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 of all sorts, and learn to communicate the results of their analysis in order to produce the greatest positive impact. Graduates are prepared for any post-graduation outcome including immediate entry into the professional world or further study in a pursuit of a M.S. in Data Science.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Data Science major, students should be able to:
- Apply concepts and methods from Calculus and Linear Algebra. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
- Work as part of a team to solve a complex Data Science problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
- Gather requirements from professional contexts and translate them into a clearly articulated data analysis problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
- Identify, gather, and prepare data necessary for analysis (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
- Select the optimal combination of mathematical, statistical, and computing techniques necessary to solve a problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
- Conduct analysis in a manner that produces well-understood and reproducible results and avoids common analytical and ethical problems associated with data analysis. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
- Interpret and communicate results in the optimal combination of written, graphical/visual, and verbal means, to provide actionable intelligence to the stakeholder. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
- 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.
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