University of New Brunswick to launch data science degree in 2027

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) will launch a Bachelor of Data Science degree at its Saint John campus in September 2027, preparing students to meet the growing demand for professionals who can turn complex data into practical solutions.

From improving patient care in hospitals to helping businesses make informed decisions and governments plan public services, data science is playing an increasingly important role across sectors. The new programme aims to equip graduates with the technical expertise and practical experience needed to apply data-driven insights to real-world challenges.

Developed jointly by UNB’s Department of Mathematics & Statistics and Department of Computer Science, the four-year interdisciplinary degree will combine mathematical and statistical methods with computing skills to give students a broad foundation in data science.

The curriculum will cover programming, data management, machine learning, modelling and data visualisation. Students will also develop communication, project management, ethical decision-making and leadership skills, with an emphasis on using data responsibly and understanding its wider impact on society.

Practical experience at the core

Beyond classroom learning, the programme will give students opportunities to apply their knowledge through industry projects, internships, practicums, applied research and a capstone project.

The hands-on approach is intended to help students graduate with practical experience and the ability to address problems faced by employers and organisations, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.

Students will be able to pursue a general stream or specialise in one of four areas: health, ecology and environment, business, or engineering and technology.

The concentrations will allow students to connect their technical training with their individual interests, whether they want to analyse health data, contribute to environmental research, support business decisions or work with emerging technologies.

Career pathways across sectors

Graduates will be prepared for a range of roles, including data scientist, data analyst, business intelligence analyst, machine learning engineer, health data analyst, environmental data analyst, data engineer, quantitative analyst, operations research analyst and product analyst.

The degree will also provide a foundation for further study and professional development.

As organisations increasingly depend on data to guide decisions, the ability to interpret information, identify patterns and communicate meaningful insights is becoming more valuable. Through its new programme, UNB aims to prepare students to meet that demand and apply data science to challenges across industries and society.