The University of New England is launching an undergraduate degree program in data science on its Biddeford campus to open up more job opportunities for graduates. Michael Arciero, associate professor and chair of UNE's mathematical sciences department, said that project-based experiential learning through partnerships with employers will be an important part of the program. He noted that partnerships with companies such as UNUM Group, a Fortune 500 insurer, and healthcare IT provider Cotiviti Holdings Inc., have already begun to create pathways to permanent employees for recent UNE math sciences graduates. Data science involves the use of mathematical modeling and computing to analyze data and to design systems for making predictions, extracting information and decision-making. Beginning with foundational skills in math and computing, students will develop techniques in data mining, statistical and machine learning, predictive modeling and data visualization.