Data Science, BS

You will receive Data Science-specific advising—ensuring you are on track and taking the correct courses
It keeps you informed of Data Science-related Computer Science Department opportunities and events
Helps our department know how many course sections to offer
Offers improved access to pre-major classes in Phase I of registration
- Data Science Pre-Major Courses: DATA 311, CSCI 241, and CSCI 301
It helps us connect with you and get to know you

Students can declare a pre-major in Data Science once they have completed CSCI 141. Priority deadline for applications to the Data Science Pre-Major will be accepted during weeks 1-5 of fall, winter, and spring quarter. At the end of week 5 students will meet with the program advisor and be granted pre-major status in time for Phase I of registration.

Students may retake at most one of CSCI 241, CSCI 301 or DATA 311 to improve their major application GPA. We make exceptions only in cases of hardship withdrawal from the quarter. Please note that we count late withdrawals as one attempt. Transferred courses do not count in the GPA calculation.

Major FAQ

Students can apply to the major early during fall, winter, and spring quarter when they are enrolled in the last of their pre-major courses, namely CSCI 241, CSCI 301, and DATA 311. Application deadlines are posted at the top of this page, all applications are due by 5:00pm on the day of the deadline.

Admission to the Data Science major is based on many factors, including the student’s academic performance in CSCI 241, CSCI 301, DATA 311, and math readiness. Evidence that the admits will have a positive impact on the department culture is also considered, for example, the student's involvement in clubs, activities, research, volunteering, teamwork, or leadership. Admission is based on a space available basis: neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission.

The application to the Data Science major is a web form that includes 3 short answer questions in reference to career goals, community involvement and telling the committee a little about yourself that are important factors in admission decisions.

You can contact:

Your faculty advisor (Check DegreeWorks for your assigned advisor) for:curriculum and career questions, course planning, and questions about research.
The program director, Brian Hutchinson, for elective approval and feedback on the program
The pre-major advisor, Kjatosia Ruvalcaba, for degree requirements, registration overrides, course planning, general degree questions, and major evaluations

General FAQ

If you're interested in learning more about the department, you can book an appointment for a department tour. During this appointment, you'll learn more about the department, our programs, and get any questions you have answered.

If you have questions but do not want to schedule a tour, contact the department's prospective student advisor.

No, we currently do not offer direct admission to the Data Science major.

Depending on the support or resources you're looking for, the Computer Science department may be able to help.

Dedicated CS Tutors to help with Computer Science and Data Science courses
CS Mentor Program
Computer Science and Data Science pre-major advisors to support you on your journey into the major
Department Clubs related to various interests to help you feel like part of the community

Yes, the department offers several scholarships to students in our majors. Learn more about our scholarships.

Our scholarship application has been combined into one application that allows you to apply to all university scholarships at once. For more information, check out the Scholarship Center website.

Data Science at Western has many unique qualities including but not limited to:

Opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research
Lectures taught by members of our faculty
Small class sizes for in-major courses
Regular networking and career talk events hosted by the department