Women Have Been Shut Out of Computer and Data Science. BU CDS Is Opening the Door
Across the United States, women make up roughly half the workforce and roughly half the population. But, zoom in on the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math), and it’s a starkly different story. In data science, for example, only about 15 to 20 percent of professionals in the field are women.
Boston University, however, is bucking this trend. The University’s Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS), which launched in 2021, has been uniquely successful in recruiting—and retaining—women in the field. Women made up 46 percent of its inaugural class, and it’s grown from there. Of the Class of 2028, 47 percent are women.
Programs + Admissions
If you want to shape the future of an increasingly data-driven world, there’s a place for you in CDS.
Culture + Community
There’s no school like CDS because CDS isn’t a school. It’s a community of people who share an interest in advancing computing and data sciences for a better society.
Schools & Colleges
11
Our diverse faculty come from 23 departments in 11 of BU's schools & colleges, bringing Data Science expertise in everything from Theology to Engineering.
# of majors
150
+
In just one year, the Data Science major has over 150 declared majors.
Annual growth in enrollments
370
%+
The number of students taking DS courses is growing in leaps and bounds, drawing students from all across the University.
Research + Impact
We aren’t just leading innovative research, we’re tackling society’s biggest challenges.
Explore
A connective tissue bridging all disciplines, CDS brings together students, faculty, and partners to make a real-world impact.
Faculty Stories
Members of our faculty are drawn from all areas of computing & data sciences. Read about their research vision and projects in the pipeline.
Recent News
The latest news and innovations from CDS.
Computing and Data Science PhD Student Seminar Series
The Boston University PhD program is home to a wide range of students all studying various facets of data science. To help give students a friendly opportunity to practice and develop their research skills, we are launching the Computing and Data Science PhD Student Seminar Series. This series is focused on giving doctoral students an […]
Boston University’s CCDS Wins 2024 Kyoto Global Design Award
The Center for Computing & Data Sciences has been selected for a 2024 award in global design recognition. Read about the award details and more.
BU Today: Women Have Been Shut Out of Computer and Data Science. BU Is Opening the Door
CDS is making waves in the worlds of STEM education and Data Science, read all about how the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences is combatting disparities!
BU Today: A BU Filmmaker Captures a BU Researcher’s Quest against Religious Violence
Read about the Simulating Religious Violence project by CDS Professor Wesley J. Wildman, from the documentary's early stages to its upcoming premiere!
The Data Science Behind the Film ‘Simulating Religious Violence’
In this Q&A, BU Professor Wesley J. Wildman and Director Jenn Lindsay (GRS'18) discuss the data science research behind the film "Simulating Religious Violence."
The Daily Free Press: Diwali celebrations light up the Boston community
Read The Daily Free Press report on how CDS celebrated Diwali with students, faculty, and staff!
New Spring 2025 CDS Courses Announced
CDS announces new spring 2024 courses.
Avanade Partnership Reaches New Heights
Learn about the Avanade STEM Scholarship Program and the CDS Avanade kickoff meeting.