Data Science Minor

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

To declare a minor, the student must be a degree candidate and receive permission from the department offering the minor, as well as the college to which the department is attached. Requirements may vary by department and/or college. Prospective minors are encouraged to inquire and plan their minor early because the structure of requirements could necessitate the use of more than six semesters. Courses completed prior to formal declaration will count toward the minor program.

Minors consist of at least 18 credits, of which 9 credits must be at the upper division (300-400) level. 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.

Academic Minors in CAS policy

The University Policy for Minors allows colleges to set their standards for what courses may double count towards degree requirements. The DSC minor policy states within the requirements for the minor, at least two courses, at any level, will count for the minor and can not also be applied towards the student’s major.