Join us at Laurier

Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Steps to Apply

Undergraduate Admissions Graduate Admissions

Steps to Apply

Undergraduate AdmissionsGraduate Admissions

Data Science (BSc)

waterloo

Our Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Data Science is the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Canada. Technological advances have created unprecedented amounts of information (big data) about the world. Learn to extract insights from big data by gaining skills in mathematics, statistics and computer science. Tailor your degree by studying financial risk analysis, statistical analysis or focus specifically on big data. The rising demand for data-oriented professionals means you could work in insurance, marketing, finance, health care and other sectors.

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Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll have access to in the Data Science program:

Check out the Data Science Experience and Career Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)     OUAC code: UDS

Your Next Steps

Apply Now Strengthen Your Application Important Dates

Program Details

What is Data Science?

The information explosion of the modern age has resulted in extremely large data sets and a need to understand how to analyze and make sense of big data. Advances in hardware, software and statistical techniques are giving rise to automated methods to analyze patterns and models for all kinds of data, with applications ranging from scientific discovery to business intelligence and analytics.

As a result, data-driven decision making is quickly becoming the standard in almost every industry and has created an unprecedented demand for data-oriented professionals across a wide range of industries, organizations and disciplines. Given the volume of the data sets in question, it is nearly impossible to extract patterns, trends and behaviours without some degree of mathematical guidance and programming expertise.

Research Opportunities

Every year, a few top undergraduate students receive a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA).

A USRA enables you to work for one term, usually the summer, as a research assistant to a professor. It is meant to stimulate your interest in research in the natural sciences and engineering and to help you gain research experience.

Program Options and Courses

Concentrations

You can tailor your studies by choosing to concentrate in:

  • Big Data
  • Financial Risk Analysis
  • Statistical Analysis

You can also complement core courses with electives from natural and social sciences, arts, business and economics.

Options and Minors

In addition to adding a concentration to your Data Science degree, you can add one of our popular options or minors that allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Economics Minor
  • Entrepreneurship Core
  • Geomatics Option
  • Management Option
  • Minors in natural, physical and social sciences or humanities disciplines

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

  • Calculus I
  • Data Structures I
  • Introduction to Business Principles for Entrepreneurs
  • Introduction to Data Analytics
  • Introduction to Discrete Structures or Introduction to Mathematical Proofs
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Introductory Linear Algebra
  • Understanding the Business Environment
  • 1.0 elective credits

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Computational Methods for Data Analysis
  • Regression Analysis
  • Statistical Learning
  • Data Visualization
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Mining

Similar Programs

Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"Waterloo has been a fantastic place to spend my university years as not only is it a vibrant, young city with a lot of social activities available year-round, but it is also a hub of technological and entrepreneurial innovation. It’s a really exciting place to be as a young professional in Canada."

Hussain P., current student

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • big data architect
  • business data analyst
  • catastrophe risk analyst
  • data engineer
  • data project manager
  • data scientist
  • industry analyst
  • operational risk consultant
  • venture capital associate

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Path to Medical School

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Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.

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