Online Bachelor’s in Data Science Program Guide

Jobs in data science have one of the best projected industry growth rates over the next decade. And yet, these roles remain among the most difficult for employers to fill. There simply aren’t enough qualified professionals. You can change that. Put your passion for numbers and analysis to work with the Maryville University online bachelor’s in data science.

Our innovative program gives you convenient access to data technology so you can practice applying complex theory through a wide range of real-world projects. Study with us and learn how data can drive success in business — and your career.

Start your journey

At a glance

Apply with no application fee and no
SAT/ACT required.

Explore transfer options — Maryville is 
transfer credit friendly.

Access 100% online coursework that
uniquely blends data technology, statistics,
and business with practical learning
opportunities.

Complete projects to build your skills with Python, SQL, R, predictive modeling, and
machine learning.

Learn from leaders in data science by
engaging with dedicated faculty who help
you connect the curriculum to your career
vision.

Stand out with a recommended business minor or concentration in actuarial science.

Curriculum

The Maryville University online Bachelor of Science in Data Science comprises 128 credit hours and includes coursework in general education, the data science major, general electives, and an optional concentration in actuarial science. With our online data science degree, you’ll do more than explore statistical theory, mathematical methods, and the latest data technologies. You’ll complete hands-on projects that allow you to see the practical application of your studies.

Required Data Science Major Courses

DSCI 200
Foundations of Data Science
DSCI 201
Math Modeling
MATH 251
Calculus III
DSCI 302
Introduction to R
DSCI 303
Introduction to Python
DSCI 304
Introduction to SQL
DSCI 307
SAS Programming
MATH 316
Applied Linear Algebra
MATH 370
Probability I
MATH 371
Probability II
MATH 372
Mathematical Statistics
DSCI 318
Experimental Design
DSCI 408
Machine Learning
DSCI 412
Predictive Modeling
DSCI 417
Big Data Analytics

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.

Get full course descriptions

Admission requirements

  • First-time freshman applicants
    • High school diploma or equivalency
    • Minimum GPA for freshmen applicants: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale*
    • Official high school transcript**
  • Transfer applicants
    • Minimum GPA for college or university transfer applicants: 2.0 on a 4.0 scale*
    • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended
  • Click to view our transfer credit policy
    • The acceptance of transfer credit is at the discretion of Maryville University
  • International applicants (if applicable): Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL with a score of 563, speaking sub-score of 23, writing sub-score of 20, reading and listening scores of 21, and a combined score of 85 or higher)
  • No standardized tests required

*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for provisional admission.

**In lieu of submitting a transcript to fulfill this requirement, an applicant can attest to their completion. Maryville University reserves the right to request official proof at any time.

Explore our additional resources to help guide your admission journey.

Accreditation and rankings

Money's Best Colleges 2020 Logo
Military Friendly Schools 2023-2024 logo

Named an “Apple Distinguished School” for 2021-2024

Ranked a “Best National University” for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report

Why Maryville Online?

We’ve been progressively challenging the norms of higher education for nearly 150 years. We started as one of the first universities to educate women. Today, we continue to push the boundaries and prepare students like you for a digital world. At Maryville, we understand what it takes to step beyond your comfort zone.

Maryville University is a nationally ranked private college recognized for comprehensive and innovative education focused on student learning, outcomes, and success — both online and on campus. We’re located just 22 miles from downtown St. Louis.

Your Education at Your Pace

Not quite ready for a full bachelor’s degree? We’ve got you covered.

We offer an online professional certificate in data science to give you a more streamlined approach toward earning a bachelor’s-level education.

Our online certificate in data science is designed to help you build a comprehensive knowledge base to utilize in areas like computer programming languages, deep learning, machine learning, big data analytics, and linear algebra. At Maryville, our data science certificate helps you build your foundation in as few as six courses (18 credit hours). Then, you can apply all your coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in data science.

Early Access Program

Did you know that Maryville undergraduates can qualify for graduate-level credits? Once you are accepted — and before you have completed your elective requirements — we invite you to explore Early Access as an option. Through Early Access, you can get a head start on earning a graduate degree by taking master’s-level courses that count toward your undergraduate and graduate degrees. Graduate-level Early Access courses are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate — so you can save time and money.

You can learn more at our Early Access page.

Taking Your Degree Further

After you earn your bachelor’s in data science, you can pursue a certificate in big data or machine learning, and create your own path in a high-growth, high-demand field.

At Maryville, we offer 100% online professional post-bachelor’s certificates in big data and machine learning designed to give you a real-world, project-based education tailored to your personal strengths and goals. Our programs can help you build a graduate-level foundation in these booming fields in just five courses (15 credit hours) — a fraction of the time it would take to earn a master’s degree.

Faculty Spotlight

Guangwei Fan, PhD, ASA

Professor of Data Science, Actuarial Science, and Mathematics

Dr. Guangwei Fan is an industry-leading scholar and passionate educator. With nearly 30 years of experience as an academic leader, he’s helped many of Maryville’s graduates find work in their desired field. Now he can help you do the same.

In his career, Dr. Fan has investigated ways to expand how data scientists and mathematicians communicate with teams. He’s also published numerous papers in mathematics and actuarial science. He knows what it takes to model a future in data science — especially at a time when the field is rapidly growing.

At Maryville, we always put students’ needs and educational experiences first. Dr. Fan epitomizes that philosophy. He knows what it takes to model a future in data science — especially at a time when the field is rapidly growing. When you earn your online degree in data science from Maryville, you can learn from industry experts like Dr. Fan who prioritize your success.

Start your journey today

Learn more about the Maryville University online bachelor’s in data science.