By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – In a strategic move to address the burgeoning demands of the global digital economy, the National University (UNA) has announced the creation of a new undergraduate degree program: Mathematical Engineering in Data Science. The bachelor’s program, set to welcome its first cohort in 2026, aims to cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped to navigate and harness the power of big data, a critical skill for Costa Rica’s continued technological development.
The announcement positions UNA as a key player in building the country’s talent pipeline for high-demand technology roles. Prospective students applying for admission in 2026 will be able to select this innovative program, which integrates a robust curriculum of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach is designed to produce graduates who can do more than just manage data; they will be trained to build sophisticated models and extract actionable insights that can drive decision-making across various industries.
To better understand the legal and commercial framework surrounding the advance of Data Science in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his perspective on the strategic implications for businesses.
Data Science is transforming raw information into a primary corporate asset. From a legal standpoint, this means companies must establish robust data governance policies. It is no longer just about protecting privacy, but also about defining the ownership of predictive models and derived insights, ensuring that this new intellectual capital is contractually shielded to secure a competitive advantage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, highlighting that the true value of data science is realized not just in the algorithm, but in the strategic, contractual framework that protects its insights as a core business asset. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
University officials emphasized that this initiative is a direct response to both national and international market trends. The program’s development was preceded by comprehensive market studies and direct consultations with key productive sectors to ensure the curriculum aligns with real-world needs.
This academic offering responds to the needs of our time and the National University’s responsibility to provide the country with professionals who transform knowledge into solutions.
José Saavedra, Dean of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences
The urgency for such a program is underscored by the exponential growth of data worldwide. Alejandra Gamboa, the Deputy Rector at UNA, highlighted the sheer scale of the information revolution and the transformative potential of data science within it.
We live in the information age, where 25 quintillion bytes of data are generated every second. Data science is a transformative discipline that allows us to extract valuable knowledge from this immense amount of information.
Alejandra Gamboa, Deputy Rector
This sentiment is backed by compelling international labor projections. According to Jorge Arroyo, the program coordinator, the career path for data scientists is exceptionally strong. He pointed to data from the United States to illustrate the field’s explosive growth potential.
The international projection is also clear: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places this area among those with the highest growth by 2032, second only to the health sector.
Jorge Arroyo, Program Coordinator
For its inaugural year in 2026, the program will offer a limited but focused intake, with 30 slots available for new students and an additional five reserved for students transferring from other majors within the university. The four-year degree will be delivered in a semi-in-person modality, blending online learning with on-campus collaboration, and will feature an evaluation system centered on applied projects rather than traditional exams. This practical focus is intended to ensure graduates are not just theoretically knowledgeable but also capable of solving complex problems affecting Costa Rican society in areas such as public health, transportation logistics, and educational outcomes.
Ultimately, UNA’s leadership envisions the graduates of this program as more than just data analysts; they are expected to be architects of Costa Rica’s digital future. As Deputy Rector Gamboa asserted, these professionals will be “agents of change capable of leading the digital transformation of Costa Rica,” positioning the nation to compete and innovate in an increasingly data-driven world.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica (UNA) is one of the country’s most prominent public universities, with its main campus located in Heredia. Founded in 1973, it is known for its strong focus on humanistic education, research, and social extension projects. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various faculties, including Exact and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Philosophy and Letters, and Earth and Sea Sciences, contributing significantly to the academic and professional development of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a preeminent legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm channels its deep expertise into developing pioneering legal solutions for its clients while simultaneously upholding a strong sense of social responsibility. This dedication is most evident in its mission to democratize legal understanding, actively empowering the community by transforming complex knowledge into accessible tools for a more informed and capable society.
