Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Big Data Analytics Emphasis
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Big Data Analytics Emphasis
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The BS in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science.
GCU has held continuous institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
You will have opportunities to acquire a framework of knowledge in computer science and other sciences, with a deep dive into calculus, linear algebra, discrete math and statistics. You will progress through sequentially arranged coursework that is in-depth in nature and broad in scope. This multidisciplinary bachelor’s in computer science covers relevant topics in chemistry, biology and human-computer interaction.
This bachelor’s degree in computer science is available in person on our campus in Phoenix. As a member of our supportive learning community, you’ll take classes taught by instructors who are knowledgeable in their fields, and you’ll have opportunities to participate in academically engaging discussions with your peers. Work through this multidisciplinary curriculum while being immersed within our lively campus culture that offers an incredible range of amenities and learning support resources.
GCU is proud to be a private Christian university that integrates faith into all that we do. From our academically rich degree programs rooted in the Christian worldview to our on-campus worship activities and religious student groups, you’ll have opportunities to deepen your faith and grow closer to God on our campus.
This bachelor’s in computer science degree requires you to complete a senior capstone project spanning your entire senior year. You will work in teams to pursue research and design projects, including virtual and augmented reality, data science and machine learning. The capstone experience is designed to allow you to demonstrate your accomplishments as a member of the GCU learning community.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Big Data Analytics program at Grand Canyon University is designed to help you acquire comprehensive knowledge in data science and computer software design. You will explore the intricacies of big data analysis, and evaluate and enhance existing algorithms and methodologies while practicing ways to develop your own. This program aims to actively engage you in continuous skill development, ensuring a robust understanding and application of these essential concepts.
As a student within the College of Engineering and Technology at GCU, you will be presented with various objectives, including:
Median annual wage for data scientists in May 20221
Big data refers to a very large volume of diverse data that can be used and collected by computing systems. Heavy volumes of data can bring with them their own challenges, such as difficulties in classifying complex datasets. Organizations rely on big data analytic experts to classify and organize big data and derive valuable insights from it.2 Within this big data analytics emphasis, you will be taught how to use and design methods and software applications that mine and analyze data from a variety of sources. You will also be expected to acquire a strong foundation in data science and data analytics software development.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
In this degree, you will be taught how to work in a variety of information systems and how to create systems that analyze data with greater efficiency. The goal of this program is to graduate work-ready professionals who can be prepared to improve and support an organization's processes and extraction of actionable information from data collected.
In order to provide you with opportunities to develop industry-aligned competencies, our big data analytics courses offer a blend of theoretical and hands-on curriculum that cover topics such as:
Large-scale data processing
Statistical analysis
Computer programming using discipline-specific tools and methods
Data mining and interpretation
Pattern analysis
System architecture and organization
Information assurance and security
Data modeling
Social network theory
Search engine design
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Data Scientists as of May 2022, retrieved on Nov. 6, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as data scientists. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 Segal, T. (2022, Nov. 29). What is Big Data? Definition, How it Works, and Uses. Investopedia. Retrieved on Nov. 6, 2023.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data Scientists, retrieved on Nov. 6, 2023.
4 Geeks for Geeks. (2023, March 27). Difference Between Big data and Data Science. Retrieved on Nov. 6, 2023.
5 BrainStation. (n.d.). What Does a Data Analyst do? Retrieved on Nov. 6, 2023.
6 Coursera. (2023, June 15). What is Big Data Analytics? Definition, Benefits, and More. Retrieved on Nov. 6, 2023.
If you’re eager to pursue a STEM career, then a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be a good choice for you. The following FAQs and answers can provide a starting point for more career-related research.
Big data analytics professionals can provide key insights for a wide range of industries and practically every department in an organization — from marketing and sales to human resources and beyond. The many companies that manage large amounts of data typically require big data experts to help all the numbers make sense.2
With this in mind, there are increased job opportunities for well-educated, big data professionals in various organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for data scientists is projected to grow by an estimated 35% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 59,400 jobs in the field.3
While these two work together, they are not exactly the same. Big data analytics refers to using software systems to manage large amounts of data, discover patterns and use that data to enhance a company’s competitive edge in the market. Data science, on the other hand, is the field of study that explores data analytics. Data science, which is an interdisciplinary field of study combining computer science, business and statistics, seeks to establish a framework for developing algorithms and applying statistical analysis to extract meaningful information from big data.4
Basic coding skills may be useful at times; however, advanced coding is not typically required for big data analysts.5 Instead, big data typically focuses on using software systems, data management programs and analytic techniques to discover trends and correlations in various data sets and systems.
There are multiple degree offerings within a computer science discipline that may cover areas of data analytics. However, a bachelor's in computer science with a big data analytics emphasis is focused on teaching you the specific math, analytics and methodologies you may need to pursue a career in data analytics. With your bachelor’s, you can then go on to explore further education options and potentially position yourself for advancement in the field of data analytics. You may decide to pursue a Master of Science in Data Science degree, during which you will be expected to perform deeper research and identify applications for modern-day data systems.
Virtually every type of industry imaginable can benefit from investing in big data analytics. For all types of companies, applying insights derived from data analytics can help identify opportunities for growth, improved operational efficiency, cost reductions and smarter, more customer-friendly product/service planning. Data analytics can even be used to improve society, such as by analyzing information pertaining to outbreaks of diseases and offering insights into how best to handle these public health crises. This area of computer science can contribute to positive improvements in education, banking, marketing, government and even entertainment.6
If you are ready to pursue your future in computer science and big data analytics, join us at GCU. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about this program.
After graduating with this degree, you may have the capacity to adopt new developments in computer science technologies and may seek work in applying theoretical foundations to solve practical problems in fast-paced, high-tech environments. This BS in Computer Science degree will teach you communication and collaboration skills to work with organizational stakeholders.
With a firm foundation of computer science and big data analytics competencies, you may be prepared to pursue work opportunities as:
Computer and information system managers
Computer programmers
Software developers
Information security analysts
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
Data scientists
Computer and information research scientists
Computer network support specialists
Database architects
Web developers
Web and digital interface designers
Postsecondary computer science teachers
