Program: Data Science (A.S.) - South Dakota State University

2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 04, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact

Kurt Cogswell, Department Head
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall 209
605-688-6196

Program Information

The Data Science major prepares students to use the power of data to help organizations of all sorts and society as a whole to make better decisions. Students learn to use mathematics, statistics, and computational tools to analyze data, and learn to communicate the results of their analysis in order to produce the greatest positive impact. Completion of Option 1 of the Data Science major will allow students to transfer 60 credits of coursework towards many bachelor’s degree programs in the applied, social, or natural sciences that can be enhanced by additional data science focus. Completion of Option 2 of the Data Science major will allow students to transfer 60 credits of coursework towards B.S. in Data Science or the B.S. in Mathematics with Data Science Specialization.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Data Science major, students should be able to:

Identify, gather, and prepare data necessary for analysis. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
Conduct data analysis using appropriate software to produce well understood and reproducible results. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking)
Avoid common analytical and ethical problems associated with data analysis. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy)
Interpret and communicate results of analysis to stakeholders, using written, visual, and verbal means. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
Work as part of a team to solve a data analysis problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
Appreciate the value of and work efficiently with a diverse group of individuals. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

Academic Requirements

A grade of “C” or above is required in all MATH and STAT courses.

Course Delivery Format

Program courses are delivered on campus, in classroom and laboratory settings, and online.

Requirements for Data Science Major: 60 Credits

Associate of Science

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication: SGR #1 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication: SGR #2 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity: SGR #3 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity: SGR #4 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #5 Mathematics: MATH 121-121L - Survey of Calculus and Lab (COM) [SGR #5] Credits: 5 (Option 1) or
MATH 123 - Calculus I (COM) [SGR #5] Credits: 4
(Option 2)
Goal #6 Natural Sciences: INFO 101 - Introduction to Informatics [SGR #6] Credits: 3

Major Requirements

MATH 250 - Introduction to Linear Algebra and Proof Credits: 3
STAT 101 - Introduction to Data Science Credits: 3
STAT 410-510 - SAS Programming Credits: 3
STAT 415-515 - R Programming Credits: 3

Select one of the following

Option 1

STAT 281 - Introduction to Statistics (COM) [SGR #5] Credits: 3
or STAT 381 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (COM) Credits: 3
STAT 441-541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
STAT 442 - Exploratory and Cloud-Based Data Analysis Credits: 3

Option 2

MATH 125 - Calculus II (COM) [SGR #5] Credits: 4
STAT 382 - Probability Credits: 3
STAT 482 - Mathematical Statistics Credits: 3

Supporting Coursework

CSC 150 - Computer Science I (COM) Credits: 3

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional requirements.

Total Required Credits: 60

Summary of Program Requirements

Associate of Science
System General Education Requirements	25-26 Credit Hours
Major Requirements	24-25 Credit Hours
Supporting Coursework	3 Credit Hours
Electives**	10 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

Data Science (A.S.)