Data Science Minor

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The minor in data science is designed for STEM-focused students looking to broaden their skillset with data science tools and techniques in data visualization, statistical analysis, and programming. Students can explore a variety of topics in their upper-level courses including machine learning, high-performance computing, and building predictive models.

Considering the growing importance of data science skills for the current and future workforce, a data science minor will complement a variety of majors including crime and justice, political science, business, psychology, biology, and physics, to name a few. Engineers of all types are also well suited for the data science minor, and most of our graduate students come from a background in mathematics, engineering, or physics.

In successfully completing the data science minor, students will learn to:

understand and apply contemporary techniques for managing, mining, and analyzing big data across multiple disciplines
use computation and computational thinking to gain new knowledge and to solve real-world problems of high complexity
communicate their ideas and findings persuasively in written, oral, and visual form and to work in a diverse team environment
be well prepared for graduate school or employment by having a unique skillset that differentiates them in a job applicant pool

Core Course Requirements

You must earn a minimum grade of ‘C’ in each course to meet the requirement.

CIS 180 - Object-Oriented Prog I Credits: 4
Students may also satisfy the CIS 180 requirement by completing either MTH 280, ECE 160, or CIS 115.
DSC 101 - Introduction to Data Science Credits: 3
DSC 201 - Data Analysis and Visualization Credits: 3
MTH 152 - Calculus II Credits: 4
Calculus II requirement can be met by either MTH 152 or MTH 154. Linear Algebra (MTH 221) may also be used in place of the Calculus II requirement.
MTH 231 - Elementary Statistics I: Exploratory Data Analysis Credits: 3
Students may also complete MTH 332 in place of the MTH 231 requirement.

Electives - Three Courses Required

Choose any three 300+ level courses approved for the Data Science major. Other courses may be permissible with prior approval of the Data Science program directors. You must earn a minimum grade of ‘C’ in each course to meet the requirement.

Total Credits: 24-25

University Policy on Minors

Minors consist of at least 18 credits, of which 9 credits must be at the upper division (300-400) level. Within these 9 upper level credits, a course can be counted in only one category. Even if a course could satisfy either the student’s major or the minor, it cannot be double-counted. A college may define electives that are permitted to be used towards the minor. A department offering a minor may establish other requirements beyond these minimal requirements. A minor must be completed at the time of the degree and will be so noted on the student’s transcript. A student cannot be readmitted to the University to complete only a minor.