Data Science Major and Minor Requirements

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Data Science Major

The Data Science major requires 15 units, including 6 foundational courses, 5 core courses, 3 electives, and a senior-year experience.

Data Science Curriculum Chart

Foundational Courses

  • MATH 135: Calculus I
  • MATH 136: Calculus II
  • CS 140: Introduction to Computer Programming
  • CS 219: Techniques of Computer Science
  • STAT 113: Applied Statistics
  • STAT 213: Applied Regression Analysis

Core Courses

  • MATH 217: Linear Algebra
  • CS 256: Data Structures
  • CS 345: Database Systems
  • DATA 234: Introduction to Data Science
  • DATA 352: Statistical and Machine Learning

Electives

Choose 3, at least 1 from Group 1.

Group 1 (technical electives)
  • MATH 205: Multivariable Calculus
  • MATH 230: Differential Equations
  • MATH 318: Graph Theory
  • CS 332: Web Programming
  • CS 340: Software Engineering
  • CS 362: Algorithm Analysis
  • CS 374: Artificial Intelligence
  • STAT 226: Statistical Methods of Data Collection
  • STAT 325: Probability
  • STAT 326: Mathematical Statistics
  • STAT 343: Time Series Analysis
Group 2 (applied electives)
  • BIOL 303: Biostatistics
  • CHEM 205: Quantitative Analysis
  • CHEM 342: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • ECON 342: Econometrics
  • GEOL 233: Geographic Information Systems
  • GEOL 319: Hydrology and Hydrogeology
  • GEOL 333: Advanced Geographic Information Systems
  • GEOL 362: Geochemistry
  • ENVS 323: Environmental Epidemiology
  • ENVS 383: Energy Life Cycle Analysis
  • PCA 365: The Rhetoric of Algorithms
  • PHYS 221: Modern Physics I
  • PHYS 222: Modern Physics II
  • PSYC 205: Research Methods in Psychology
  • PSYC 401: Fundamentals of Learning
  • SOC 301: Quantitative Research Methods

Courses not listed here may potentially be approved by the department chair as electives.

Capstone Experience (SYE)

Choose One:

  • DATA 450: Applied Data Science Seminar
  • DATA 489/498: Independent/Honors SYE
  • A summer fellowship approved by the department chair
  • An internship approved by the department chair

Honors

Honors work in data science provides the student with an opportunity for more independent and creative work. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major is required to receive honors in data science. In addition, each student applying for honors must complete a departmentally approved capstone. Interested students should consult the department chair.

Here is a worksheet for a stand alone data science major . There are some restrictions on combinations of majors and minors within the department. More information can be found here.

Notes:

Students considering graduate work in Data Science or Statistics are strongly encouraged to take Math 205 and Stat 325.

Students planning to participate in an off-campus program should seek early advice from the department on the best way to plan their major program.

Data Science Minor

The requirements for a minor in data science are seven units, including six foundational courses and one elective.

Foundational Courses
  • CS 140. Introduction to Computer Programming.
  • CS 219. Techniques of Computer Science.
  • CS 256. Data Structures.
  • STAT 113. Applied Statistics
  • STAT 213. Applied Regression Analysis or ECON 342. Econometrics.
  • DATA 234. Introduction to Data Science.
Elective Courses

The following courses are pre-approved as electives. Other courses not listed here may count as electives if approved by the department chair.

  • CS 332. Web Programming.
  • CS 340. Software Engineering.
  • CS 345. Database Systems.
  • CS 362. Algorithm Analysis.
  • CS 374. Artificial Intelligence.
  • MATH 205. Multivariable Calculus.
  • MATH 217. Linear Algebra.
  • MATH 230. Differential Equations.
  • MATH 318. Graph Theory.
  • STAT 226. Statistical Methods of Data Collection.
  • STAT 325. Probability.
  • STAT 326. Mathematical Statistics.
  • STAT 343. Time Series Analysis.

Here is a worksheet for a stand alone data science minor . There are some restrictions on combinations of majors and minors within the department. More information can be found here.

Advanced Placement

Students who earn a 4 or 5 on AP Statistics will receive credit for Stat 113.

Students who earn a 4 or 5 on AP Calculus AB will receive credit for Math 135. Students who earn a 4 or 5 on AP Calculus BC will receive credit for both Math 135 and Math 136.

Students who earn a 4 or 5 on AP Computer Science Principles will receive credit for CS 140. Students who earn a 4 or 5 on AP Computer Science A will receive credit for CS 219. Whether credited or not, CS140 requirements may be waived for students with sufficient programming background.