Bachelor of Data Science and Society

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Central European University Vienna

Program Overview

# Bachelor of Data Science and Society at Central European University Vienna

## Program Overview

The Bachelor of Data Science and Society is a cutting-edge program that equips you with technical data science skills while grounding them in real-world social, ethical, and policy contexts. If you're passionate about understanding how data shapes society and want to become a responsible data professional who can tackle complex challenges, this is the perfect fit for you.

## Curriculum Structure

First Year: Foundations in Data and Society

During your first year, you'll build a solid technical foundation while exploring the broader implications of data in society. You'll dive into core mathematics and programming through courses like *Introduction to Computer Science*, *Linear Algebra and Calculus*, and *Discrete Mathematics*, which form the backbone of all data science work. Alongside technical courses, you'll take *Introduction to Data Science and Society*, which introduces you to the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of data — setting the tone for your entire degree.

Second Year: Advanced Technical Skills and Social Context

In your second year, the program deepens both your technical expertise and your understanding of data's societal impact. You'll engage with *Data Structures and Algorithms*, *Statistical Methods*, and *Database Systems*, which prepare you for real-world data challenges. Simultaneously, courses like *Data Ethics and Governance* and *Data Policy* ensure you're equipped to navigate the complex regulatory and ethical landscapes that modern data professionals encounter daily.

Third Year: Specialization and Practical Application

Your final year allows you to specialize based on your interests while applying everything you've learned to real problems. You'll choose from electives in areas like *Machine Learning*, *Big Data Technologies*, or *Data Visualization and Communication*, depending on your career aspirations. You'll also complete a capstone project or thesis in *Data Science Capstone* where you'll tackle an actual societal challenge, working independently or in teams to demonstrate your ability to combine technical prowess with critical thinking about social impact.

## Focus Areas

Data analytics, machine learning, data ethics and governance, data policy, computational social science, responsible AI, and evidence-based decision-making.

## Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master technical data science competencies including programming, statistical analysis, and machine learning; understand the ethical, legal, and social implications of data work; apply critical thinking to data-driven problems; communicate data insights to non-technical audiences; and design data solutions that consider societal welfare and equity.

## Professional Alignment

The program is recognized by leading international accreditation bodies and aligns with industry standards for data science professionals, preparing graduates for careers in tech companies, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions.

## Reputation & Employability

Central European University is consistently ranked among Europe's leading institutions for innovation and graduate outcomes. CEU graduates in data science and related fields enjoy strong employment rates, with employers particularly valuing their combination of technical expertise and ethical awareness — a rare and highly sought-after skill set.

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[Learn more about the Bachelor of Data Science and Society at Central European University Vienna](https://www.ceu.edu/programs/bachelor-data-science-and-society)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Central European University (CEU) in Vienna, our Bachelor of Data Science and Society program stands out because it goes beyond theory to give you hands-on experience right from the start. You'll build real-world skills using cutting-edge tools and facilities designed for data science, like high-performance computing clusters and specialized software suites that mirror industry standards. Whether it's analyzing massive datasets or tackling societal challenges through data, you'll work in collaborative spaces that prepare you for a career where data drives decisions.

This practical focus shines through in key opportunities tailored to the program:
- Access to advanced computing labs: Use CEU's high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, including GPU clusters for machine learning and big data processing, right on the Vienna campus.
- Specialized software and digital tools: Hands-on training with tools like Python (with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and TensorFlow), R, SQL, Tableau for visualization, and AI platforms—integrated into every core course.
- Group projects and capstone experiences: Collaborate on team-based projects addressing real societal issues, like using data to analyze urban mobility or public health trends, culminating in a senior thesis with peer and faculty feedback.
- Internship opportunities: Guaranteed access to CEU's career services for paid internships at top Vienna-based organizations, tech firms, and NGOs, with many alumni landing roles at companies like Google or local data consultancies.
- Research labs and institutes: Work in the Data Science Lab and collaborate with the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) CEU, where you'll use dedicated research spaces for experiments in AI ethics, computational social science, and predictive modeling.
- Libraries and data repositories: Full access to the Open Society Archives and CEU Library's digital collections, including proprietary datasets for social sciences and exclusive JSTOR/Statista subscriptions for project work.
- Field trips and networking events: Regular site visits to Vienna's tech hubs (like the Austrian Institute of Technology) and guest workshops with industry leaders from the Vienna Data Science Group.

These elements make the program a launchpad for your future—check out the full list of facilities here: [CEU Vienna Campus Facilities](https://www.ceu.edu/campus/vienna/facilities). Ready to apply and dive in? The deadline is approaching, and spots fill fast—let's chat about your next steps!

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Central European University (CEU) Vienna, the Bachelor of Data Science and Society program stands out because it dives right into hands-on learning from day one, equipping you with real-world skills in data analysis, AI ethics, and societal impact. You'll work with cutting-edge tools and software in dedicated spaces like the Data Science Labs, collaborate on team projects that mimic industry challenges, and tap into opportunities for internships and external partnerships. This isn't just theory—it's about building a portfolio that gets you hired.

Here's how experiential learning comes to life in the program, drawing directly from CEU's official resources: access to specialized facilities and structured practical experiences tailored to data science.

- Data Science Labs at Welcome Center Vienna: State-of-the-art computing labs with high-performance workstations running software like Python (with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn), R, Jupyter Notebooks, Tableau for visualization, and TensorFlow for machine learning—perfect for hands-on coding and data projects.
- Group Projects and Capstone Experiences: Team-based assignments in courses like Data Analysis and Visualization or AI and Society, where you collaborate on real datasets to solve problems like urban planning or misinformation detection, building teamwork skills employers love.
- Internship Opportunities: Guaranteed access to CEU's Career Center partnerships, including summer internships with organizations like the Austrian Academy of Sciences or tech firms in Vienna's growing data hub, plus the program's ties to the Institute for Advanced Study for research placements.
- Digital Tools and Research Platforms: Full access to CEU's high-performance computing cluster, CEU Library's data repositories (with tools like NVivo for qualitative analysis and GIS software for spatial data), and collaborative platforms like GitHub integrated into coursework.
- Field Trips and External Engagements: Program-specific excursions to Vienna's tech ecosystem, such as visits to the Vienna Center for Logic and Algorithms or data ethics workshops with partners like the Bertelsmann Stiftung, applying classroom skills in real contexts.
- Dedicated Research Facilities: The Vera and Donald Blinken Open Society Archives and the CEU Research Data Repository for hands-on archival data projects, plus affiliation with the Department of Data Science and Society's labs for undergraduate research assistants.

This practical edge is why our grads land roles at places like Google, UNICEF, or local startups right after graduation—imagine yourself there! Ready to apply? Head to the official CEU Vienna facilities page for more details: [CEU Facilities and Resources](https://www.ceu.edu/campus/vienna/facilities). Let's chat about your next steps!