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Ethical Data Science

Bachelor of Science

Overview

Ethical Data Science (EDS) challenges how we can think about and investigate complex problems in business and society.

This one-of-a-kind major focuses on fairness, justice, privacy rights, and other social concerns to model ethical practices in the collection, organization, analysis, storage, and presentation of data. In class, we use algorithms, AI, and machine learning to analyze different forms of real-life data from movies, music, social media, and more.

This major's courses include:

  • Intro to Python Programming and Problem Solving for a Better World
  • Can Computers Think: An Introduction to A.I. and Machine Learning
  • Artificial Intelligence and Data Ethics
  • Technology, A.I. and Society
  • Practical A.I. and Machine Learning
  • Technology, AI, and Society Capstone

No prior experience in programming is required. All are welcome.

Highlights

  • Courses integrate computer science, math, statistics, sociology, philosophy, and business for a unique learning experience valued by the data science job sector.
  • Apply human-centered data science techniques — a new approach being pioneered nationally at Nazareth that addresses the social and ethical consequences of data analysis, machine learning, and AI.
  • The ethical data science program is part of Nazareth’s Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT). Aligning with Nazareth's commitment to social justice and the integration of the liberal arts and professional studies, the institute focuses on the technical, social, and ethical issues posed by technology broadly, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making, and machine learning technologies.
  • Join Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the international honor society of computing and information disciplines with 300 global chapters that provide career mentorship, graduate school preparation, and scholarships.
  • Take part in experiential learning opportunities including internships, community-based projects, research with a faculty member, and study abroad.
  • Learn practical analysis skills that are highly sought after in business, nonprofit, and government careers.
  • Collaborate on class and community-based projects with students across campus in math, science, public health, environmental sustainability, healthcare, business, arts, music, social sciences and the humanities.
  • Be prepared for a new generation of social impact careers through Nazareth’s partnership with the Public Interest Technology University Network, alongside Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, RIT, and Stanford University.
  • Check out the dedicated Math Center for food, fun, and free peer tutoring.

Program Details

College of Distinction: Business badge

Fully immersed

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Integrate computer science, math, statistics, sociology, philosophy, & business

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Take part in experiential learning opportunities

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Learn sought-after analysis skills

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Be prepared for a new generation of social impact careers

Internships

Your Center for Life’s Work career coach will work with you to arrange an ethical data science internship with a company, nonprofit, or government office, where you will apply the skills you’ve learned in the program and gain more skills and insights.

Students have recently completed internships and experiential learning opportunities at:

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • M&T Bank
  • Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (University of Rochester)
  • Kaleida Health

$4,000

UP TO $4,000 TO INVEST IN YOU
Unique to Nazareth, our SPARK Grant provides $1,500 for you to pursue internships, research, and study abroad, plus up to $2,500 in a tuition scholarship for summer SPARK-eligible experiences that earn credit. SPARK stories »

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Your life's work

Careers

  • Data scientist
  • Software engineer
  • Data analyst
  • Actuary
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Data engineer
  • Data architect

Employers

Nazareth math grads have been hired by:

  • Excellus BlueCross/BlueShield
  • National Security Agency
  • Paychex
  • Epic software
  • Morgan Stanley

Graduate schools

Nazareth math grads have gone on to:

  • University of Wisconsin
  • University of Nebraska
  • University of Vermont
  • University of Rochester
Matthew Stanek

Spotlight

"The EDS program teaches you all the technical skills that you will need in the real world. Beyond that, it has given me the ability to think differently and identify ethical concerns within my own and others' work. The classes offered give you the opportunity to dive into issues that are occurring in real time, which gives you a deeper understanding of the most modern approaches to the tech and data world.

The small classes allow you to build relationships with your professors that you will not get at a larger university. There is never a time when you can't get help when you are searching for it. The courses and professors challenge you not only to build your technical programming skills, but also challenge your mind in discussion-based classes where you learn the ability to articulate your ideas based on your own experiences."

— Matthew Stanek '23 (ethical data science), hired as a junior IT analyst, Kaleida Health, Buffalo, NY