Data Science
Big Data is transforming every aspect of our world, and understanding how it works will continue to be a key area of expertise for every sector and industry, including business, healthcare, education and government. To study data science is to understand what it means to be a 21st century problem-solver who can turn information into insights. Common career paths: business analyst, statistician, researcher, deep learning engineer, data scientist.
Career Opportunities for Data Science Degree Graduates
Graduate in data science are in high demand as they help businesses to plan better and work more efficiently.
About the Data Science Bachelor's Program
As a student in the Data Science Bachelor's Program at Canisius, you'll gain rigorous training in mathematics, computer science, and business intelligence, equipping you with the tools to harness the power of data. If your goal is to learn how to translate complex data into actionable insights, you’ll be well-prepared for an analyst role with a business or organization by the time you graduate. If your passion is building data models and algorithms, you’ll be well-positioned to continue your studies at the graduate level.
Program Details
- Individualized Attention and Mentoring: You’ll benefit from small classes and individualized attention. Learning from professors who will get to know you on a personal level and help you build on your unique strengths and interests.
- An Interdisciplinary Approach: Along with specific knowledge about data science, our program will arm you with the skills needed to thrive in the professional world—including written and oral communication, teamwork, synthesizing information, problem-solving and critical thinking. Guided by Jesuit values, you’ll also develop a holistic understanding of the ethical issues that guide the use of data in modern life.
- Experiential Learning: You’ll use the latest technology to explore and analyze data sets and anticipate how they might be applied to various problem-solving situations.
Dual Majors and Minors
As part of the Bachelor of Data Science program, you must complete a minor or a second major, which can be in any field and will depend on your interests, strengths and career goals. Areas of complementary study include computer science, mathematics, psychology, economics, finance, marketing and digital media arts.
This unique approach allows you to create a flexible path for both your academic and your career goals.
Take electives. Build skills. Get a head start on grad school.
As a Data Science undergraduate, you can choose Sport Data Analytics courses as electives — building practical skills in data analysis, visualization, and decision-making used across sports, business, and technology. Those same credits apply toward the Graduate Sport Data Analytics Certificate, so if you decide to continue, you're already on your way.
Skill Areas
- Data analysis
- Data Visualization
- High-stakes decision-making
Dual Pathway to Graduate Certificate
- Take electives as an undergraduate
- Earn full certificate through 4+1 / 5-year program
Potential Job Titles
Sports Analyst
- Performance Data Specialist
- Team Analytics Consultant
- Sports Technology Developer
Student Work Spotlight: Ignatian Scholarship Day
Canisius Data Science students present their research at Ignatian Scholarship Day, the university’s annual showcase of academic inquiry grounded in the Jesuit tradition of intellectual excellence and service.
In 2026, undergraduate student Andrew Crooks presented a research poster in sport analytics, extending work from his Sport Data Analytics elective coursework into practical case-based research. Experiences like this help students strengthen analytical thinking, apply classroom learning to real-world questions, and build confidence presenting their work in a public academic setting.
For current students looking to present research, speak to your advisor about opportunities through CCADE and Ignatian Scholarship Day.
The Data Masters Challenge Olympiad : Build Your Résumé in Real-World Settings
Put your data science skills to the ultimate test in our annual 48-hour intercollegiate analytics sprint, designed to mirror real-world industry challenges and connect you with top employers.
Real-World Application: Apply Python, R, and machine learning to solve actual business problems in a fast-paced, expertise-based team setting.
Industry Validation: Present your models and dashboards to a grading jury of senior professionals from top US and Canadian analytics firms.
Proven Outcomes: Leverage a portfolio-building experience that has helped recent students land highly competitive roles at IBM and the London Stock Exchange Group.
A Winning Tradition: Join a data science program whose students dominated the competition, claiming both 1st and 2nd place in the 2025 Olympiad.
Canisius Center for Analytics and Data Ecosystems
The Master of Science in Data Analytics program is a part of the Canisius Center for Analytics and Data Ecosystems (CCADE). As a premier resource for interdisciplinary data analytics education in Western New York, CCADE provides students with access to cutting-edge resources and industry expertise, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.