Digital technology and the data generated by that technology are rapidly transforming our society. Increasingly businesses and consumers are looking for ways to harness the power of data to improve the lives of citizens across the globe. Exciting opportunities emerge daily.

All business is being transformed by technology and data. Accounting is a discipline charged with organizing, analyzing, auditing, and communicating the “data” of business. As such, the accountant, auditor, and tax consultant of the present and future must increasingly have a native familiarity with data, a natural facility for consuming and analyzing data, and a ready ability to communicate the lessons from that analysis. 

The Accountancy + DS degree enables students to combine in-depth knowledge of data with industry and functional expertise.

Learn from renowned faculty

The Department of Accountancy has a mission to lead the world in accounting education and thought, and we have the faculty to make it happen. Named #1 by the BYU Faculty Research Rankings, our Accountancy faculty has a reputation for excellence. For you, that means a dynamic experience, inside and outside the classroom, led by engaging teachers who are at the forefront of accounting thought.

Accountancy + DS Core Courses

Business Core
Data Science Core

Calculus: Fulfilled by MATH 234 (MATH 220 or 221 can also be used) 
First course in calculus and analytic geometry; basic techniques of differentiation and integration with applications including curve sketching; antidifferentation, the Riemann integral, fundamental theorem, exponential and trigonometric functions. 

Linear Algebra for Data Science: MATH 227
Linear algebra is the main mathematical subject underlying the basic techniques of data science. This course provides a practical computer-based introduction to linear algebra, emphasizing its uses in analyzing data, such as linear regression, principal component analysis, and network analysis. We will also explore some of the strengths and limitations of linear methods. Students will learn how to implement linear algebra methods using Python, making it possible to apply these techniques to large data sets. The course assumes an introductory knowledge of Python, such as students acquire in STAT 107.

Data Science Discovery: STAT/CS/IS 107
Data Science Discovery is the intersection of statistics, computation, and real-world relevance. As a project-driven course, students perform hands-on-analysis of real-world datasets to analyze and discover the impact of the data. Throughout each experience, students reflect on the social issues surrounding data analysis such as privacy and design. 

Data Science Exploration: STAT 207
This course explores the data science pipeline from hypothesis formulation, to data collection and management, to analysis and reporting. Topics include data collection, preprocessing and checking for missing data, data summary and visualization, random sampling and probability models, estimating parameters, uncertainty quantification, hypothesis testing, multiple linear and logistic regression modeling, classification, and machine learning approaches for high dimensional data analysis. Students will learn how to implement the methods using Python programming and Git version control. The course assumes an introductory knowledge of statistical concepts and Python, such as students acquire in STAT 107.

Modeling and Learning in Data Science: CS 307
Introduction to the use of classical approaches in data modeling and machine learning in the context of solving data-centric problems. A broad coverage of fundamental models is presented, including linear models, unsupervised learning, supervised learning, and deep learning. A significant emphasis is placed on the application of the models in Python and the interoperability of the results. 

Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science: CS 277
An introduction to elementary concepts in algorithms and classical data structures with a focus on their applications in Data Science. Topics include algorithm analysis (ex: Big-O notation), elementary data structures (ex: lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs), basics of discrete algorithm design principles (ex: greedy, divide and conquer, dynamic programming), and discussion of discrete and continuous optimization. 

Ethics and Policy for Data Science: IS 467
Learn about common ethical data challenges, including privacy, discrimination, and access to data. These challenges will be explored through real-world cases of corporate settings, non-profits, governments, academic research, and healthcare. The course will also cover common ethical principles, providing a framework to analyze these cases. Students will also be introduced to a range of policy responses. The course is suitable for anyone who plans to work in a professional setting that will involve handling data, or who is seeking a grounding for future study of data and information ethics. 

Data Management, Curation, and Reproducibility: IS 477
We introduce and use the Data Science Life Cycle as an intellectual foundation for understanding Data Management, Curation & Reproducibility in the Data Science context. The Data Science Life Cycle allows us to study how data, software, workflows, computational environments, scientific findings,and other artifacts form linked foundational components of data science research. Topics include research artifact identification and management, metadata, repositories, economics of artifact preservation and sustainability, and data management plans. 

One of the most important skills a student will gain in an Accountancy +DS degree will be the ability to present data in meaningful ways. Meaningful research and experience are as much a pillar of this degree program as both the core coursework and the area of specialization. This capstone experience will be fulfilled through BUS 301. This course is an active learning, real-client experience that will allow students to join their data science skills with their business skills.

 

Accountancy Core

Rewarding careers and successful outcomes

Accountants are in high demand, and with an added data science component, that’s sure to only increase your desirability in the job market. The Accountancy + DS degree will put you at the head of the pack in establishing a rewarding career as a leader in the business community. Gies Business remains a primary talent pipeline for the country’s top accounting and client service firms.

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