The data science major combines roughly equal portions of computer science and statistics with a substantial cognate in a domain area of your choice, where you will apply your data analysis skills.

This major combines roughly equal portions of computer science and statistics with a substantial cognate in a domain area of the student’s choice, where they will apply their data analysis skills.

Note: In 2019, we're initiating important changes to our academic offerings. See the 2019 Program Changes page or the 2019 New Major Info tab to understand these changes.

Course Requirements

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The following course schedule provides a suggested framework for students pursuing a BA (or BS) in data science.

YearFallInterimSpring
Freshman
  • CS 108
  • MATH 171
  • Cognate I (1XX)

  
Sophomore
  • CS 212
  • STAT 243 or 343
  • Cognate III

  
Junior

Senior
  • CS 374*
  • Cognate V (if necessary)

  

* offered every other year

The Data Science program is an interdisciplinary mix of Computer Science, Data, Mathematics, and Statistics. For more information about the program, please contact the Chair of Computer Science or the Chair of Mathematics & Statistics.

Cognates

At least 15 semester hours, usually with the same course prefix (e.g. BIOL, BUS, GEOG, POLS, etc.) other than CS, DATA, MATH or STAT. At least 6 hours must be at the 300 level. A current list of suggested cognate course tracks can be found here:

Data Science Cognate Tracks

Students can propose other course combinations in consultation with their advisor.

BA vs. BS

Students who complete at least fifty-eight semester hours in biology, chemistry, computer science, the earth sciences, engineering, mathematics, physics and psychology may elect to receive a Bachelor of Science degree by submitting a request to the registrar's office. Others will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree.