A FIRST FOR ALABAMA.
A LEADER FOR THE SOUTHEAST.
The School of Data Science will be the first academic unit of its kind in the state of Alabama and one of the first dedicated data science schools in the Southeast. This central nucleus for data-focused problem-solving will position UA as a regional and national leader in data-driven research, education and innovation, and equip students for leadership roles in related fields across industry, government and academia.
A LEADER FOR THE SOUTHEAST.
The School of Data Science will be the first academic unit of its kind in the state of Alabama and one of the first dedicated data science schools in the Southeast. This central nucleus for data-focused problem-solving will position UA as a regional and national leader in data-driven research, education and innovation, and equip students for leadership roles in related fields across industry, government and academia.
Vision
Establish The University of Alabama as a premier destination for data science education and research, developing the next generation to drive innovation across strategic industries in Alabama and beyond, and solve complex challenges through ethical, data-driven solutions.
Mission
Provide world-class education in data science, artificial intelligence and computational methods as a campus hub for data-driven research, interdisciplinary collaboration and industry, government and research partnerships. Connect expertise, infrastructure and opportunity across the University and ensure data literacy and AI fluency are defining strengths of UA graduates.
Vision
Establish The University of Alabama as a premier destination for data science education and research, developing the next generation to drive innovation across strategic industries in Alabama and beyond, and solve complex challenges through ethical, data-driven solutions.
Mission
Provide world-class education in data science, artificial intelligence and computational methods as a campus hub for data-driven research, interdisciplinary collaboration and industry, government and research partnerships. Connect expertise, infrastructure and opportunity across the University and ensure data literacy and AI fluency are defining strengths of UA graduates.
IMPACT IN ACTION
The School will build on data science expertise that already exists at UA, connecting faculty from across campus to serve students from all colleges, every major and every minor. Data literacy and translational data analytics will become foundational skills for all graduates, and a defining strength of the University's academic mission.
The School will build on data science expertise that already exists at UA, connecting faculty from across campus to serve students from all colleges, every major and every minor. Data literacy and translational data analytics will become foundational skills for all graduates, and a defining strength of the University's academic mission.
FUTURE-FOCUSED DATA EDUCATION
The school will offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs that integrate technical expertise with ethical, social and economic considerations. Students will receive foundational and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring strong data competency development at every stage of their academic journey. Other offerings will include interdisciplinary minors, certificates and concentrations accessible to all UA students.
Curriculum
The School’s interdisciplinary curriculum will incorporate expertise from across campus to provide rigorous training in statistical methods, machine learning, data engineering, high-performance computing, data visualization and ethics and responsible AI usage. Through applied learning, industry partnerships and hands-on projects, students will cultivate the technical and professional competencies essential for leadership in data-driven fields.
DRIVING WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
By partnering with Alabama’s industry, technology sector and government agencies, UA will align curriculum with critical workforce needs. The School will prepare graduates for high-demand careers in analytics, AI, cybersecurity and computational research. This workforce-oriented mission addresses the unique needs of Alabama’s economy while serving as a catalyst for economic growth.
FUELING INNOVATION ACROSS THE STATE
The School of Data Science will accelerate Alabama’s leadership in critical sectors, from healthcare and manufacturing to national security, agriculture and finance. By creating collaborative research environments, UA is expanding Alabama’s capacity to contribute and lead in critical technologies while strengthening the state’s role in the national economy.
Future-Focused Data Education
The school will offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs that integrate technical expertise with ethical, social and economic considerations. Students will receive foundational and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring strong data competency development at every stage of their academic journey. Other offerings will include interdisciplinary minors, certificates and concentrations accessible to all UA students.
Curriculum
The School’s interdisciplinary curriculum will incorporate expertise from across campus to provide rigorous training in statistical methods, machine learning, data engineering, high-performance computing, data visualization and ethics and responsible AI usage. Through applied learning, industry partnerships and hands-on projects, students will cultivate the technical and professional competencies essential for leadership in data-driven fields.
Driving Workforce and Economic Growth
By partnering with Alabama’s industry, technology sector and government agencies, UA will align curriculum with critical workforce needs. The School will prepare graduates for high-demand careers in analytics, AI, cybersecurity and computational research. This workforce-oriented mission addresses the unique needs of Alabama’s economy while serving as a catalyst for economic growth.
Fueling Innovation Across the State
The School of Data Science will accelerate Alabama’s leadership in critical sectors, from healthcare and manufacturing to national security, agriculture and finance. By creating collaborative research environments, UA is expanding Alabama’s capacity to contribute and lead in critical technologies while strengthening the state’s role in the national economy.
CUTTING-EDGE COMPUTING POWER
UA students and faculty will gain access to world-class computing resources that hold the power to accelerate discovery. The School will serve as the academic home to the UA High Performance Computing and Data Center, one of the most advanced research computing environments and a transformational infrastructure investment that sets UA apart nationally. The facility will offer high-capacity GPU clusters, petabyte-scale storage and high-speed networking designed to support campus researchers and statewide collaborations.
UA students and faculty will gain access to world-class computing resources that hold the power to accelerate discovery. The School will serve as the academic home to the UA High Performance Computing and Data Center, one of the most advanced research computing environments and a transformational infrastructure investment that sets UA apart nationally. The facility will offer high-capacity GPU clusters, petabyte-scale storage and high-speed networking designed to support campus researchers and statewide collaborations.
Obtain Approval from The University of Alabama Board of Trustees
Obtain ACHE Approval for School; Launch Dean Search
Obtain Degree Approvals
Begin Undergraduate Classes for Current Students
Develop Graduate Coursework
Launch New Degrees
PROGRAM TIMELINE
Summer 2026
Obtain Approval from The University of Alabama Board of Trustees
Fall 2026
Obtain ACHE Approval for School; Launch Dean Search
Spring 2027
Obtain Degree Approvals
Fall 2027
Begin Undergraduate Classes for Current Students
Spring 2028
Develop Graduate Coursework
Fall 2028
Launch New Degrees
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