Prime Highlights:
Conestoga College to launch a new three-year Bachelor of Data Analytics (BDA) degree program in the fall of 2025.
Prepares graduates for industries such as finance, healthcare, marketing, and public service.
Key Background:
Conestoga College is set to launch a new three-year Bachelor of Data Analytics (BDA) degree program in the fall of 2025, designed to address the growing demand for skilled data analysts across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, marketing, entertainment, and public service. Offered through the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, the program will provide students with essential skills in data acquisition, management, analysis, and communication to support data-driven decision-making in businesses and government.
Jim Edwards, Dean of the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, emphasized the need for such a program, stating, “Data is ubiquitous in today’s labor market, and there is currently no three-year degree in the province specifically tailored to equip students with the fundamental skills necessary for the modern workforce.” The program is structured to quickly prepare graduates to enter the data workforce, including a paid co-op work term that offers practical experience and opportunities to connect with industry employers.
The BDA program will cover topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and model engineering, all critical for navigating an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. In addition, it will focus on business strategies, professional communications, and data ethics and privacy, ensuring a well-rounded education for future professionals.
Leigh Willis, Chair of the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, added that the program will offer hands-on learning experiences that bring technology and concepts to life, preparing students for real-world challenges. Through interpreting spreadsheets with algorithms, managing large datasets, and addressing industry-specific data problems, students will gain practical experience that prepares them for their co-op term and future careers. The BDA program will be delivered in-person at Conestoga’s Waterloo campus, situated within one of North America’s fastest-growing tech hubs. Applications for the fall 2025 term are now open, and an information session will be held on March 1, as part of the college’s spring open house activities.
