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 the 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), are 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 degree program requires a basic core of courses (65 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. The program is designed to provide a foundation for more advanced work and/or a basis for employment in business, industry, and government.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major in data science must complete the following requirements:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|
| Mth 251, 252, 253 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| Mth 261 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 4 |
| Mth 231 | Data Science Seminar | 2 |
| CS 250 | Discrete Structures I | 4 |
| Mth 343 | Applied Linear Algebra | 4 |
| Stat 361 | Intro to Statistical Methods | 4 |
| Stat 363 | Statistical Computing and Data Visualization in R | 4 |
| CS 161 | Introduction to Programming and Problem-Solving | 4 |
| Mth 271 | Python for Data Science | 4 |
| CS 284 or CS 350 | Algorithmic Thinking or Algorithms and Complexity | 4 |
| Stat 364 | Modern Regression Analysis | 4 |
| Mth 371 | Large-Scale Data Algorithms | 4 |
| Stat 387 | Introduction to Statistical Learning | 4 |
| CS 486 | Intro to Database Management Systems | 4 |
| Stat 409 | Data Science Practicum | 3 |
| TWO Approved 400-level Mth or Stat courses* | | 6-7 |
| TWO Approved 300- or 400-level courses** | | 6-8 |
All courses used to satisfy the data science major requirements, whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C-, P, or above, but no more than 4 courses graded P will count toward these requirements. Transfer students majoring in data science are required to take a minimum of 15 credits of PSU upper-division mathematics or statistics courses in residence.
Check with your advisor for the list of additional courses, including omnibus-numbered courses, which may be approved as electives.