Data Science, B.S.
California Baptist University's data science major will prepare students to analyze large sets of data in any industry to help make informed, data-centric decisions.
A Premier Data Science Program in Southern California
A premier data science program in Southern California, CBU's data science major will allow students to learn the foundations in computing, mathematics and statistics to become true data scientists. Students will not only "push buttons" to generate basic models but be able to design and program their own unique statistical models or advance state-of-the-art algorithms to solve real-world problems.
Why Study Data Science at CBU?
Cover the Entire Data Science Lifecycle
California Baptist University's data science program covers the entire data science lifecycle, from data acquisition to visualization, and teaches students how to apply data science techniques to solve real-world problems. The program combines a strong computational core with foundations in relevant mathematics and statistics, enabling students to develop and program their own statistical models or advance state-of-the-art algorithms.
Study Cutting-Edge Data Tools and Modern Methods
Students will learn cutting-edge tools, models and theory in modern areas of machine learning, such as deep learning, data mining, natural language processing, and more. With both high- and low-level understandings of model development and usage in place, students are taught how to visualize their data using modern toolsets and strategies. Furthermore, CBU's data science program offers unique coursework developing geospatial models and visualization strategies in the emerging field of geospatial information systems (GIS).
Learn Through Experience
Students leverage data science coursework to identify a problem and create a significant group-based junior design "data science product (solution)," which is ideated, designed, planned and built in the context of a tech startup company. During their senior year, students embark on a year-long, group-based senior capstone project where they work with a client to gather requirements, plan and build a significant software and/or statistical product to solve a customer problem.
Emphasis on Ethics
CBU's data science program incorporates ethical and proper usage of data across the curriculum, and also offers unique and in-depth coursework in geospatial information systems (GIS) and data product development. While developing and understanding models is fundamental to the data science lifecycle, real-world solutions must ensure that the data being input into these models is fair, representative and un-biased. In addition to specific coursework in data wrangling, instruction on the ethical and proper usage of data is incorporated across curriculum where machine learning and statistical models are studied.
What You'll Learn
Students graduating with a degree in data science will learn to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
- Apply theory, techniques, and tools throughout the data science lifecycle and employ the resulting knowledge to satisfy stakeholders' needs.
Program Details
CSC 422: Machine and Deep Learning
This course covers introductory machine learning topics including supervised and unsupervised learning, linear and logistic regression, support vector machines, neural networks (MLPs, CNNs, RNNs, GANs) and more.
CSC 442: Intermediate GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Elevate organizational strategic thinking by addressing intricate challenges through the application of established data and cutting-edge Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions.
CSC 423: Data Mining
The course commences with an examination of the knowledge discovery process. In particular, the introduction equips students with the strategic thinking skills essential to focus on cutting edge data mining techniques that can be applied in a wide variety of settings, e.g., business, engineering, health care, science, etc.
Anthony Corso, Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Information Systems
Office Phone: 951-343-4794
E-mail: acorso@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: College of Engineering Building, TEGR 330
Esther Lee, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Statistics
Program Director, M.S. in Applied Mathematics
Office Phone: 951-343-4942
E-mail: elee@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 479
Career Possibilities
The data science program at CBU prepares students to fill roles as leaders, decision makers, solutions developers and consultants in almost any organization that uses data to solve real-world problems. Students will be equipped with the fundamental understandings of computing systems and statistical modeling needed to enter graduate school or advance the state of the art in data science. (Note that some careers listed below may require further education.)
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Data Architect
- Research Statistician
- Educator
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.