Data Science Degree Programs in Vermont
Students who want to pursue a data science degree from a Vermont university can choose from several programs, both online and on campus. After obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in data science or a related field of study, graduates won’t have to look far to find excellent career opportunities with highly successful companies.
According to the Vermont Department of Economic Development’s ThinkVermont initiative, the state is home to:
- Aerospace companies GE Aviation and Collins Aerospace.
- A tech industry that makes up a quarter of the state’s total employment. Prominent employers include scientific instrument manufacturer BioTek and semiconductor producer GlobalFoundaries.
- Over 1,000 finance and insurance companies like National Life Group.
- Food industry behemoths like Ben & Jerry’s and King Arthur Baking Company.
- A massive green energy sector that generates 9% of the state’s electricity with renewable resources.
Each of these companies and sectors has its own data needs. Some need to keep their fingers on the pulse of the consumer market nationwide. Others need to track vast amounts of nuanced research data. For data scientists and data science students in the Green Mountain State, this could translate to some exciting career and educational opportunities.
Career Outlook for Data Scientists in Vermont
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there are 150 data scientists employed in Vermont. Overall, there are about 7,000 computer and mathematical professionals working in the state. When compared to other states, this may seem like a small number, but Vermont’s total workforce is only 283,990 strong per BLS statistics.
As of May 2021, the mean salary for Vermont’s data scientists is $116,220. For reference, the BLS reports the median salary for data scientists nationwide as $100,910.
By 2030, the Vermont Department of Labor predicts that employment in all computer and mathematical occupations will grow by upwards of 15%. This outpaces growth in sectors like production, engineering, and construction in terms of new jobs created. This growth is helped along by the state’s many tech-focused business initiatives.
For instance, Elevate Vermont, an economic initiative sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, helps small businesses acquire and research their own tech innovations through partnerships with federal agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense. Even in the earliest stages, businesses can secure grants of up to $1.5 million. As of January 2023, the Elevate Vermont team is working on a research partnership program that would team businesses up with researchers from top universities.
So while Vermont may not be home to the most career opportunities for data scientists, its economic programs could foster unparalleled growth in the tech, data, and research sectors. In this environment, data science professionals of all types may thrive.
In 2021, Vermont’s cost of living was lower than the national average, as was the median home price of $204,500, compared with the national average of $231,200.
On-Campus Undergraduate Data Science Programs in Vermont
Colleges in Vermont offer an array of undergraduate degree programs. From the online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems program at Norwich University to the University of Vermont Computer Science program, the state’s higher education offerings are diverse, rigorous, and developed to support the career goals of aspiring data scientists.
Saint Michael’s College
Saint Michael’s College in Colchester offers an on-campus Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science and a minor in data science. Throughout a student’s 4-year program of study, they will complete essential data science competencies, such as calculus, linear algebra, and artificial intelligence. The data science minor is a short 5-course program that includes two required courses: Introduction to Data Science and Computational Methods for Data Science. In addition to the two required courses, students must choose three additional courses from the following disciplines:
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Psychological Statistics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
Saint Michael’s accepts first-year and transfer students. Transfer students are encouraged to schedule an appointment to speak with a transfer coordinator. First-Year Student Applications Checklist:
- Completed Common App
- Completed Saint Michael’s College Member Questions
- $50 application fee or fee waiver
- Official transcripts
- Updated senior year grades
- SAT or ACT scores (optional)
- Up to two academic recommendations
Saint Michael’s does not indicate whether sending standardized test scores will boost an applicant’s chances of being accepted.
The University of Vermont
The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at The University of Vermont offers a multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Data Science program for students interested in big data science and analytics. The college’s website includes a brief blurb entitled “Beyond the Classroom” that provides prospective students with an example of a real-world application of data science. The BSDS program requires students to obtain a minimum of 120 credits in statistics, mathematics, and computer science. The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences also offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program through its computer science department, in which students complete coursework in popular, relevant courses like computer programming, mobile apps, and human-computer interaction. Lastly, undergraduates can obtain a degree in computer science and information systems. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems program emphasizes the business applications of computer science, with 24 credits required in business administration courses and computer science courses that cover the topical concepts of data privacy and machine learning.
Northern Vermont University
Data Science majors at Northern Vermont University will have the opportunity to apply foundational mathematics and computer science to real world problems using industry-standard programs and software. The university’s website describes the program as incorporating the liberal arts tradition of its Johnson Campus and the technical focus of its Lyndon Campus to encourage students to become “skilled consumers, creators, and communicators of data and statistical analyses.” The Bachelor of Science in Data Science program allows students to choose elective courses in business or behavioral sciences according to their particular area of interest. Learning outcomes include proficiencies in:
- Analyzing and presenting data for both technical and general audiences
- Applying a computer programming language to problem-solving methods
- Acquiring, storing, and managing data in various formats
- Applying foundational mathematics and computer science knowledge to data science problems
Students can apply to the program through the Common App or the university’s website. NVU reviews applications as they receive them, and SAT and ACT tests scores are optional. Students may also submit an optional essay or personal statement. Applicants should review the undergraduate admissions page on the NVU website for additional instructions.
Champlain College
Named by the 2020 Fiske Guide to Colleges among the best and most interesting schools in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, Champlain College attributes the success of its data science majors to the college’s “Upside-Down Curriculum” and internship opportunities. According to the college, 93 percent of its Division of Information Technology & Sciences graduates in 2019 are either “employed or continuing education six months post-graduation.” The program’s project-based classes allow students to customize their area of focus and take a real-world approach to learning data science. With courses in data analytics and mining, Python programming and data structures, global IT and ethics, forecasting and predictive analysis, digital marking analytics, business, and economics, the data science bachelor’s program equips students for success in a variety of industries. Champlain College is a test-optional institution, and it doesn’t charge an application fee. Students can apply with the Common Application or the school’s online application process found on its website. Applicants must submit:
- Official copy of high school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- Test scores (optional)
- FAFSA (optional)
Applicants also have the option of participating in a voluntary personal interview with an admissions counselor or a senior admissions intern. As of spring 2021, prospective students can attend their interviews virtually via Zoom, Google Hangouts, or personal phone call.
On-Campus Data Science Masters Programs Vermont
The University of Vermont in Burlington has developed an on-campus Master’s Degree in Complex Systems and Data Science. This 2-year degree program includes a total of 30 credits. Students will complete a common core series that includes the following courses:
- Principles of Complex Systems
- Modeling Complex Systems
- Data Science I
- Data Science II
In addition, students will earn six elective credits from courses in either complex systems or data science and another three credits from an advisor-approved course. As with other University of Vermont graduate programs, admission requirements and prerequisites for the UVM complex systems program are minimal to accommodate applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Students must satisfy the required comprehensive exam in one of two ways:
- Earning at least an A- in two or more of the four core courses and a B+ or higher in the remaining core courses.
- Taking an oral or written exam or writing a paper to demonstrate mastery of the material
On-Campus Data Science Graduate Certificates in Vermont
For those searching for a short yet intensive data science-oriented program, the Vermont Complex Systems Center at UVM has an on-campus Certificate of Graduate Study in Complex Systems. This 5-course certificate program can be earned on campus or online as a complement to a UVM graduate program or as a standalone post-baccalaureate graduate certificate. There are 3 required courses:
- Principles of Complex Systems
- Modeling Complex Systems
- Data Science I
Once the core courses have been completed, students will select an additional two courses from an extensive list that includes Data Science II, Neural Computation, Complex Networks, and Decision Making Models. To be successful in the advanced STEM courses required for the UVM complex systems certificate, students will need a bachelor’s degree and a mastery of calculus, probability and statistics, and computer programming — specifically Python, R, or MATLAB. It is strongly recommended that their prior studies include linear algebra as well.
On-Campus Data Science Ph.D. Programs in Vermont
For students who are ready to take on the ultimate academic challenge, The University of Vermont’s Ph.D. in Complex Systems and Data Science is a 90-unit program that includes a comprehensive oral examination and dissertation defense. Dissertations are not unique to University of Vermont graduate programs. Most, if not all, Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. Regardless of which of the five tracks a student chooses, they must take the 12-credit Four Course Common Core. Four Course Common Core:
- Principles of Complex Systems
- Modeling Complex Systems
- Data Science I
- Data Science II
It is highly recommended that students interested in a career in data science take the data science electives as opposed to embarking on one of the optional elective paths. Data science electives include Machine Learning, Data Mining, Statistical Methods II, Statistical Learning, Categorical Data Analysis, or any of the other course options listed under “Complex Systems and Data Science Electives.” The GRE is not needed for admission. However, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or be able to prove that they are proficient in calculus, data structures, Python or R, linear algebra, and probability and statistics. Students may also take the following “catch-up” courses:
- Applied Linear Algebra
- Data Structures
- Statistical Methods I
This degree meets the data science core competencies and is an excellent choice for those who want the highest level of data science mastery.
Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Vermont
Distance learning opportunities from Vermont colleges give students the flexibility to advance their education and careers when on-campus instruction is not an option. Norwich University Online alum Kim Swasey gives prospective online students a glimpse into the world of distance learning on the program website. Online degree programs are appropriate for students of all backgrounds and lifestyles and have opened doors to new career paths for college students in Vermont and across the country.
Norwich University Online
Norwich University offers two data science-related online bachelor’s degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
The Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics program at Norwich University Online is a fully virtual degree program that generally takes 24 months to complete. Degree requirements include a core curriculum and capstone equal 50 credits of the 120-credit minimum. Beyond those 50 credits, students have the opportunity to tailor their degree through interest-specific electives.
The core curriculum comprises 15 courses, including the 6-credit capstone.
- Pre-Calculus
- Applied Calculus
- Discrete Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Advanced Statistical Methods
- Relational Database Management w/ SQL
- Programming in Julia
- Programming in Python
- Introduction to Data & Business Analytics
- Algorithm Design and Implementation
- Introduction to Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to Network Science
- Data Visualization
- CLIPS: Programming for Expert Systems
- Data Analytics Capstone
Between the core courses and the capstone project, students learn the foundations of data analysis and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems
For students with an interest in learning how to apply the computer sciences to practical problem-solving, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems program from Norwich University Online may be a perfect fit. Similar to the data science bachelor’s program, this degree requires 120 credit hours — including a 6-credit capstone and 60 credit hours from the core curriculum — and takes about 24 months to complete. The core curriculum comprises 19 courses, including the capstone.
- Ethics in the Modern World
- Pre-Calculus
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Theory of Computation
- Discrete Mathematics
- Statistics
- Fundamentals of Digital Design
- Introduction to Computer Programming
- Introduction to Data Structures
- Embedded Systems
- Software Engineering
- Operating Systems & Parallelism
- Fundamentals of Computer Networking
- Computer Programming with a Low Level Language
- Computer Programming with a High Level Language
- Relational Database Management w/ SQL
- Computer Architecture & Reverse Engineering
- Computer Science & Information Systems Capstone
To be eligible for admission to either bachelor’s program, applicants need an associate degree or a minimum of 30 credits from college-level courses in which they earned a C or higher and/or military or professional training that has been reviewed by the American Council on Education or Norwich University, and a demonstrated proficiency in basic college-level math, science, and writing.
Online Data Science Master’s Programs in Vermont
With concentrations including Critical Infrastructure Protection & Cyber Crime and Cyber Law & International Perspectives on Cyberspace, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Norwich University prepares students for a career in information assurance. The National Institute of Standards and Technology explains that information assurance exists to guarantee the “availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation” of information systems. Graduates of this program will enter the cybersecurity field with the prestige (and all the associated opportunities) of holding a master’s degree from an institution that has been named a “Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education” by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security. Each of the six courses that make up the 36-credit program take 11 weeks to complete and were designed around management-related and technical learning outcomes. The program includes a one-week residency and the following four core courses:
- Foundations and Historical Underpinnings of Information Assurance
- Information Assurance Technology
- Human Factors and Managing Risk
- Information Assurance Management & Analytics
Applicants must submit an application form, a resume with three professional references, current industry certifications, a letter of intent, an official transcript of their undergraduate degree, and — for nonnative English speakers — proof of English language proficiency. Graduates of the online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program go on to pursue careers as chief information assurance officers, chief risk managers, cyber security engineers, directors of information systems, IT security managers, and network engineers.
Online Data Science Graduate Certificates in Vermont
Nontraditional students interested in obtaining the Graduate Certificate in Complex Systems and Data Science from The University of Vermont (presented in detail in the on-campus graduate certificate section above) can do so even if they are unable to attend on-campus classes. The course structure and application requirements for online courses are the same as those for on-campus instruction. In the UVM Outreach Blog, Professor Peter Dodds (UVM College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences) described the Complex Systems Graduate Certificate as “something we built from the ground up. There are no textbooks for this, and we teach what we know.” The Continuing and Distance Education (CDE) website offers support and resources for distance learners, including a “Getting Started” section, a pre-recorded webinar with tips for successful online learning, checklists, and student advisor contact information. UVM CDE is committed to providing distance-learning students with the same educational and career opportunities as their on-campus counterparts. In the words of Professor Dodds: “We want people to leave here and go out and help the world.”
Explore your Degree Options
This concise guide compiled is designed to help narrow down your search for the right data science program from Vermont colleges and universities. Explore the degree programs highlighted below, and to continue your journey, Discover Data Science can help you take the next step in gathering more information or applying for the data science program best suited to your goals.
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for data scientists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.
