Bachelor of Science in Data Science

"Data science is emerging as a field that is revolutionizing science and industries alike. Work across nearly all domains is becoming more data driven, affecting both the jobs that are available and the skills that are required. As more data and ways of analyzing them become available, more aspects of the economy, society, and daily life will become dependent on data."  ---  National Academies report on Data Science for Undergraduates: Opportunities and Options

Undergraduate Admissions

Program Description

The  BS in Data Science degree is a multi-disciplinary program including course from mathematics, statistics, computer science and applications areas. The program offers training, at lower division level, in calculus, linear algebra, and computer science.  Introduction to statistical methods, all requiring some basic programming skills (python, R,  and/or MATLAB) also taught as part of the program. In the Freshman Data Science Seminar guest lecturer(s) will be introducing examples and case studies and discussing ethics and bias in Data Science.
The training at upper division level includes specialized classes in statistics, large-scale data algorithms, computer science (including algorithms, SQL and Databases), optimization, and scientific computing for various hands-on data science applications, including health sciences and business. Students will be advised on relevant elective courses that address ethics and bias in data science studies, research, and applications, along the lines of PHL 314U Computer Ethics and COMM 389U Ethics of Human Communication.  

Learning Outcomes

The objective of the program is to build a mathematically and statistically rigorous foundation so that each graduate is able to make informed decisions on how to operate with numerical and network data (typically discrete but often of very large size); to collect (read/write), visualize, approximate, optimize with respect to relevant cost functionals, make predictions/decisions and interpret them, all utilizing specialized software. A general goal is also to create awareness about the social implications of data bias/ethical conduct etc. when collecting, analyzing, and making decisions based on the data science methodologies that we teach. 

Degree Requirements

The degree program requires a basic core of courses (61 credits) and elective courses (12-15 credits). This structure gives flexibility to the program that allows students to pursue special areas of interest in applications of data science. In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major in data science must complete the following requirements.

Check with the adviser for the list of additional courses, including omnibus-numbered courses, which may be approved as electives.