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Data-driven approaches pave the way to groundbreaking advances in engineering, biology, medicine, political sciences, and humanities, among other fields. As a result, there is a high demand for data scientists.

To respond to this growing need Aalto University introduced a new Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology. The programme, which will be taught in English, currently provides two study options or majors: Data Science, and Digital Systems and Design. Data Science is a multidisciplinary field focusing on the study of scientific methods used to extract knowledge from data and build models that cope with complex problems.

Aristides Gionis who is the professor in charge of the Data Science major at Aalto University describes the opportunities in this field:”As data is being collected from all kinds of human activities and natural phenomena, data science provides fascinating opportunities to develop solutions to a wide variety of problems in a way that has not been possible before”.

Top jobs and endless career opportunities

With constant disruptions in automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, the global job market is evolving dynamically. Many jobs we know today will disappear and new jobs will be created. “Nobody really knows what the landscape will be in 10 or 20 years from now. Frankly, I think that the career opportunities are endless,” estimates professor Gionis who is a computer scientist and has worked in data science since his graduate studies.

Data science is in the center of this evolution, and mastering the relevant skills (data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, optimization, etc.) gives graduates seeking a new job a huge advantage in the job market. “Data Scientist is consistently ranked among the top jobs in terms of opportunities and compensation. A few weeks ago, the New York Times ran a story about ,” Professor Gionis continues.

Theory, hands-on experience and student life

Data science uses techniques and theories from the areas of mathematics, statistics, information sciences, and computer science. The English Aalto bachelor’s programme has been designed to provide the basic background in all these four areas. Emphasis is given not only to theoretical aspects, but also to hands-on experience and project work in cooperation with the industry.

On top of learning skills required to become a top-level digital expert, the new-coming students of the English bachelor will be integrated in the university community and student life. The Data Science students will be part of the guild of Computer Science students, , which is responsible for helping students in their studies and student life, organizing free-time activities, excursions to companies, etc. “We hope that students will have not only an excellent education but also an active and vibrant campus life that will be an extension of Aalto's classrooms,” says professor Gionis.

Read more about Data Science on the Studies website and see how to apply to this programme. The application period is 9-24 January 2018.