“The world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data” (The Economist, 2017). I prefer to think of data as the lifeblood of informed decision-making—fueling innovation, shaping policy, and driving progress across every field. Data fluency means opportunity, problem-solving, and influence.

Here at Valdosta State University’s Department of Data Science, we equip our students with the tools and insights to transform raw information into meaningful solutions that carry real-world impact in business, health, environment, and technology—where data drives decision-making.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to a learning environment in which analytical thinking meets practical application, and where your curiosity will be matched by opportunities to grow.

Our department offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Science, with concentrations in:

· Computational Science & Engineering

· Supply Chain & Logistics

· Business Analytics

We also offer minors in Applied Statistics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Data Science, and Physics, as well as our fully online Data Science Certificate. The Department of Data Science is where mathematics and physics converge through data collection, computation, and analysis.

Our faculty are committed to supporting your success both in the classroom and through experiential learning. We encourage students to engage in undergraduate research, internships, and collaborative projects. These experiences often lead to conference presentations, publications, and direct career pathways in industries ranging from technology to healthcare to logistics.

The demand for skilled data scientists is rapidly growing, and our graduates are well-positioned to excel in diverse roles such as data analyst, machine learning engineer, business intelligence specialist, and operations researcher. Many also go on to graduate school, broadening their expertise and career prospects.

If you are considering a major, minor, or certificate in our department, I encourage you to connect with us early for academic advising. Early planning ensures that you can make the most of your time at Â鶹´«Ã½ and graduate on schedule. Visit our website at /data-science/ to explore our programs, faculty, and student opportunities.

Once again, welcome to the Department of Data Science—we look forward to seeing the impact you will make!

Dr. Shaun Ault

Interim Department Head

Department of Data Science