When Kaitlynn Roark ’11 first heard about Birmingham-Southern’s new Accelerated Data Science Program, she was excited to see her alma mater take a huge step into such a fast-growing field. Plus, she works at one of the 15 partnering companies on the Data Science Advisory Council – Crossflow Technologies in Huntsville – and will get a first-hand look at the program’s impact.

The Accelerated Data Science Program, created in collaboration with Flatiron School, will welcome its first class in summer 2021, and applications are open now through March 30. An important part of the program is BSC’s partnership with some of the most influential data science and technology companies in Alabama – the companies that are contributing to the growth of data-related jobs in the state.

Roark currently serves as Crossflow’s director of human capital and is involved with human resource efforts like college career fairs, interviews, and community engagement. She also maintains her role as a software developer when she’s not busy with the HR part of her job.

“I received a computer science degree from Birmingham-Southern, and since we are still a small company, I get to put that degree to use through providing support and technical knowledge to one of our modeling and simulation development teams,” Roark says. “This work can range from writing code, executing tests, or analyzing data from various systems.”

During her nearly three years at Crossflow and in her previous experience as a software analyst, Roark has seen the power of data science. Jobs in data present numerous growth opportunities, and all businesses make data-driven decisions, allowing individuals with data science skills to pursue careers in nearly every industry. Roark thinks that data science is important for anyone to learn.

BSC’s Data Science Program will prepare undergraduate students and Birmingham professionals with these skills in an accelerated format, and the curriculum leads directly into internship and networking opportunities with the Advisory Council members, including Crossflow, Regions Bank, Shipt, O3 Solutions, and more. That means Roark will be able to work with some of the students directly.

“I was impressed with BSC taking initiative to expand into a new area for undergrads,” she says. “From this sponsorship, I think I am most excited to see the growth of the individuals who enroll in the program. Growing the potential of individuals is something that Crossflow really believes in, and I think we will have a great opportunity to not only watch but help in the development of these students and potential future employees.”

Roark hopes to see the program not only provide students with real-world experience and an innovative skillset, but also add to the College’s liberal arts background. The goals of the program – to teach students how to organize and analyze data, study trends, and incorporate data science into other disciplines – will help BSC provide a modern-day liberal arts education.

“The addition of this new program and strategic partnerships with fast-growing tech companies show that BSC is willing and capable to support all facets of interest,” Roark says. “It also shows that BSC is consistently trying to offer the best courses and opportunities to not only their students, but those in the greater Birmingham area.”

Applications are now open to enroll through March 30. Learn more about the application process, enrollment and tuition, and more at http://www.bsc.edu/academics/datascience.