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BASC committee approves KU Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Summary
The Board of Regents BASC committee approved a new Bachelor of Science in Data Science developed at the University of Kansas, funded in part by an NSF grant and built around five core data courses plus a four-course domain specialization.
The Board of Regents Board Academic & Student Success Committee approved a Bachelor of Science in Data Science proposed by the University of Kansas at its meeting. The committee voted by voice to approve the program after a brief presentation and questions.
The degree proposal, introduced by Jen Roberts on behalf of Provost Bickelmeyer and presented by Dr. William Duncan, is funded in part through a National Science Foundation grant that supports the Kansas Data Science Consortium. Roberts said the consortium’s work “is to enhance the data science capabilities of the Kansas workforce,” which provided the impetus for the degree.
Dr. William Duncan, who led development of the curriculum, described the program’s structure: “We have developed a set of classes, 5 classes that they would take in sequence that give them the ability to, wrangle data, visualize it, statistically analyze it, and develop it into a storytelling capability for their company or organization.” He also said the program requires a second area of study — four upper-level courses in a separate discipline — so graduates gain domain-specific knowledge.
Regent Jim Mendoza asked whether the degree serves as a precursor to AI-focused study. Duncan said students will learn coding skills and will use AI in coursework; he added that course syllabi include policies to regulate AI use. After discussion about program structure and the role of domain courses, a motion to approve the degree was moved and seconded; committee members responded “aye,” and the motion passed.
The committee record shows the program includes a five-course core sequence, a requirement of four upper-level courses in a chosen application domain (for example, biology or economics), and that KU developed suggested menus of domain courses in consultation with department chairs. The Kansas Data Science Consortium and the NSF grant were cited as the funding and organizational context for the proposal.
The committee did not set an implementation timeline during the meeting; staff and KU representatives will follow the standard approval and implementation steps required by the Board of Regents and institutional governance.
KU and the Kansas Data Science Consortium are the primary implementing institutions; Butler Community College staff joined the meeting but did not propose the degree. The committee approved the program by voice vote.
