Analytics and Data Science: Data Science Option (B.S.)

Analytics and Data Science: Data Science Option (B.S.)
Student looking at data on a computer screen

The Analytics & Data Science: Data Science option at UNH molds future leaders in the growing data revolution, crucial amid the global rise in data-driven advancements. Here, you’ll acquire advanced technical skills in building predictive models, data visualization and uncover patterns that guide strategic decisions across industries like finance, healthcare, and marketing in the region’s only on-campus offering in the field. You’ll develop strong technical skills in Python, R, and machine learning techniques such as neural networks and large language models essential tools in the new business economy. This program emphasizes extracting meaningful insights, preparing you for careers in various growing industries or advanced graduate programs.


What is the data science option in analytics and data science?

This option in the analytics and data science degree program will give you the skills to pursue original research or an advanced degree in data science. You’ll gain a deep understanding of concepts from mathematics and computer science such as probability theory, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, algorithms, machine learning, and data science.

Why study analytics and data science at UNH?

UNH was one of the first universities in the country to offer an undergraduate-level degree in analytics and data science. Our programs take a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates experiential education, professional development, projects and work experience. We partner with local businesses to give you the real-world experience that sets you apart, and our analytics majors have access to internships at many high-profile organizations. You’ll learn the cutting-edge technical skills you need to manage, distill, and interpret data for industries from finance to healthcare to marketing and advertising. The data science option is available only through the Durham campus.

Potential careers

  • Actuary
  • Business analyst
  • Consultant
  • Data engineer
  • Data scientist
  • Management analyst
  • Market research analyst
  • Statistician
  • Quantitative analyst
  • Data Science & Analytics major student Julia Hilinski
    Data Science Major Works With Company to Improve Efficiency
    Julie Hilinski and a team of UNH students worked with When Pigs Fly bakery to build a more efficient distribution model for their bread company.
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  • A photo of Julia Hilinski
    Julia Hilinski is a senior analytics and data science major. For her senior project, she worked with the bread company, When Pigs Fly, to create an application that optimizes their wholesale distribution. 
    Learn More
  • Data_science_analytics_Mallory_Chasman
    Meet a Wildcat in Analytics & Data Science
    Watch Mallory Cashman discuss her favorite things about attending the University of New Hampshire and advice for those considering UNH.
    Learn More

 

Curriculum & Requirements

The option in Data Science is intended for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees and conducting original research in data science. The option in data science places its emphasis on a rigorous introduction to the theoretical mathematical and computational underpinnings of modern data science.

Program Objectives

Analytics and Data Science focuses on the extraction of meaning from data through the application of computer science, mathematics and business domain knowledge. Within a few years of obtaining a bachelor's degree in Analytics and Data Science, our alumni will have:

  1. Engaged in successful career areas of analytics and data science and will already have, or be pursuing, advanced degrees in Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics or related fields
  2. Applied the full range of core Data Science concepts and techniques to fill the analytics needs of an organization
  3. Communicated effectively with diverse stakeholders as well as functioned appropriately in a team environment
  4. Navigated the complex interconnections between data, computing technology, and the goals and constraints of the organization served
  5. Understood the pervasive and changing role of data in global society, and participated responsibly as both an Analytics and Data Science professional and citizen

For additional information about the Analytics and Data Science: Analytics Option, contact Matt Magnusson, program co-director (Durham campus), or Jeremiah Johnson, program co-director (Manchester campus), at (603) 641-4127.

Sample Degree Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CS 400 Introduction to Computing 2
CS 415 Introduction to Computer Science I 4
CS 457 Introduction to Data Science and Analytics 4
MATH 425 Calculus I 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
 Credits18
Spring
CS 416 Introduction to Computer Science II 4
CS 420 Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems 4
MATH 426 Calculus II 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
CS 515 Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms 4
MATH 531 Mathematical Proof 4
MATH 645
or MATH 545
Linear Algebra for Applications
or Introduction to Linear Algebra
4
Discovery Lab 4
 Credits16
Spring
MATH 539
or MATH 644
Introduction to Statistical Analysis
or Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
4
MATH 528 Multidimensional Calculus 4
ENGL 502 Professional and Technical Writing 4
Discovery Lab 4
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
CS 659 Introduction to the Theory of Computation 4
CS 750 Machine Learning 4
DATA 674 Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics I 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
CS 758 Algorithms 4
Minor Elective I 4
Minor Elective II 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
CS 791 Senior Project I 2
MATH 755 Probability with Applications 4
Discovery Course 4
Minor Elective III 4
Minor Elective IV 4
 Credits18
Spring
CS 792 Senior Project II 2
CS 775 Database Systems 4
MATH 756 Principles of Statistical Inference 4
Minor Elective V 4
 Credits14
 Total Credits130

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Successful completion of the degree program includes earning a minimum of 128 credits, meeting the requirements of the University's Discovery Program, completing all of the 20 required courses in the major as listed below, capstone course, and a minor approved by the advisor.

In all major courses, a minimum grade of C- must be earned. The minimum overall GPA for graduation is 2.0.

Transfer students may transfer up to a maximum of 32 credits to satisfy major requirements (not counting those courses used to satisfy Discovery requirements).

Required Courses
Mathematics
MATH 425Calculus I4
MATH 426Calculus II4
MATH 528Multidimensional Calculus4
MATH 531Mathematical Proof4
MATH 539Introduction to Statistical Analysis4
or MATH 644 Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
or COMP 570 Statistics in Computing and Engineering
MATH 645Linear Algebra for Applications4
MATH 755Probability with Applications4
MATH 756Principles of Statistical Inference4
Computer Science
CS 400Introduction to Computing2
CS 415Introduction to Computer Science I4
or CS 410P Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python
or COMP 424 Applied Computing 1: Foundations of Programming
CS 416Introduction to Computer Science II4
or COMP 525 Data Structures Fundamentals
CS 420Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems4
CS 457Introduction to Data Science and Analytics4
or DATA 557 Introduction to Data Science and Analytics
CS 515Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms4
or COMP 625 Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 659Introduction to the Theory of Computation4
CS 750
MATH 738
Machine Learning
and Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
8
or DATA 674
DATA #675
Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics I
and Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics II
or DATA 674
CS 750
Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics I
and Machine Learning
CS 758Algorithms4
CS 775Database Systems4
English
ENGL 502Professional and Technical Writing4
Capstone
CS 791
CS 792
Senior Project I
and Senior Project II
4
or CS 799 Thesis
Select an Approved Minor 1
Complete five (5) courses for the minor20
Total Credits102
1

Minor must be approved by an academic advisor and must be in a discipline to which Analytics & Data Science can be applied (i.e. Economics or Applied Mathematics).

  • 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 analysis lifecycle and employ the resulting knowledge to satisfy stakeholders’ needs.

Explore Program Details

What is the difference between Analytics and Data Science on the Durham campus versus the Manchester campus?

The program is jointly administered across both campuses and the degree requirements are identical.  The Durham campus is primarily for residential full-time students who can commit to classes throughout the day and week. The Manchester programs are more convenient for students who prefer classes in the evenings or in non-traditional formats.  The classes for the Analytics option are available on both campuses, while some classes for the Data Science option are currently available only in Durham.

Those interested in the Analytics & Data Science: Data Science Option major may also be interested in the following advanced degrees. Students in the program also have the opportunity to participate in the UNH accelerated master’s program.

Computer Science M.S.

Computer Science Ph.D.

Business Analytics M.S.

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