Data science is an interdisciplinary field about scientific methods, processes, and systems to extract knowledge or insights from data in various forms. The data could be structured (e.g. databases and spreadsheets) or unstructured (text, video, images).

Data science leverages tools from a variety of disciplines to:

• Gather a data set
• Process and derive insights from the data set
• Interpret it for decision-making purposes

A data scientist possesses skills from computer science, statistics, mathematics, and some domain of application. Domains of application include business, medicine, and practically any area of science, engineering, or the humanities.

The BA provides a more flexible course of study that is good for students with interdisciplinary interests. It is popular for double majors and students interested in careers in a related discipline or industry.