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Math and Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in
Data Science

A Future Decision-Maker’s Best Tool

Data has always been a cornerstone in making decisions that have moved society forward. Every business, and every community, depends on data to extract innovative solutions. Technological advances have allowed scientists to collect immense amounts of data that require the curiosity, creativity, and skill of data scientists to collect, analyze, and process the data to make it understandable and usable. As Wisam Bukaita , PhD, Assistant Professor of Practice in Math and Computer Science explains, “Those who study at LTU and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree will be equipped with tools and knowledge to handle the ever-expanding data landscape to make informed decisions.

“Many scientists and experts collect data, but it’s the data scientist that can tell the story of this data based on professionals’ outcomes. That’s how we can forecast the future based on historical data.”

“Data is like a treasure to support research.”

– WISAM BUKAITA, PHD

At Lawrence Tech, data science is an interdisciplinary academic field that uses statistics, scientific computing, scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract or extrapolate knowledge and insights from noisy, structured, and unstructured data, which is what makes LTU’s BSDS program unique, Bukaita explained. 

LTU students learn to understand complex data sets, identify patterns, and gain proficiency by working on projects in medicine, biomedical engineering, machine learning, big data, information technology, and other fields. Bukaita noted that project-based learning, which students experience in LTU's BSDS program, is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a career in data science. He recently introduced a unique feature in his classes: "internship-based credit" while working toward their degree. “The students learn, work, and get paid in one course,” he said, “with team building and leadership skills as a bonus.” Studying with nationally recognized faculty and industry experts, they also hone teambuilding and leadership skills that prepare them for exciting, challenging, and meaningful careers in data science.

Wisam Bukaita

Wisam Bukaita on Research Day 2023


Graduates from LTU with a Data Science degree are data scientists and decision makers who are able to develop and create programming code using computer science tools and combine it with statistical knowledge to derive insights from data.

Based on published statistics and social media trends, Bukaita noted that data scientists are in high demand in every industry and profession because they are decision-makers. “Every company and every organization strives to identify the future of their product or service and its implications. That guidance comes from the data. There’s a story for each opportunity and the data scientist states the story starting from the past,” he said. “Data modeling is at the heart of data science when you want to get more accurate conclusions.” The data scientist collects and analyzes data, compares it to the current data, tests for accuracy, and advises management on the best course of action. 

LTU

Wisam Bukaita and his students

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LTU student-athlete and Computer Science major Guillermo Garcia de Celis Rodriguez

LTU student-athlete and Computer Science major Guillermo Garcia de Celis Rodriguez worked with Bukaita on a data science research project. He said, “I was looking for a teaching assistant position and came away with a research job. I have learned a lot from Dr. Wisam. I don’t only want to code because you don’t get to understand where the data comes from or learn why the data is that way. He’s taught me that the data comes from a specific source, it has a purpose, and it can reveal important insights. With what he has taught me, I want to continue with Dr. Wisam for my next two years at Lawrence Tech.”

Garcia presented the research conducted with Dr. Bukaita at the 2023 Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters (MASAL) Conference on March 17, at Andrews University and a poster about this research project with Bukaita at LTU Research Day 2023 in April titled "An Analysis of Temperature Variability Using an Index Model" that described the global warming.

For Garcia and others who may want to consider a career in data science, it is a highly valuable and rewarding career path. According to U.S. News and World Report's "Best Jobs" list, data science ranks 6th in the "Best Technology Jobs" category. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected 35.8% employment growth for data scientists between 2021 and 2031, which will create an estimated 40,500 newly available jobs. In 2021, the median salary for data scientists was $100,910. The highest earning 25% earned $130,770 and the lowest 25% earned an annual salary of $77,620.

Bukaita says, “For anyone who’s also interested in making a difference, data science provides numerous opportunities to do just that.” 

by Renée Ahee

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