Data Science Bachelor's Degree

  • Bachelor of Science
  • School of Data Science

Degree completion

  • For students with some college credits
  • Complete at least 30 credits online from ODU

Full degree

  • A start-to-finish curriculum for students to earn a degree online from ODU
  • 120 credit hours

Join the next generation of data scientists with the skills to work as an entry-level data professional. Discover how to use data to understand and address real-world problems from different domains, such as business, geography, and education.

In our online program, you will gain foundational skills in computer science, mathematics and statistics, and data analytics. You'll also complete a major in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning or Data Visualization.

Explore real issues through project-based learning, such as how to explain complex data for decision makers, or how machine learning can be used ethically to improve education. You'll gain the skills to use data to identify trends and patterns, solve problems, communicate results, and recommend solutions.

Your studies culminate with a project-based capstone course. When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in data science.

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You will select a major to gain additional knowledge, skills, and abilities in a particular area. Choose from:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Learn computational data analysis and natural language processing. You'll gain the skills to apply statistics and design algorithms in business or scientific settings.

Data Visualization: Gain skills in data modeling, simulation, and rendering results. You'll be prepared for professional roles where you need to select and apply appropriate techniques for data visualization to support analyses from different domains.

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A data science professional reviews code and data visualization charts on a desktop computer. Explore degrees in Data Sciences today!
  • To earn this degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. Our Bachelor of Science in data science requires 120 total credit hours. Your exact course of study will depend on how many credits you transfer and your choice of major. 

    Your coursework includes a project-based capstone course where you can apply your education to a real-world data analytics problem. Individual students or teams collaborate with a community stakeholder to exam a problem through data science techniques and methods. You'll produce a comprehensive report of the data and methodologies employed, outcomes of the analyses, and recommendations.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

  • When you graduate, you'll be qualified for entry-level, data-focused positions such as data scientist, data analyst, or operations research analyst. You'll be prepared to support data-driven activities across an organization.

    Our graduates can apply these skills in public and private industries that rely on insights gained from analyzing large data sets, such as:

    • Business and finance
    • Marketing
    • Health care
    • Transportation
    • E-commerce

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

  • This program is available completely online, which means you can apply to ODU as a freshman.

    Already have college credits? Before you apply, our enrollment team can provide a free transfer evaluation to see how your credits will transfer to ODU.

    No matter where you're starting, we'll help you succeed from application to graduation.

  • ODU has partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. 

    Learn more about Guaranteed Admission to ODU.