@Lindagaf @merc81 I sent an email out to the admissions office, asking them about the opportunities I would have with statistics, mathematics, and computer science. They are out of office during the weekend so I’m hoping to get a response back tomorrow.
As part of your research, make sure you read, in particular, the second article that @CheddarcheeseMN posted in #24 (if you haven’t already done so) for inside perspectives on Bates’ Digital and Computational Studies program. Keep in mind that DCS — even if it were fully implemented — and CS represent different types of programs. If you would like access to a range of traditional CS courses, note that Bates does not appear to offer this in its curriculum.
In case it’s helpful to your thinking process, I remembered this article I read in the most recent issue of the magazine my son’s school (Denison) sends to parents. It profiles some of the students who have participated in the school’s relatively new Data Analytics program and how they are combining data analysis with their other areas of interest. https://denisonmagazine.com/current-issue/ I understand you are focusing on schools in the Northeast, but I thought the profiles were very interesting. It’s kind of an LAC approach to data!
@ncelotto Hi! Northeastern student here (3rd year, also work for admissions)…even though I’m late to the conversation. Not sure if NU is still top on your list but if you’re interested in CS/data science or BNS, NU is extremely strong in those programs. NU had the first college ever in the nation dedicated to computer science, and recently received a $50 million endowment to the computer science college. My boyfriend studies computer science with a concentration in AI, and he loves the program here. The professors are top notch and the co-ops within CS are AMAZING. Also, I think its worth noting that wile CS classes at NU might be higher than at Bates, the average class size at NU is only 24, so you still really get to know your professors and other students. There is also a CS Living Learning Community if you’re interested in living with other people within your major. Like I mentioned, the co-ops for CS students are absolutely incredible (not to mention they pay up to $40/hr). I have a friend who is CS and his second co-op is at NASA out in California where he’s working with data that’s coming back from the Mars Rover. There are great opportunities to work with companies that are well established (Google, Amazon, NASA, etc.) or smaller, start-up companies.
Obviously there’s more to consider when choosing schools than JUST academics, but realistically you’re there to get an education. In terms of how big the schools feels, it honestly feels like the PERFECT size. Technically there are around 18,000 undergrads, but I promise you it does NOT feel that big. With students coming and going for study abroad, co-op, etc, not all of those 18,000 are ever on campus at the same time. Especially when you join clubs and make friends in your classes and dorm, the university will not feel that big. While walking to class I always see people I know!
Hope this helps at all, feel free to reach out with any more questions!
@bremcclarey thank you so much! I LOVE Northeastern and it is still one of my top schools, this is very helpful.