Emmanuel College set to Launch New Data Science Major

Data science is a field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to gather knowledge and insights from different varieties of data. Used in various industries to solve complex problems, improve decision-making and drive innovation, the field is rapidly growing in Massachusetts and beyond. Learn more about the data science major at Emmanuel College here.

The new major will prepare students for careers as data analysts, data engineers, data scientists and more – prepping them to graduate with the skills to analyze data using advanced statistical techniques and tackle real-world datasets. With the incorporation of the new major, prospective students will have another avenue at Emmanuel to dive into an active and growing career field in STEM – developing a unique liberal arts-focused approach that allows them to communicate their insights to a variety of audiences and view data science through an ethical lens.

According to the Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics, the data science field has a 10-year projected growth of 39 percent in the state, nearing 400 new jobs per year – and as many as 73,000 in the next decade.

Associate Professor of Mathematics – Dr. Benjamin Allen – who has spearheaded the addition of the new major – said Emmanuel graduates have already enjoyed success in the field, like Danielle Beaulieu ’08, who is Chief Data Officer at Origent Data Sciences, Inc. With the addition of the full data science major, future graduates will be in an even better position to be a part of the industry’s growth and help to usher it forward.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach drawing from Emmanuel’s math, computer science, marketing and statistics courses, the major was built from the ground-up with the future of the field in mind: Providing technical tools students will need to apply in the workforce and the theoretical background to make ethical, informed decisions with an understanding of their real-world impacts.