2025 - 2026 Catalog
Data Science and Analytics (DSAN-BS), B.S.
Location(s):
Online
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The Data Science and Analytics program was created in response to the critical need in today’s workplace for employees who are capable of drawing meaningful insight from vast quantities of data. Data science and analytics is a growing field that manipulates and uses data to gather intelligence in business, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, insurance, homeland security, criminal justice, education, government, healthcare, and manufacturing. Data science and analytics turns raw data into information that creates knowledge used by leaders to establish and achieve organizational goals and sustain a competitive advantage. For example, it assists businesses in spotting customer trends, creating customer loyalty, enhancing supplier relationships, reducing financial risk, and uncovering sales opportunities. Data science and analytics is a rapidly growing new field. All over the world, businesses have recognized the importance of data science and analytics and its potential to gain an edge over their competitors. And our Data Science and Analytics program will give you an edge as you start your career.
Working side-by-side with our highly experienced faculty, including statisticians, data miners, information security and intelligence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software engineering experts, you will work on real-world projects to discover information hidden in databases, texts, the internet, and other data sources. You will develop a deep understanding of how data science and analytics links the real world to data, solves critical business problems, and assists in cutting-edge fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
With your degree in Data Science and Analytics, you will accelerate your career in a rapidly growing field.
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Program Outcomes
- Students will be able to analyze data, select, and perform the appropriate statistical test when testing hypotheses.
- Students will be able to explore and prepare data, create, analyze, and compare models and interpret the output to stakeholders using various tools.
- Students will be able to efficiently compose and evaluate codes/programs needed in solving problems in data science.
- Complete real-world projects in professional settings utilizing teamwork, oral and written communication skills and technology to satisfy key stakeholders.
New Student Admissions Requirements
2.50 High School GPA (on a 4.00 scale) - SAT Scores Two of the Three Criteria:
- ERW SAT score of 450 or higher.
- Math SAT score of 500 or higher. Placement in MATH 109 or MATH 110 will be considered (Math SAT score of 480 or higher).
- Composite SAT of 900 or higher.
- ACT Scores Two of the Three Criteria:
- English ACT score of 16 or higher.
- Math ACT score of 19 or higher.
- Reading ACT score of 19 or higher.
Transfer Student Admissions Requirements
- Combined college or university GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA based on completion of 12 credit hours or more. Developmental courses will not be considered in computing the GPA requirement.
- Transfer equivalency for Ferris State University’s ENGL 150 or placement during the first semester at Ferris State University which would require an English ACT score of 16 or higher; or ERW SAT score of 450 or higher; or English Accuplacer score of 6 or higher.
- Transfer equivalency for Ferris State University’s MATH 114 or 115 or placement during the first semester at Ferris State University which would require a MATH ACT score of 19 or higher; Math SAT of 500 or higher; or Math Accuplacer scores: Elementary Algebra score 75 or higher and College Level Math 0 to 49.
University Requirements - 39 to 40 Credits Required
First Year Seminar Requirement (FSUS 100 or Equivalent) - 0 to 1 Credit Required
All First-Time-In-Any-College Freshmen (FTIACs) must complete a one-credit FSUS 100 course, or its equivalent. Additional information and the definition of FTIAC for FSUS purposes can be found in the: Ferris State University Academic Affairs FSUS Policy University General Education Requirements - 39 Credits Required
Courses in this section are required to satisfy the University General Education Requirements for a bachelor’s degree. The University General Education requirements can be found on the: Ferris State University General Education Requirements Webpage Communication Competency - 12 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)
Quantitative Literacy Competency - 3 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)
Choose 1 of 4 - MATH 115 - Intermediate Algebra Credit Hours: 3
- Official Pre-2016 Math SAT Score of 560 or Higher
- Official Post-2016 Math SAT Score of 580 or Higher
- Official Math ACT Score of 24 or Higher
Natural Sciences Competency - 6 Credits Required
Two courses are required with a minimum of 6 credits: must have at least one lab course. Culture Competency - 9 Credits Required
Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines, have at least one 200 level or higher course, and have no more than 5 credits from Cultural Competency Activities. Self and Society Competency - 9 Credits Required
Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines and have at least one 200 level or higher course. United States (U.S.) Diversity Competency - 1 Course Required
If not met by courses taken for Culture Competency, Self and Society Competency, or Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), a student must have one course with the United States (U.S.) Diversity attribute. Some courses include both Global and United States (U.S.) Diversity attributes. Global Diversity Competency - 1 Course Required
If not met by courses taken for Culture Competency, Self and Society Competency, or Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), a student must have one course with the Global Diversity attribute. Some courses include both Global and United States (U.S.) Diversity attributes. Collaboration Competency - Courses Required Met in College Requirements
If not met by courses taken in the College Requirements section, a student must have two courses with the Collaboration attribute. Some courses include both Collaboration and Problem Solving attributes. Problem Solving Competency - Courses Required Met in College Requirements
If not met by courses taken in the College Requirements section, a student must have two courses with the Problem Solving attribute. Some courses include both Collaboration and Problem Solving attributes. College Requirements - 81 Credits Required
Major Courses - 36 Credits Required
These courses are used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement. Additional Requirements - 27 Credits Required
These courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement. Directed Electives - 18 Credits (Advisor Approval)
Choose six directed electives from the list: Notes
- Students who return to the university after an interrupted enrollment, not including summer semester, must normally meet the requirements of the curriculum which are in effect at the time of their return, not the requirements which were in effect when they were originally admitted.
- Credit Variance: Credits required may vary based on course placement, prerequisites, etc. If you have questions, contact your advisor.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from Ferris State University, students must meet both University and Programmatic Graduation Requirements. University Graduation Requirements
These are the minimum graduation requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University:
• All requirements as specified in the University Requirements section must be met.
• A minimum of 120 credits must be earned.
• A 2.00 or higher cumulative Ferris State University GPA is required.
• A minimum of 30 credits must be earned from Ferris State University to meet the Residency requirement.
• A minimum of 40 credits of 300 level or higher courses must be earned. Programmatic Graduation Requirements
These are the additional graduation requirements mandated by the program:
• All requirements as specified in the College Requirements section must be met.
• A 2.50 or higher cumulative GPA is required in the Major Courses section. Suggested Semester Layout
Consult Advisor to Approve Your Customized Plan in MyDegree Contact Information
Elies Kouider (Data Science and Analytics Director) College of Business (231) 591-3166 [email protected] Patty Rettinger (Marketing Department Secretary) (231) 591-2426 [email protected] |
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