Can a Commerce student pursue a bachelor’s in data science?

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, one field is grabbing attention across all industries: Data Science. With its blend of statistics, programming, and computer science, Data Science is driving decision-making in everything from marketing to sports analytics. For Commerce students wondering if they can join the Data Science wave, the answer is a resounding yes!
This blog explains how, why, and what it takes for a Commerce student to transition to a bachelor’s degree in data science—and thrive in the field.

Why Data Science is a Natural Fit for Commerce Students

Data Science isn't just about crunching numbers; it’s about interpreting data to make smart business decisions. This is where Commerce students already have a natural edge. With foundational knowledge in economics, accounting, and business strategy, Commerce students bring a unique perspective to data science—one that blends Data Science with a strong understanding of finance and economics.

In the corporate world, data is an asset, especially for companies seeking to understand customer behaviour, optimise resources, and improve profitability. A Data Science degree offers Commerce students the chance to gain the technical skills needed to unlock deeper insights, leverage data strategically, and open doors to high-paying and in-demand roles like data analysts, business intelligence specialists, and even data scientists. 

Building on a Commerce Background in Data Science

While it may sound intimidating, the transition from Commerce to Data Science isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. Here’s why:

1. A Math Foundation: If you’ve taken courses in statistics, business mathematics, or econometrics, you already have a foundation in quantitative skills. These are essential in data science, where you’ll be working with data analysis and probability to draw conclusions.
2. An Analytical Mindset: Commerce students are trained to analyse financial reports, understand market trends, and think critically about business problems. This analytical mindset aligns well with Data Science which requires similar critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
3. Business Knowledge: Many Data Science roles focus on business intelligence, market analysis, or consumer behaviour—areas where Commerce students have direct experience. This industry knowledge can be incredibly valuable in interpreting data and drawing meaningful insights.

In fact, these strengths can give Commerce students an advantage over other students who may lack the real-world business context needed to solve complex problems in data science.

 The Skills that Commerce Students Need to Develop

While a Commerce background provides a head start, there are still some key skills that a student must develop to succeed in data science. Here’s what you’ll need to focus on: 

1. Programming: Data Science requires knowledge of programming languages, with Python being the most popular. Python, in particular, is known for its ease of learning which combined with a vast collection of libraries enables programmers to build AI-enabled applications in hours instead of days. At SP Jain Global, we begin from scratch. We teach programming without any assumptions of prior knowledge or skill.
2. Mathematics and Statistics: A deeper dive into mathematics and statistics, such as probability distributions, hypothesis testing, linear algebra and calculus will be necessary. These are basic math subjects which are not half as difficult as they sound. One of the largest misconceptions is that you must be a mathematician to become a data scientist. While a sound foundation of mathematics and statistics always help, you don’t have to be a mathematician or statistician to become a data scientist. Once again, at SP Jain Global’s Bachelor of Data Science (BDS) program, we cover the basics of the mathematics and statistics that are required to become a data scientist.
3. Computer Science: Computer science is another important subject area that is required for becoming a data scientist. At SP Jain Global, we cover the parts of computer science that are most relevant for the Data Science industry.
4. Communication Skills: As a Commerce student, you already know the importance of clear communication, especially in a business context. In data science, being able to communicate your findings to non-technical stakeholders is a huge asset. 

How to Transition to Data Science as a Commerce Student

The most straightforward path is to find a university offering a bachelor’s in data science or related programs that accept Commerce students. SP Jain Global offers a Bachelor of Data Science (BDS) degree which is a 3-year, full-time program. We start with the absolute basics without any assumptions based on the student’s background, and then over 3 years we push the students towards the cutting edge of machine learning and AI. All you need is to bring your enthusiasm and desire to learn. 

Final Thoughts: A World of Opportunities Awaits

Data Science is a growing field that welcomes diverse skill sets. As a Commerce student, your business and analytical acumen are a powerful combination that can open doors to exciting careers in data science. Whether you’re looking to work as a data analyst in a tech company, a financial analyst in the banking industry, or a business intelligence specialist, a bachelor’s degree in data science can be a perfect fit. So, go ahead, embrace the opportunity, build those technical skills, and let your Commerce background be the unique edge that sets you apart in the data-driven world!

About the author:

Dr Aditya Narvekar is an Assistant Professor and Deputy Director for Student Engagement and Enhancement in the Bachelor of Data Science program.

He teaches and mentors students in areas of financial analytics, database\data warehouse design, data structures & algorithms and python. He also helps prep students for interviews in the sectors of investment banking and consulting.

Dr Narvekar comes with rich corporate experience having held positions as assistant vice president for HSBC and JP Morgan Chase.