UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

Hospitals use data to improve patient care. Businesses use it to make decisions. Governments use it to plan services. Researchers use it to solve challenges ranging from climate change to emerging technologies.

The University of New Brunswick believes demand for people who can turn that information into action will keep growing.

To meet that need, UNB will launch a new Bachelor of Data Science program at its Saint John campus in September 2027.

The four-year degree combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science in a single interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in one of the world's fastest-growing fields. Developed jointly by the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Computer Science, it provides a balanced foundation in both disciplines while helping students build practical skills employers are seeking.

Students will study programming, data management, machine learning, modelling, and data visualization while developing communication, project management, ethics, and leadership skills. They will also learn how to use data responsibly and understand the broader impact data-driven decisions can have on society.

The program focuses on applying those skills to real-world challenges.

Students will gain experience through industry projects, internships, practicums, applied research opportunities, and a capstone project. The goal is to ensure graduates leave with more than classroom knowledge. They will graduate with experience applying data science in real-world settings.

Students can pursue a general stream or tailor their studies through one of four concentrations:

• Health
• Ecology & Environment
• Business
• Engineering & Technology

These options let students connect data science skills to fields that match their interests and career goals. Whether a student's passion is health care, climate research, business, or emerging technologies, the program shows how data can help solve important problems.

Graduates will be prepared for careers 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.

As organizations collect and rely on more data than ever before, the need for people who can interpret, communicate, and apply that information continues to grow. UNB's new Bachelor of Data Science program will prepare students for those opportunities while providing a foundation for advanced study and professional growth.

The future runs on data. Build it at UNB. Learn more.

Photo: Dr. Connie Stewart, Department Chair & Statistician, Mathematics & Statistics, UNB Saint John campus, is the lead for the new Bachelor of Data Science program.