The Data Science and Machine Learning pathway prepares students for careers extracting insights from data and building intelligent systems that learn from information. Students develop skills in data analysis, statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization while learning to ask critical business questions and communicate findings. This program combines mathematics, programming, and domain knowledge to transform data into actionable insights.
Florida's data-driven economy creates demand for professionals who can analyze trends, build predictive models, and optimize business processes through data intelligence. Students learn Python programming for data analysis, statistical methods, machine learning frameworks, and visualization tools. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications across industries from healthcare to finance to e-commerce.
Graduates pursue careers as data analysts, data scientists, machine learning engineers, or business intelligence specialists with technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and retailers. Data science offers excellent earning potential, intellectual challenges, and opportunities to work on projects with significant business impact. The field continues to grow rapidly as organizations increasingly recognize data's strategic value.
Data Science and Machine Learning at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Florida's data science standards emphasize both technical competency and practical application of data science methodologies. The curriculum covers exploratory data analysis, statistical hypothesis testing, machine learning algorithms, and model evaluation. Standards ensure students work with real datasets and learn to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Students gain experience with industry-standard tools including Python, R, Tableau, and machine learning libraries. The standards require instruction in data ethics, bias detection, and responsible AI practices. Hands-on projects using real-world datasets prepare students for roles where they contribute to actual business decisions.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Data Science | 9003100 |
| Data Science and Machine Learning | 9007700 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Data Analyst
Entry LevelSalary range: $79,650 - $135,530
Junior Data Scientist
Entry LevelSalary range: $79,650 - $135,530
Senior Data Scientist
ExperiencedSalary range: $79,650 - $135,530
Machine Learning Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $79,650 - $135,530
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Work-based learning includes internships with technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and retailers where students analyze real datasets and build predictive models. Students contribute to actual analytics projects and learn how data science delivers business value. These positions often convert to permanent employment, especially for candidates who demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Florida CTE Programs
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Florida standards and industry needs evolve
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