Major in Data Science, Computer Science Concentration
Program Overview
The Data Science program combines computer science, mathematics, and statistics to analyze and interpret data. Spanning eight semesters with a total of 120 credits, it emphasizes hands-on application through a capstone group project and various elective courses. The program equips students with the skills to extract meaningful insights and solve data-driven problems.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Data Science is the discovery of knowledge and insight through the analysis of data. It draws on the study of algorithms and their implementation from computer science, the power of abstraction and of geometric and topological formalism from mathematics, and the modeling and analysis of data from statistics. It has emerged as a separate field in response to the avalanche of data from web enabled sensors and instrumentation, mobile devices, web logs and transactions, and the availability of computing power for data storage and analysis. Modern data is challenging not only due to its large scale, but also because it is increasingly heterogeneous and unstructured.
Outline:
The program is structured over 8 semesters, with a total of 120 credits required for graduation. The program is divided into four years: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. Each semester has a set of required courses, with some flexibility for electives.
Freshman Year:
- Semester 1:
- CO 150 College Composition (GT-CO2) - 3 credits
- CS 150B Culture and Coding: Python (GT-AH3) - 3 credits
- DSCI 100 First Year Seminar in Data Science - 1 credit
- MATH 156 Mathematics for Computational Science I (GT-MA1) - 4 credits
- Biological and Physical Sciences - 3 credits
- Semester 2:
- CS 164 CS1--Computational Thinking with Java - 4 credits
- DSCI 369 Linear Algebra for Data Science - 4 credits
- STAT 158 Introduction to R Programming - 1 credit
- STAT 315 Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics - 3 credits
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - 3 credits
Sophomore Year:
- Semester 3:
- CS 165 CS2--Data Structures - 4 credits
- CS 220 Discrete Structures and their Applications - 4 credits
- STAT 341 Statistical Data Analysis I - 3 credits
- Biological and Physical Sciences - 3 credits
- Semester 4:
- CS 250 or 270 Computer Systems Foundations Computer Organization - 4 credits
- DSCI 235 Data Wrangling - 2 credits
- MATH 151 Mathematical Algorithms in Matlab I - 1 credit
- MATH 256 Mathematics for Computational Science II - 4 credits
- STAT 342 Statistical Data Analysis II - 3 credits
Junior Year:
- Semester 5:
- DSCI 320 Optimization Methods in Data Science - 3 credits
- Select one course from the following:
- CS 320 Algorithms--Theory and Practice
- CS 370 Operating Systems
- Select one course from the following:
- CO 300 Writing Arguments (GT-CO3)
- CO 301B Writing in the Disciplines: Sciences (GT-CO3)
- CO 302 Writing in Digital Environments (GT-CO3)
- JTC 300 Strategic Writing and Communication (GT-CO3)
- Computer Science Elective (Select course not previously taken from List on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 6-8 credits
- Semester 6:
- CS 201/PHIL 201 Ethical Computing Systems (GT-AH3) - 3 credits
- CS 214 Software Development - 3 credits
- DSCI 335 Inferential Reasoning in Data Analysis - 3 credits
- DSCI 336 Data Graphics and Visualization - 1 credit
- Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
Senior Year:
- Semester 7:
- DSCI 445 Statistical Machine Learning - 4 credits
- Data Science Electives (Select courses not previously taken from list on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 9 credits
- Historical Perspectives - 3 credits
- Elective - 2 credits
- Semester 8:
- DSCI 478 Capstone Group Project in Data Science - 4 credits
- Electives - 11-13 credits
Computer Science Electives List:
- CS 314 Software Engineering - 3 credits
- CS 320 Algorithms--Theory and Practice - 3 credits
- CS 370 Operating Systems - 3 credits
- CS 420 Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms - 4 credits
- CS 425 Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms - 4 credits
- CS 430 Database Systems - 4 credits
- CS 435 Introduction to Big Data - 4 credits
- CS 440 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence - 4 credits
- CS 445 Introduction to Machine Learning - 4 credits
- CS 455 Introduction to Distributed Systems - 4 credits
- CS 475 Parallel Programming - 4 credits
Data Science Electives List:
- DSCI 473 Introduction to Geometric Data Analysis - 2 credits
- DSCI 475 Topological Data Analysis - 2 credits
- ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1) - 3 credits
- ECON 204 Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1) - 3 credits
- ECON 435 Intermediate Econometrics - 3 credits
- MATH 301 Introduction to Combinatorial Theory - 3 credits
- MATH 317 Advanced Calculus of One Variable - 3 credits
- MATH 331 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling - 3 credits
- MATH 332 Partial Differential Equations - 3 credits
- MATH 345 Differential Equations - 4 credits
- MATH 360 Mathematics of Information Security - 3 credits
- MATH 450 Introduction to Numerical Analysis I - 3 credits
- MATH 451 Introduction to Numerical Analysis II - 3 credits
- MATH 460 Information and Coding Theory - 3 credits
- STAT 400 Statistical Computing - 3 credits
- STAT 420 Probability and Mathematical Statistics I - 3 credits
- STAT 421 Introduction to Stochastic Processes - 3 credits
- STAT 430 Probability and Mathematical Statistics II - 3 credits
- STAT 440 Bayesian Data Analysis - 3 credits
- STAT 460 Applied Multivariate Analysis - 3 credits
Other:
- The calculus requirement for the major may alternatively be satisfied by completion of MATH 160, MATH 161, and MATH 261.
- Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).
Colorado State University
Overview:
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. CSU emphasizes a sense of community and a shared energy among students, faculty, and staff, all driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
CSU offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and discover new possibilities both inside and outside the classroom. The university boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and the broader Fort Collins community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Groundbreaking Research:
CSU is a leading research institution, with faculty and students actively engaged in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines.Transformative Student Body:
The university attracts a diverse and motivated student population, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.Beautiful Location:
Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, CSU offers stunning natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.Commitment to Impact:
CSU emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in the world, encouraging students to pursue careers and research that address global challenges.Academic Programs:
CSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 70 majors across nearly 300 programs. The university is particularly known for its strengths in:
Engineering:
CSU's College of Engineering is highly regarded, with programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, among others.Agriculture and Natural Resources:
CSU is a leading institution in agricultural research and education, with strong programs in animal science, horticulture, and environmental science.Health Sciences:
CSU offers a variety of health-related programs, including nursing, public health, and biomedical sciences.Other:
CSU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and keynote speaker series. The university also has a strong alumni network and a vibrant community in Fort Collins.
