William & Mary’s Board of Visitors today voted to approve the transition of the Data Science Program into a full department, pending approval from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia. The change is expected to help the university prepare students for a data-driven world and aligns with the creation of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics.

If approved by SCHEV, the program – currently housed within computer science – will become a department effective July 1, 2025. 

“As we transition into a full department, the Data Science Program is poised to become a cornerstone of William & Mary’s forward-looking approach to education and research,” said Dan Runfola, chair of data science and associate professor of applied science.

“This milestone not only reflects the incredible growth and impact of data science on our campus but also positions us to lead in addressing the global challenges of a data-driven future. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding graduate programs, we will equip our students to shape the technologies and solutions that define tomorrow’s world.”

As a leader in the evolution of the liberal arts and sciences, William & Mary has focused on data as one of the core initiatives of its Vision 2026 strategic plan. Careers is another of the core initiatives, and the university strives to prepare students for an ever-changing workplace in order to thrive throughout their careers.

Earlier this year, SCHEV approved the creation of the W&M School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. Data science is one of four units that will be included, along with applied science, computer science and physics. Housed in phase four of the Integrated Science Center, the school will launch in fall 2025 under the leadership of Douglas C. Schmidt ’84, M.A. ’86.

The Data Science Program has offered a minor since 2017 and major since 2019. Both have seen significant growth since their launch, with the minor now the most popular at the university. Interest in the major has also been gaining momentum. In 2024 – just five years after the major’s launch – 42 students graduated with data science as their first major and 10 with it as their second. 

Becoming a department will allow data science to increase its research portfolio and expand its efforts to develop graduate programs. These efforts will help address student demand and workforce needs arising from the rapidly changing pace of technology globally.