside of the United States must provide a detailed, course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating the following:
For BA applicants: conferral of a secondary school degree that is equivalent to a U.S. high school’s degree from an accredited institution.
For MS applicants: conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
This evaluation is not just an English translation, but a document provided by an accredited evaluating agency that shows all grades, course titles, credit hours, United States degree equivalency, grade-point average (GPA), and date of degree conferral.
This detailed, course-by-course transcript evaluation must be submitted to complete the application.
Please request a detailed, course-by-course transcript evaluation for all international institutions where a degree was conferred from one of the following agencies:
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) | Center for Educational Documentation (CED) | The Evaluation Company (TEC) |
World Education Services Inc. (WES)
|
Financial Aid & Scholarships
For Financial Aid and Scholarship information, please click the link below
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
Questions
Schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor through our online calendar.
Woods College of Advancing Studies
Woods College of Advancing Studies offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees, certificates, and professional education opportunities. If you're interested in furthering your education, we have something for you.
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