Bellevue University starts fully online data science degree program

Bellevue University in Nebraska on Monday launched an online data science degree program to equip students with data skills and prepare them for future careers as all industries increasingly rely on data.

The new program will teach students how to analyze and manage, as well implement data driven solutions for industries like banking, retail, healthcare and manufacturing, according to Mary Dobransky, dean of the college of science and technology at Bellevue.

“Today’s organizations are absolutely inundated with data,” Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins said in a press release. “But data doesn’t have value unless businesses have skilled employees who are able to provide the kind of insights that turn that data into better decisions and business strategies.”

The program is also fully online to maximize accessibility for students, Dobransky said.

“We’ve erased the barriers that often get in the way for working adults, many with families, who want to get their degree,” she said.

And rather than focus solely on the theoretical aspects of data, students will have the opportunity to apply their skills to real-life projects, strengthening their ability to analyze data to solve problems, Catie Williams, director of the new data science program said in the release. This format allows students to demonstrate the depth and breadth of their skills in real world-scenarios, Williams said.

“It makes sure students have exposure to the same tools and technology that businesses are using today,” she said.

Students will be taught how to code in Python, visualize data, analyze data using statistical models and artificial intelligence, as well as tackle data-storage and management problems.

“When they graduate, students will be able to use data to tell a story,” Williams said. “They’ll be extremely familiar with the tools … and be confident presenting to an executive team or a stakeholder group.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for computer and information research scientists are expected to increase 16% from 2018 to 2028.