This track emphasizes the underlying computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics methodology and theory, and is especially recommended as preparation for graduate study in data science or related fields.
Notes:
These requirements were put into effect Fall 2022. Requirements from previous years can be found in the General Catalog Archive.
Preparatory Subject Matter (39 units)
Mathematics
- MAT 21A Calculus
- MAT 21B Calculus
- MAT 21C Calculus
- MAT 22A Linear Algebra
Computer Science
- ECS 17 Data, Logic, and Computing
- ECS 32A Introduction to Programming
- ECS 32B Introduction to Data Structures
Statistics
- STA 35A Statistical Data Science I
- STA 35B Statistical Data Science II
- STA 35C Statistical Data Science III
Depth Subject Matter (52 units)
Core Coursework
Computer Science
- ECS 116 Databases for Non-Majors
- ECS 117 Algorithms for Data Science
- ECS 119 Data Processing Pipelines
Probability & Statistics
- STA 108 Linear Regression
- STA 141A Fundamentals of Statistical Data Science
- MAT 135A Probability OR STA 131A Introduction to Probability Theory
Machine Learning
Choose one:
- ECS 111 Applied Machine Learning for Non-Majors
- MAT 170 Mathematics for Data Analytics & Decision Making
- STA 142A Introduction to Statistical Learning
Mathematics
- MAT 167 Applied Linear Algebra OR ECS 130 Scientific Computation
- MAT 168 Optimization
Science & Technology Studies
- STS 101 Data & Society
Upper Division Electives
Three elective courses in a related discipline.
Three upper division courses approved by major advisor; they should be in statistics, mathematics, computer science or cover quantitative aspects of a substantive discipline. A list of pre-approved electives can be viewed here.
Total Units: 91
Sample Schedule
Reminders
- Feel free to hold off on taking ECS courses until your sophomore year if you would prefer to take only two major courses in your first year. Some students benefit from focusing solely on the MAT and STA classes in their first year.
- These sample plans have most major courses in the 1st and 2nd year, but you can easily take a lighter course load and spread out your courses more evenly into your 3rd and 4th years as needed.
- Your priority should be to complete all preparatory requirements by the end of your sophomore year. You may also begin taking upper division courses in your 2nd year, but it may not be necessary to complete all of your major requirements in four years. Do not take any upper division courses in your 1st year!
- Remember that balance is key and you have to make the best possible schedule for YOU! Meet with your major advisors on a regular basis to help you update your academic plan.
- Academic Planning Resources:
Freshman | Fall | Winter | Spring |
MAT 21A | MAT 21B | MAT 21C | |
STA 35A | STA 35B | STA 35C | |
ECS 17 | ECS 32A | ||
Sophomore | Fall | Winter | Spring |
MAT 22A | STA 108 | STA 141A | |
ECS 32B | ECS 116 | ||
STS 101 | |||
Junior | Fall | Winter | Spring |
ECS 119 | MAT 167 or ECS 130 | ECS 111 or MAT 170 or STA 142A | |
MAT 135A or STA 131A | ECS 117 | ||
Senior | Fall | Winter | Spring |
Elective | Elective | Elective | |
MAT 168 |