Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Data Science BS, Statistical Data Science Specialization


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In addition to the data science core, the statistical data science specialization focuses on the application of algorithms, statistical methods, modeling and analytics to extract information from large data sets and to solve complex, real world problems. This specialization is part of the data science degree in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science.

Data Science Core


The Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science have collaboratively developed a new data science degree at CWU. This degree will combine both math and computer science courses that focus on producing graduates with the skills needed to query, analyze, and model large data sets. Graduates with a degree in data science will be prepared to mine and analyze large, complex, structured and unstructured data sets to uncover hidden solutions to business and technology challenges. A degree program such as this teaches students how to bridge the gap between technology and business interests by using analytics to make informed decisions through foundational training in the principles of statistical and mathematical analysis.  In computer science, students will learn the fundamentals of programming, data structures, algorithm design, database design, machine learning and data mining.

Demand for data analysts and scientists remains high nationwide. The competition within industries for market share continues to drive the need for highly technical and analytical employees that can process often massive amounts of raw data in order to pinpoint untapped areas of growth, drive informed and strategic decision making, and identify inefficiencies within an organization. Because of the relatively few undergraduate degree programs specializing in data science, CWU again finds itself at the forefront of innovation within degree offerings. This new degree option only enhances CWU’s overall commitment to STEM programs and can be seen as a positive response to the needs of this industry. Our focus is on producing data scientists who require strong backgrounds in mathematics, statistics and computer programming.

Graduation Requirements
Students must complete the core requirements plus an approved track in either mathematics or computer science. All course work must be successfully completed with a grade of C or higher.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • develop relevant programming skills using different programming languages in data science;
  • apply relevant math skills in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics; and
  • develop awareness of privacy, security and ethical issues in data science.

Statistical Data Science Specialization


Total Specialization Credits: 36


Total Credits: 102


College and Department Information


Mathematics Department  
College of the Sciences  

Program Codes
Major plan codes: DATASCBS, DATASCBSP
Specialization plan code: STDASC

Online Availability
The program contains courses without an online option.

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