Data Science Minor

The minor in data science is designed for 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

Requirements (Data Science Minor Tracking Sheet)

Data Science Core - Five courses required

  • DSC 101 (Introduction to Data Science)
  • MTH 152 (Calculus II) or MTH 154 (Calculus for Applied Science & Eng II) or MTH 221( Linear algebra)
  • CIS 180 (Object-Oriented Programming I) or MTH 280 (Introduction to Scientific Programming), ECE 160 (Foundations of Computer Engineering I), or CIS 115 ( Computer Program With C)
  • DSC 201 (Data Analysis & Visualization)
  • MTH 231 (Elementary Statistics I: Exploratory Data Analysis) or MTH 332 (Mathematical Statistics)

Data Science Electives - Three courses required

  • Students may choose any three (3) 300+ level courses approved for the Data Science major. The most recent list of approved technical electives can be found in the tracking sheets.. 

Total credits: 24 to 26 (some core courses are 4 credit)

Note: Students must maintain a minimum grade of C in each course leading to the DSC minor.

Note: To see when these courses typically run (fall vs spring), please view the BS in Data Science page and look at the material located under "Data Science Curriculum Requirements" 

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm taking courses, X, Y, and Z for my major. Can I use X, Y, and Z towards my data science minor too? 

Data science core courses can be double counted towards a major and minor.  Data science electives (at the 300-level or above) cannot. These technical courses can be used towards a minor so long as they’re not used to meet major requirements -- for example, double counting towards the minor and any college- or university-specific requirements is allowed.