Students in Widener University's School of Business look at a computer in the on-campus finance lab.
Undergraduate Major

Data Science & Intelligence Major: Bachelor’s Degree in Business (BSBA)

As a data science & intelligence major, you'll learn to lead in a data-driven, AI-powered business landscape.

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  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Data Science & Intelligence Major: Bachelor’s Degree in Business (BSBA)

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Major & Minor

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Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

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Explore the Data Science & Intelligence Major

Through Widener’s data science and intelligence major, you’ll develop high-demand skills as you learn how to collect, manage, analyze, and use data to drive strategic business decisions.

Along the way, you’ll explore how machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics are transforming industries, including finance, healthcare, marketing, operations, technology, and many others. The program also highlights ethical decision-making, responsible AI use, and the broader impact of data and intelligent systems on society.

When all is said and done, you’ll feel confident transforming data into insight; insight into strategy; and strategy into impact.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) logo

The School of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This professional accreditation places Widener among the top one-third of college business schools in the U.S. and Europe.

Program Options for Data Science & Intelligence Majors

In the data science & intelligence program, you'll build the skills to work with data across its full lifecycle, from gathering and preparing data to analyzing it, building models, and communicating results. Then, you'll uncover how to use data to predict what's likely to happen next and take strategic action.

You'll complete coursework in business leadership and analytics, database management systems, project management, design and development of business applications, and more.

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College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth. 

Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:

  • How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
  • How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
  • How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.

Prepare for rapid career growth by completing two degrees in five years. When you graduate, you’ll receive a bachelor’s degree in business analytics and a master’s degree in one of several graduate programs in the School of Business Administration.

Explore graduate business degrees.

Our acclaimed co-op program and emphasis on internships will transform your powerful Widener education into action, helping you gain the experiences, connections, and career-building moments that will benefit you for a lifetime.

Tap into powerful networks of faculty mentors and Career Design & Development professionals to secure real-world work experience that matches your career goals.

The best part? You can get paid and still graduate on time.

Learn more about co-op & internships

Employers want graduates who can analyze and make sense of big data, and then communicate the findings clearly. That's why we ensure all data science & intelligence majors earn the SAS Joint Certificate. SAS is the leading software package used by industry for advanced analytics and its certificate is highly respected in the field.

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Earn an SAP Student Recognition Award through your business analytics coursework. This signals to employers that you not only know how to use SAP software, but have the analytical skills that come from using SAP applications.

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The business honors program is an exciting opportunity for academically talented students to enrich their business education with advanced honors courses, an honors seminar, collaboration with faculty on research, civic engagement, and professional and leadership development opportunities.

Students can complete their program of study in 4 years graduating with a certificate of honors in business.

Eligibility

Students are admitted to the School of Business Administration Honors Program as entering first-year, based on high school GPA and academic credentials. If numbers permit, then additional students may be admitted at the end of their first year (based on GPA).

Requirements

  • Take 5 business honors courses during the first 6 semesters.  A co-op can substitute for one of the business honors courses.
  • Maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA.
  • Complete two of the following enrichment experiences: honors international trip, graduate course, research with a faculty member, passing a professional exam, or working in the Small Business Development Center.

Benefits

  • Eligibility to take honors sections of required business courses, which typically cover the material in greater breadth and depth, and often with a focus on experiential learning.
  • Opportunity to participate in an honors international trip.
  • Special distinction at commencement wearing the honors cord. In addition, a certificate of honors awarded at commencement and on official transcript.  

Pair Your Data Science & Intelligence Major with a Minor or Certificate

Computer Forensics Minor

Advantages

Combine your business know-how with coding, criminal justice, and ethics courses for a career providing cybersecurity to businesses and governments.

Outcome

Cybersecurity Specialist

Marketing Minor

Advantages

Dive deep into consumer data through marketing research and digital advertising courses to learn how to develop informed pricing plans.

Outcome

Pricing Specialist

Computer Information Systems Minor

Advantages

Deepen your knowledge of computer science and management information systems to pursue a data-driven business role.

Outcome

Business Intelligence Analyst

Mathematics Certificate

Advantages

Combine your business and statistical knowledge to sharpen your quantitative reasoning and data modeling skills, giving you a competitive edge in decision-making roles.

Outcome

Business Intelligence Consultant

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Data Science & Intelligence Majors

Avg. Salary

$97,430

Per year (2021 median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations)

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Recent Employers

  • Boeing
  • EquiFit
  • Global Tax Management
  • Capital One
  • JP Morgan

Potential Careers

  • Operations research analyst
  • Business analyst
  • System support technologist
  • Project manager

Why Study Data Science & Intelligence at Widener?

Two students are mentored by a faculty member in the finance lab on Widener University's campus.

Explore Innovative Facilities & Resources

Apply design thinking and analytics using the latest enterprise application software in Widener's NextGen/SAP Lab. Your analysis will have a real impact on businesses in the local community.

If financial tech is your thing, you'll learn the tools of the trade by analyzing real-time data and managing an investment portfolio in our state-of-the-art Finance Lab. At the Small Business Development Center, you can apply those analytics skills to provide consultation to up-and-coming regional entrepreneurs.

The lobby of Widener University's School of Business, with volunteers handling registration for a professional conference.

Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus

Join professional organizations to grow your resume and network with business students and professionals across Philadelphia and the world.

On campus, you can live with other first year business students in the Business (Developing Entrepreneurs) Living Learning Community (LLC). Through co-curricular activities and social events, you'll explore scholarly faculty work, strengthen academic skills, and make friends for life.

Business Expert Faculty

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

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Student Stories

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"Four years, four majors, 4.0s, and less than four months after graduating, I was already excited to be back on campus as an alumni guest speaker to share my insights with current students. Where else but Widener?"

Evan Davis

Class of 2021 & 2022
Ryan Raiker walks in front of Quick Center with three students

"I was recently named Director of the Year for excellence in marketing. Widener's pillar of leadership emboldens me. There’s a home for me at Widener and having a seat and getting involved teaches networking and time management."

Ryan Raiker

Class of 2016 and Class of 2017
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Student Evan Davis reading a Superman comic book

"Widener gives me access to so many great opportunities—like the Money Club, Blue Route literary journal, and Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity. These experiences and opportunities give me a great competitive advantage heading into the workforce."

Evan Davis

Class of 2021
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Our Faculty

Tongyang Yang
Tongyang Yang
Assistant Professor

Our lives are dominated by business considerations. Studying business will help you develop effective and essential decision-making skills that can be a way to advance your career while helping companies and organizations succeed.

Christina Henson 260x300
Cassandra R. Henson
Assistant Professor

Imagine having a versatile toolkit of business skills that can open doors in any industry, no matter the latest trends. With over 20 years of real-world experience, my goal is to take you on a journey through the fascinating world of business. We'll focus on long-lasting, impactful goals that strengthen organizations. My teaching philosophy embraces an interdisciplinary approach, merging what you learn in class with real-world scenarios. Together, we'll sharpen your analytical skills and decision-making abilities to help you succeed in the dynamic business landscape.

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Recent News

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Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Widener FAFSA Code 003313

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need. 

You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.

 

    Paths to Savings

    Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

    Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.

    The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.

    Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

    (including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)

    Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

    4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

    In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

    Earn an Income with a Paid Co-Op & Still Graduate On-Time

    Tap into our wide network of Philly-area employers and experience a full-time, paid co-op. In addition to earning an income, you do not pay tuition while on co-op. You can also choose to live on campus, at home, or even travel for your co-op. 

    Learn more about our co-op program

    More About Tuition & Financial Aid

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    View Admissions Events

    We offer a variety of events to get to know Widener—from virtual sessions, workshops, and private tours, to the big splash of our signature open houses.

    Request Information

    Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!​

    Apply

    Applying online is easy—and it's free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.