Best Bachelor's Data Science Degree Programs in Idaho
Boise State University — Boise, ID
Key Distinction: DASH Lab (Data Analytics for Statewide Health Collaborative) — data-immersive, team-based learning with local health-promoting community partners. Hands-on experience with multiple software programs and programming languages
Hakia Insight: Boise State's DASH Lab structure—embedding students in live statewide health collaborative projects—means your capstone isn't hypothetical; you're generating publishable insights for actual public health decisions while Dr. Spezzano's social media mining lab offers rare exposure to adversarial data science applications.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Data Analytics at Boise State University provides foundational knowledge in health data management, informatics, and analytics skills. Students gain hands-on experience with software programs and programming languages for acquiring, transforming, analyzing, and visualizing health data. The curriculum covers medical terminology, determinants of health, database systems, health informatics, and data management. A key feature is the DASH Lab (Data Analytics for Statewide Health Collaborative), where students engage in data-immersive, team-based learning with local health-promoting community partners, working with real data to drive insights and positive change. Students can pursue elective options for additional credentials or add a minor in Data Science or Information Technology Management. Graduates are prepared for roles in healthcare organizations, research institutions, public health entities, insurance companies, and health-related settings. An accelerated Master of Public Health option allows completion of both degrees in five years.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Health Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Information Security, Privacy, and Mining (ISPM) Research Lab
- Computer Graphics and Visualization Group
- Speech, Language & Interactive Machines (SLIM) Group
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Francesca Spezzano — Social Media Mining and Data Science
- Dr. Edoardo Serra — Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Information Security
- Dr. Casey Kennington — Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence
- Dr. Gaby Dagher — Information Security, Privacy, and Data Mining
- Dr. Steven Cutchin — Data Analytics, High Performance Computing, and Visualization
- Dr. Jun Zhuang — Data Mining, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Quantum Computing
Location Advantages:
Brigham Young University-Idaho — Rexburg, ID
Key Distinction: Project-based classes emphasizing innovation and actionable presentation. Hands-on experience with industry-relevant programming languages (Python, R, SQL)
Hakia Insight: BYU-Idaho's proximity to Salt Lake City's booming fintech and software corridor (a 90-minute commute) translates into internship pipelines most regional schools lack, while the project-based curriculum emphasizes presentation skills that distinguish data scientists in hiring conversations.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at BYU-Idaho prepares students to become data scientists, data analysts, and business analysts by developing proficiency in core programming languages (Python, R, SQL), machine learning, and statistics. The program emphasizes project-based learning that fosters innovation and actionable presentation skills. Students gain business-relevant experience through hands-on classes designed to translate industry needs into data-driven solutions. Graduates are equipped to work across large and small companies that require professionals capable of extracting actionable insights from massive datasets. The curriculum combines programming fundamentals, statistical analysis, and practical application to prepare students for immediate entry into technology and data-focused careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hub and growing Utah data economyStrong relationships with regional tech employers for internships and hiring
Idaho State University — Pocatello, ID
Key Distinction: ISU's data science program operates through a unique interdisciplinary Data Science Alliance that brings together faculty from 15+ departments across multiple colleges, creating a collaborative ecosystem for cross-disciplinary data science research and education.
Hakia Insight: Idaho State's 15+ department Data Science Alliance is unusual architecture at the bachelor's level—it means your electives and research opportunities span from GIS and engineering to informatics rather than bottlenecking into pure computer science or statistics.
At the bachelor's level, idaho State University's data science program operates through the Data Science Alliance (DSA), a collaborative group of faculty and researchers from multiple departments, colleges, and disciplines across the university. The DSA serves to promote collaboration, raise awareness of data science activities at ISU, and provide an external interface for industry and government partnerships. The alliance includes 15 members from diverse fields including Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Chemistry, Informatics, Health Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences. Key faculty include Professor Steve Chiu (Computer Science Chair), Professor Minhaz Zibran (Graduate Program Director), and Associate Professor Paul Bodily from Computer Science, along with specialists like Professor John Kalivas from Chemistry, Professor Dewayne Derryberry from Mathematics and Statistics, and Keith Weber who serves as ISU's GIS Director. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with faculty expertise spanning from traditional computer science to applied statistics, geosciences, and biomedical applications. The DSA focuses on developing methods for recording, storing, and analyzing data to extract useful information, with particular emphasis on machine learning applications and AI systems. The program is housed within the College of Science and Engineering and leverages ISU's broader research infrastructure including the GIS Training and Research Center, Measurement and Control Engineering Research Center, and various specialized facilities across multiple colleges.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- GIS Training and Research Center
- Measurement and Control Engineering Research Center
- Informatics Research Institute
- Center for Archaeology, Materials and Applied Spectroscopy
- Critical Materials and Energy Systems Innovation Center
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Paul Bodily — Data science and machine learning
- Dr. Minhaz Zibran — Computer science and graduate program development
- Dr. John Kalivas — Chemistry and analytical data methods
- Dr. Dewayne Derryberry — Mathematics and statistics
- Keith T. Weber — Geographic information systems
Location Advantages:
University of Idaho — Moscow, ID
Key Distinction: Special opportunities to engage in math-related research. Participation in American Mathematical Association Putnam Examination
Hakia Insight: University of Idaho's Applied Modeling option within Mathematics avoids the common trap of treating data science as separate from classical mathematical depth; you graduate with Putnam-level problem solvers who can also code, a rare combination.
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with an Applied Modeling and Data Science option prepares students to create and apply advanced mathematical models to address complex scientific problems and solve engineering challenges in technology and industry. The 120-credit, 4-year program is offered on-campus at the Moscow location. Students have special opportunities to engage in math-related research and participate in the American Mathematical Association Putnam Examination, the most prestigious mathematics competition in the nation. The option pairs well with electrical engineering majors, and a double-major in math and electrical engineering requires only a handful of extra classes beyond an engineering degree alone. Graduates pursue careers as statisticians, biostatisticians, natural sciences managers, clinical data managers, and mathematicians, with mid-career salaries ranging from $46,661 (statistical assistants) to $152,874 (natural sciences managers). The program is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, providing eligible Idaho students up to $8,000 in total scholarship funding for high-demand careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | Applied Modeling and Data Science Option — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences
- Institute for Modeling, Collaboration and Innovation
- Image and Data Acquisition Core
- IBEST Genomics and Bioinformatics Resources Core
- Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Erkan Buzbas — Statistical science and bioinformatics
- Dr. Chris Remien — Mathematical modeling and data analysis
- Dr. Benjamin Ridenhour — Statistical modeling and computational biology
- Dr. Hasan Jamil — Data science and machine learning
- Dr. John Shovic — Data science and intelligent robotics
- Dr. Paul Hohenlohe — Biological data science and genomics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Northwest Nazarene University — Nampa, ID
Key Distinction: An ethics-forward, community-engaged data science program designed for accessibility and social impact, with strong local employer relationships and personalized career support.
Hakia Insight: Northwest Nazarene's ethics-first curriculum isn't decorative—it explicitly trains students to audit bias and algorithmic fairness in data work, a skill increasingly demanded by nonprofits and healthcare systems in the Boise corridor that traditional programs relegate to electives.
At the bachelor's level, northwest Nazarene University's data science program reflects the institution's commitment to ethical technology and community impact, attracting students interested in how data skills serve broader social and organizational missions. The curriculum emphasizes both statistical foundations and applied machine learning, with accessible pathways for students from diverse mathematical backgrounds—a deliberate design choice that expands who can succeed in data science. NNU's advantage is its relatively small size and regional focus, which means students develop close relationships with faculty and participate in hands-on projects addressing real problems for local businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies in the Treasure Valley. The program incorporates business intelligence, data visualization, and communication skills alongside technical material, preparing graduates for roles that require translation between technical teams and stakeholders. Located in Nampa, Idaho, NNU benefits from proximity to Boise's growing tech sector while maintaining a more intimate educational environment. Career support is personalized, with advisors actively matching students to internship and employment opportunities aligned with their interests in fields like healthcare, education, or social enterprise.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boise tech corridor and growing regional data economyStrong connections to regional nonprofit, healthcare, and public sector employers
Best Master's Data Science Degree Programs in Idaho
University of Idaho — Moscow, ID
Key Distinction: The University of Idaho uniquely combines traditional mathematical and statistical foundations with cutting-edge interdisciplinary data science applications through specialized institutes and cross-departmental collaboration.
Hakia Insight: Idaho's cross-institute master's model (IIDS + IMCI + Image Acquisition) creates a research ecosystem where a student can build thesis projects spanning bioinformatics, computational modeling, and imaging—breadth that larger departmentally siloed programs can't offer.
At the master's level, the University of Idaho offers data science education through multiple departments and initiatives. The Mathematics and Statistical Science Department provides B.S. degrees in statistics and mathematics with a modeling and data science option, along with a graduate certificate in data science and an M.S. in statistical science. The department focuses on high-demand areas including bioinformatics, differential equations, and combinatorics, preparing students for careers in academia, industry, and government. The Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, ranked among the best computer science programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, conducts pioneering research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science. Faculty and students collaborate to solve real-world problems in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences (IIDS) serves as a central hub, empowering researchers with advanced tools in genomics, bioinformatics, research computing, and data science while supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development. The university also offers a Professional Applications of Data Science graduate certificate designed for working professionals, requiring no advanced math or computer science background. This 12-credit program focuses on practical data management, visualization, and communication skills across industries like healthcare, business, and government. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with open-source tools and reproducible research practices, allowing students to develop portfolios showcasing their data science expertise.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences
- Institute for Modeling, Collaboration and Innovation
- Image and Data Acquisition Core
- IBEST Genomics and Bioinformatics Resources Core
- Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Erkan Buzbas — Statistical science and bioinformatics
- Dr. Chris Remien — Mathematical modeling and data analysis
- Dr. Benjamin Ridenhour — Statistical modeling and computational biology
- Dr. Hasan Jamil — Data science and machine learning
- Dr. John Shovic — Data science and intelligent robotics
- Dr. Paul Hohenlohe — Biological data science and genomics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Boise State University — Boise, ID
Key Distinction: Multiple culminating activity tracks: thesis (6-9 credits), service learning capstone (3 credits service learning + 9 credits coursework), or practicum/internship (3+ credits). Flexible option to combine applied work experience with coursework through internship pathway
Hakia Insight: Boise State's service-learning capstone track (3 credits service + 9 credits coursework) is a structural alternative to thesis-or-nothing; working professionals can embed their employer's real problem into their degree while Dr. Serra's cybersecurity lab provides rare depth in privacy-aware analytics.
The Master of Science in Data Science at Boise State University equips working professionals with skills to transform data into actionable insights. The program offers flexible culminating activity options: a traditional thesis track, a service learning capstone, or a practicum/internship pathway, allowing students to tailor their experience to career goals. With 30 total credits, the program combines required core coursework in data science, machine learning, and computational statistics with electives in computer science and mathematics. Students can pursue thesis research for advanced positions or select applied capstone/internship options for immediate industry application. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills relevant to data science careers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Information Security, Privacy, and Mining (ISPM) Research Lab
- Computer Graphics and Visualization Group
- Speech, Language & Interactive Machines (SLIM) Group
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Francesca Spezzano — Social Media Mining and Data Science
- Dr. Edoardo Serra — Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Information Security
- Dr. Casey Kennington — Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence
- Dr. Gaby Dagher — Information Security, Privacy, and Data Mining
- Dr. Steven Cutchin — Data Analytics, High Performance Computing, and Visualization
- Dr. Jun Zhuang — Data Mining, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Quantum Computing
Location Advantages:
Idaho State University — Pocatello, ID
Key Distinction: ISU's data science program operates through a unique interdisciplinary Data Science Alliance that brings together faculty from 15+ departments across multiple colleges, creating a collaborative ecosystem for cross-disciplinary data science research and education.
Hakia Insight: ISU's DSA-based master's mirrors its bachelor's strength but with added leverage: faculty from 15+ departments create thesis committees that reflect genuine cross-disciplinary expertise, not compromise.
At the master's level, idaho State University's data science program operates through the Data Science Alliance (DSA), a collaborative group of faculty and researchers from multiple departments, colleges, and disciplines across the university. The DSA serves to promote collaboration, raise awareness of data science activities at ISU, and provide an external interface for industry and government partnerships. The alliance includes 15 members from diverse fields including Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Chemistry, Informatics, Health Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences. Key faculty include Professor Steve Chiu (Computer Science Chair), Professor Minhaz Zibran (Graduate Program Director), and Associate Professor Paul Bodily from Computer Science, along with specialists like Professor John Kalivas from Chemistry, Professor Dewayne Derryberry from Mathematics and Statistics, and Keith Weber who serves as ISU's GIS Director. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with faculty expertise spanning from traditional computer science to applied statistics, geosciences, and biomedical applications. The DSA focuses on developing methods for recording, storing, and analyzing data to extract useful information, with particular emphasis on machine learning applications and AI systems. The program is housed within the College of Science and Engineering and leverages ISU's broader research infrastructure including the GIS Training and Research Center, Measurement and Control Engineering Research Center, and various specialized facilities across multiple colleges.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- GIS Training and Research Center
- Measurement and Control Engineering Research Center
- Informatics Research Institute
- Center for Archaeology, Materials and Applied Spectroscopy
- Critical Materials and Energy Systems Innovation Center
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Paul Bodily — Data science and machine learning
- Dr. Minhaz Zibran — Computer science and graduate program development
- Dr. John Kalivas — Chemistry and analytical data methods
- Dr. Dewayne Derryberry — Mathematics and statistics
- Keith T. Weber — Geographic information systems
Location Advantages:
Best Doctoral Data Science Degree Programs in Idaho
University of Idaho — Moscow, ID
Key Distinction: The University of Idaho uniquely combines traditional mathematical and statistical foundations with cutting-edge interdisciplinary data science applications through specialized institutes and cross-departmental collaboration.
Hakia Insight: Idaho's doctoral institutes (IIDS, IMCI, Image Acquisition Core) function as research hubs that blur traditional department lines, allowing PhD candidates to craft genuinely novel projects at intersections most single-department programs don't fund.
At the doctoral level, the University of Idaho offers data science education through multiple departments and initiatives. The Mathematics and Statistical Science Department provides B.S. degrees in statistics and mathematics with a modeling and data science option, along with a graduate certificate in data science and an M.S. in statistical science. The department focuses on high-demand areas including bioinformatics, differential equations, and combinatorics, preparing students for careers in academia, industry, and government. The Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, ranked among the best computer science programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, conducts pioneering research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science. Faculty and students collaborate to solve real-world problems in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences (IIDS) serves as a central hub, empowering researchers with advanced tools in genomics, bioinformatics, research computing, and data science while supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development. The university also offers a Professional Applications of Data Science graduate certificate designed for working professionals, requiring no advanced math or computer science background. This 12-credit program focuses on practical data management, visualization, and communication skills across industries like healthcare, business, and government. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with open-source tools and reproducible research practices, allowing students to develop portfolios showcasing their data science expertise.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences
- Institute for Modeling, Collaboration and Innovation
- Image and Data Acquisition Core
- IBEST Genomics and Bioinformatics Resources Core
- Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Erkan Buzbas — Statistical science and bioinformatics
- Dr. Chris Remien — Mathematical modeling and data analysis
- Dr. Benjamin Ridenhour — Statistical modeling and computational biology
- Dr. Hasan Jamil — Data science and machine learning
- Dr. John Shovic — Data science and intelligent robotics
- Dr. Paul Hohenlohe — Biological data science and genomics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Boise State University — Boise, ID
Key Distinction: Boise State's Data Science program uniquely combines cybersecurity with data science through specialized research labs, while offering interdisciplinary training that spans from big data analytics to social media mining with practical real-world applications.
Hakia Insight: Boise State's cybersecurity specialization within data science—rare at the doctoral level—positions graduates for the fastest-growing career intersection: privacy-preserving analytics and secure machine learning, where salary premiums are steepest and talent is scarcest.
At the doctoral level, boise State offers multiple specialized tracks including Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and a new Artificial Intelligence bachelor's degree starting Fall 2025. The program provides accelerated master's options and emphasizes practical skills for immediate employment in the rapidly changing computer science field.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Information Security, Privacy, and Mining (ISPM) Research Lab
- Computer Graphics and Visualization Group
- Speech, Language & Interactive Machines (SLIM) Group
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Francesca Spezzano — Social Media Mining and Data Science
- Dr. Edoardo Serra — Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Information Security
- Dr. Casey Kennington — Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence
- Dr. Gaby Dagher — Information Security, Privacy, and Data Mining
- Dr. Steven Cutchin — Data Analytics, High Performance Computing, and Visualization
- Dr. Jun Zhuang — Data Mining, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Quantum Computing
Location Advantages:
