Data Science Degree (STEM)
DRIVE ACTIONABLE, DATA-BASED DECISIONS WITH A DATA SCIENCE DEGREE
All organizations collect data, but turning that data into actionable insights requires the analytical knowledge and skills developed through a Data Science degree. At Saint Mary’s we leverage the Bay Area’s network of industry leaders and culture of innovation to provide students with hands-on opportunities to gain the tools they need for career success. Here, we’re turning data science into an art.
A curated path to career success
Rooted in Saint Mary's tradition of critical thinking and advanced communication skills, the Data Science degree prepares students to extract meaningful insights from data and develop actionable solutions. Our award-winning faculty has designed a streamlined and focused curriculum, ensuring you receive the essential courses needed for success in your career path, while providing support every step of the way.
A Message from our Business Analytics Professor
"Data is the new oil, but with data science you have the power to refine it and transform it into a fuel that drives innovation and progress. Become a master in the art of finding insights, creating solutions, and shaping the future with our Data Science degree."
Business Student for a Day
A Preview of Your Future
Curious about life as a Saint Mary's business student? Our program gives you a firsthand look at SEBA by:
- Attending real classes led by our esteemed faculty.
- Meeting current SEBA students for insights on academic and campus life.
- Enjoying lunch at Oliver Hall and connecting with other students.
- Touring the campus and exploring its resources.
- Experiencing the excitement of a Saint Mary’s athletic event.
Dive into the vibrant life of a Saint Mary’s business student!
Saint Mary's College Data Science Club
Join the Data Science Club
The Saint Mary's Data Science Club has been student-driven from its inception, with a focus to: foster learning, drive innovation, and promote ethical data practices.
The Data Science Club continues to cultivate a dynamic community through the exploration and analyzation of data to solve real-world problems. Through continuous growth and outreach, their goal is to transform data into actionable insights for a better and more equitable future for everyone.
AACSB Accredited Business School
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| Among the Top 6% of Business Schools WorldwideBeing among the top 6% of business schools worldwide reflects more than just academic excellence—it embodies Saint Mary’s deep commitment to its Lasallian roots. AACSB accreditation ensures that undergraduate and graduate Gaels receive a rigorous, globally recognized education grounded in ethical leadership, innovation, and service to others. This distinction aligns with our mission to prepare future business leaders who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate changemakers, dedicated to creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond. |
Degree Curriculum
What can you do with a degree in Data Science?
A degree in Data Science equips you to extract insight from complex datasets using statistics, programming, and machine learning, and communicate the results that drive decisions.
(*Some careers may require additional tools expertise, certification, or graduate study)
Data Scientist
Frame problems, engineer features, build and validate models, and translate results into business or policy actions
Machine Learning Engineer
Deploy and maintain ML systems in production, monitor performance, and iterate models and pipelines
Data Engineer
Design and manage data pipelines, warehousing, and ETL/ELT to ensure reliable, scalable access to data
Analytics / BI Engineer
Model semantic layers, define metrics, and deliver trustworthy dashboards and self-service analytics
NLP / AI Specialist
Apply natural language and generative AI techniques for search, summarization, chat, and recommendation
Quantitative / Financial Analyst
Build risk, pricing, and forecasting models to support trading, investment, and corporate finance decisions
Product Data Scientist
Run experiments, analyze user behavior, and inform roadmap and growth with causal and behavioral insights
Healthcare / Public Sector Data Scientist
Use predictive and geospatial analytics to improve outcomes, allocate resources, and evaluate interventions
Research Scientist (Applied)
Advance algorithms, run rigorous experiments, publish findings, and transfer methods into real products
SEBA NewsCenter
Learn More About Our Data Science Degree
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their academic specialties. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of internship possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
A data science degree is an undergraduate program focused on the study of data analysis, statistics, programming, and machine learning.
The Saint Mary’s data science degree program consists of 55-58 units total
Students with a data science degree can pursue a variety of career opportunities including (but not limited to), data scientist, data analyst, machine learning engineer, data engineer, business intelligence analyst, data consultant, research scientist, AI specialist, and more.
Students with a data science degree develop a wide range of skills including data analysis and interpretation, statistical modeling, machine learning techniques, data visualization and storytelling, programming languages, problem solving and critical thinking and more.
The Data Science (BS) degree emphasizes a deeper engagement with advanced mathematics and statistics as it relates to analyzing and interpreting complex data sets. This includes courses in calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and machine learning. The Data Analytics (BA) degree, while also including statistical foundations, may have a slightly less intensive mathematical focus. It covers essential statistical concepts and methodologies for data analysis but may not delve as deeply into the more advanced mathematical theories that are central to the data science discipline. This difference reflects the more technical and model-oriented approach of data science compared to the broader, application-focused approach of data analytics.
Saint Mary’s students can expand their network by attending campus events, joining the SEBA Data Science Club, connecting with guest speakers on LinkedIn, visiting the Career Center on campus, exploring internship opportunities, and building meaningful relationships with students, alumni, and professors.