In Collaboration with Flatiron School

Birmingham-Southern College launched its Accelerated Data Science Program, the first of its kind for undergraduate students in the state of Alabama, in summer 2021. BSC has engaged Flatiron School, a leading educational organization based in New York, to bring its curriculum to support the program that addresses the growing need of data science skills with the intellectual rigor of a liberal arts education.

Throughout the courses, students will master skills in the key areas of data science: programming, probability and statistics, and machine learning. The curriculum aims to give students insight into various data science disciplines so that they may tackle real-world problems with confidence.

All undergraduate students (BSC or non-BSC) and Birmingham-area professionals may apply. No prior data science or programming experience is necessary. BSC students who successfully complete the 12-week program will be awarded a minor in data science. Non-BSC students and working professionals will receive a Certificate of Completion in Data Science from Birmingham-Southern College.

Info Session Recordings 

Data drives decisions in virtually every industry and profession. The World Economic Forum predicted 44 zettabytes of data would be in existence at the beginning of 2020. Because of this vast amount of data, data scientists are in extreme demand. A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predict  11.5 million job openings in data science by 2026. However, according to a 2018 Burning Glass report, for every 6.4 technology job opportunities in Birmingham, only one position is ultimately filled.

Whether you're currently working in data, planning to enter a new field, or taking classes as a full-time student, the Accelerated Data Science Program will help you gain important data and technology skills.

Data Science at a Glance:

Job Postings:

Based on Birmingham and Huntsville Alabama MSA

“Unleashing the power of data through statistics is a powerful tool that goes hand in hand with critical thinking and is integral to a modern-day liberal arts education.”

Dr. Bradley J. Caskey
Retired BSC Provost

“The advance of computational possibilities opens a new frontier for physics that holds just as much promise for expanding our understanding of the universe.”

Dr. Duane H. Pontius Jr.
T. Morris Hackney Professor of Physics

“Using methods from data science to understand literature may sound new or counterintuitive, but, in fact, it’s a natural function of how literary analysis works.”

Dr. Jessica Hines
Assistant Professor of English

Data Science Students Will...

• • Retrieve, organize, and interpret data using Python
  • Better visualize consumer, social, and popular trends
  • Explore data to create new hypotheses for advanced analysis

• Use presentation techniques and share insights on data with others
• Build new and evolving skills on top of a fundamental understanding of data science
• Apply knowledge in data science to any other discipline

Info Session Recordings

Non-BSC Students:

BSC Students:

Real-World Experience

Students who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity to interview for a paid internship with a local company in fall 2022 or spring 2023, where they will use their new skills in a real-world environment. Internships could lead to full-time positions, helping to build the pool of data science talent in Alabama.

Participating Companies

Our Data Science Advisory Council includes 12 co-founders, a chief technology officer, and a vice president. They are some of the most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in Birmingham and Huntsville.
Participating companies include Alabama Power, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brasfield & Gorrie, Regions Bank and Shipt, as well as Airship, DealNews, The Distribution Point, Fleetio, Harmony Venture Labs, IllumiCare, MotionMobs, NxtSoft, O3 Solutions, Quanthub, and Vituro Health.

Get Started Today!

Gain real-world experience with trusted companies.
Click below to apply for the Data Science program!

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