Learn how to build the advanced machine-learning models and Algorithms that will shape our future!
The Fourth Industrial Revolution involves signifying tasks that we once electrified and automated. From Enterprise Resource Planning programs that help us to track thousands of moving parts within an organization to improving customer experiences to predicting outcomes and trends for better governmental decisions, we are using ‘big data’ to achieve those ends and many more!
Data Science is at the heart of that change. It is number 6 in the 100 Best Jobs list published by U.S. News and World Report and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for data scientists will grow 36 percent between 2021 and 2031, making it the 6th fastest growing as well.
If you would like to pursue a new career in the booming Artificial Intelligence and machine learning field or want to upskill your knowledge and gain a competitive edge, the BS in Data Science program within UM-Flint’s College of Innovation & Technology can help you achieve your goals!
The top leaders in government, business, healthcare, finance and other areas need experts in Data Science. We have been able to capture a glut of data that needs to be filtered, organized, analyzed, and used to build predictive models so that we can ask better questions and make better decisions.
Why Get a Data Science Degree at UM-Flint?
Study at Your Own Pace—Online and In-Person Learning
The Data Science program can be completed online through high-tech Cyber-classrooms or in-person face-to-face with our amazing faculty. Whether online or in-person, you are given the flexibility to access your learning the way you want.
Beginner Friendly – Courses for Students without CS Background
The University of Michigan-Flint’s online Data Science program is suitable for those with previous experience in computer science and related fields and welcomes those without any technical background.
Customizable Data Science Program with Four Concentration Options
Within the Data Science program, you are allowed to select one of four concentrations:
- Computational
- Machine Learning
- Mathematical
- Theoretical
A Rapidly Growing Field
With so much modern work dependent on data collection and retention, we live and depend on proper data science. As data mining, investigation, analysis, management, and forecasting are essential to many professions, what was once a niche but competitive advantage is now becoming standard across many fields. Data scientists are increasingly relied upon in a modern economy, and as such, the profession is experiencing rapid growth.
Advance or Start a New Career
Data science, as a relatively new field, is a good match for those looking to gain an extra advantage in their career or start over. Data science can be applied to a number of different fields, as the logistics of planning and executing modern business strategies often rely on the assistance of data science professionals. Government officials and economists are also looking for Data Scientists to help them build better models.
100% Online and Beginner Friendly
Our data science program is designed to accommodate both students with advanced knowledge of computer science and those who are just beginning. The program may be completed entirely online, or in person. Created with the working professional in mind, this program is formatted to better accommodate a working schedule. Students who do not have a background in computer science will take up to 3 Fast Track courses to bring them up to speed with CS-experienced classmates.
“With the growing interest and our newly-developed programs coupled with the rise of generative artificial intelligence I foresee more productive research opportunities for CIT students, which will help them land lucrative jobs in the many fields that use Data Science.”
Halil Bisgin
Associate Professor of Computer Science

Data Science Online Degree Curriculum & Courses
The BS degree in Data Science at UM-Flint provides a highly concentrated set of classes that deliver technical training on the practical side of Data Science, such as information storage and retrieval, data mining, data visualization, and databases as well as the theoretical backdrop of methods and algorithms that power the growth of our artificial intelligence and machine learning tools.
The CIS Data Science BS gives students a foundation in the cross-sections of statistics, mathematics, and computer science that will be needed to build tools that analyze and manipulate masses of complex data. Students majoring in Data Science will learn how to think critically about the processes we need to go through to understand data through courses in programming, database systems, and data analysis.The program requires a minimum of 120 credits.
See the detailed BS in Data Science course plan.
“I now have a job with General Motors as a software developer working on one of their mobile apps, and I absolutely love it. I am programming day in and day out and collaborating very heavily with my team; programming in the workforce definitely doesn’t have to be as solitary as people think it is!”
Molly Kwasny
UM-Flint Student
Career Opportunities in Data Science and Data Analytics
The technological world lives and depends on data. Whereas sophisticated use of Data Science used to be a competitive advantage, the employment of data scientists is now becoming an industry standard. Data mining, investigation, analysis, management, and forecasting are all crucial areas that industries must employ to remain competitive on a local and global scale.
Accordingly, the demand for competent data scientists is rapidly increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of data scientists will grow 35% through 2032, seven times faster than the average for all occupations. With this positive career outlook, graduates of our online Data Science program can kick-start their careers in many industries, such as consulting, financial services, healthcare, and technology.
*With experience, salaries can be over $150,000. In Michigan, job postings for senior data scientists and analysts are around $150,000.
Your Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree from UM-Flint will open the door to a wide range of career options. Consider these job projections for just a few possibilities from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

- Budget Analysts
- Job growth through 2031: 3 percent
- Job openings annually through 2031: 4,000
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $79,940
- Data Scientists
- Job growth through 2032: 35 percent
- Job openings annually through 2031: 13,500
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $103,500
- Economists
- Job growth through 2031: 13 percent
- Job openings annually through 2031: 1,600
- Typical entry-level education required: Master’s degree
- Median annual salary: $105,630
- Financial Analysts
- Job growth through 2031: 9 percent
- Job openings annually through 2031: 32,000
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $95,570
- Management Analysts
- Job growth through 2031: 11 percent
- Job openings annually through 2031: 101,900
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $93,000
- Market Research Analysts
- Job growth through 2031: 19 percent
- Job openings annually through 2031: 99,800
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $63,920
- Operations Research Analysts
- Job growth through 2031: 23 percent
- Job openings annually through 2031: 10,300
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $82,360
Admission Requirements
UM-Flint’s first-year students typically have a minimum of a 2.7 high school GPA. You will need to submit the following materials to apply to UM-Flint’s Bachelor of Science in Data Science program:
- A completed online or paper application
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
Review the UM-Flint’s complete undergraduate admission requirements.
Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Data Science Program!
Take your next step and submit your application today to start your pursuit of a rewarding career in the fast-growing field of data science! Have more questions about the University of Michigan-Flint’s Bachelor of Science in Data Science? Request information.