CDS: Data Science

Sample Pathway

Below is an example of a four-year plan of a College of General Studies student pursuing a degree in Data Science. Students will work with their CGS academic advisors and the CDS advising team to plan their own pathway to a BS in Data Science degree.

Current CGS sophomore students who are interested in switching to the Data Science major should refer to the CDS Electives page for guidance on selecting the appropriate electives to work towards this degree program.

Students will complete 128 credits, with at least 64¹ credits required for the major:

• Statistics understanding through completing CAS MA 213 OR CAS MA 214 (recommended)
• 10 DS courses that introduce and establish key concepts and competencies in programming, ethics, and mathematics through a data science lens
• 4 DS electives in a chosen subject area that will allow students to gain breadth and depth beneficial to students’ choice of either a methodological focus or, for those wanting to prepare for a specific industry, in-the-field
• A capstone to finalize your undergraduate education and demonstrate your skillsets in data science

¹While students are encouraged to take CDS DS 100, those who do not will need to complete an additional DS elective or practicum(s) offered by CDS through Spark, for a total of 4 credit hours.

*This will depend on each student as an individual. Students who have experience and comfort in Calculus I topics should feel prepared to transition into CDS DS 120. Those who have yet to have exposure to this level of mathematics should speak with their CGS advisor and the CDS advising team for guidance.

²Students will enroll in courses to satisfy any remaining Hub requirements or, if Hub requirements are almost or already completed, ­­pursue a minor. Schedule an appointment with a CDS Advisor to discuss the purpose and benefits of a minor for students in CDS.

³There are many possibilities available to satisfy the CDS capstone requirement, which will be discussed often during regular advising appointments with the CDS advising team each­­ semester.

College of General Studies Program Requirements

• Two rhetoric courses: CGS RH 103 and CGS RH 104
  • CGS RH 104 is taken during the London semester
• Two natural science courses: CGS NS 201 and CGS NS 202
• Three social science courses:
  • CGS SS 104 is required and is taken during the London semester
  • Students select at least two additional SS courses and will work with their academic advisor to determine course selection
• Three humanities courses:
  • CGS HU 104 is required and is taken during the London semester
  • Students select at least two additional HU courses and will work with their academic advisor to determine course selection

Major Requirements

The major in data science requires 64 credits, including fourteen 4-credit courses, all completed with a grade of C or higher. Course substitutions require a B- or higher to satisfy a DS major requirement. This includes foundational coursework, core coursework, four elective courses in either Methodology or In-the-Field, a 4-credit capstone experience, and, if CDS DS100 was not completed, 4 additional credits, which may be met through any course that satisfies a DS elective requirement or practicum(s) offered by CDS through Spark.

For information regarding DS courses, please see the CDS Bulletin, or the CDS website under Courses.

Students are expected to obtain the necessary background (pre-requisites or substitutes) to complete their chosen elective courses. If it is not met, it will be the student’s responsibility to discuss any previous experience in the subject matter and academic/professional interests involving said subject to receive permission to enroll.

CDS will consider a small number of applications for dual degree. Dual degree is an intensive program, and more information on University policies regarding dual degree is available here. Please make an appointment with a CDS advisor well in advance of potentially applying. If interested, please contact a CDS advisor at cds-advising@bu.edu with your quick questions.

CDS adheres to the repeat policies established by Boston University. Students have two attempts to earn a C or higher for a program requirement for the DS major. However, a third and final attempt may be granted by CDS if a student withdraws from the required course in either of the first two attempts. More information on CDS’s policies can be found here.

For more information about the major, please see the Undergraduate Program page.

If you are in need of academic resources, a visual guide (flowchart) of the DS program, or would like to check walk-in hours or schedule an appointment with a member of the CDS advising team, click here.

PLEASE NOTE: CDS does not utilize Handshake for any of their academic appointments. Students will need to visit the link above to access their scheduler.

Continuation Requirements

• Completion of the CGS required courses and appropriate electives
• Cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.00
• Advising appointment with a CDS advisor prior to registration for the semester after continuation from CGS.

Graduation Requirements

Boston University students completing a degree in CDS must also complete the following requirements.

• BU Hub requirements
  • For a list of the Hub units covered by required courses in the DS major and units it does not, please see here. External courses are not eligible for Hub general education credit.
• BS in Data Science Requirements
  • To obtain a bachelor’s degree from Boston University, students must complete a minimum of 128 credits.
• Seven Year Rule
  • The BS in Data Science program must be completed within seven years after matriculation either at Boston University or at another institution before transferring to Boston University.

This is a sample pathway to be used in consultation with your CGS Academic Advisor.

It is subject to change according to course availability and individual circumstances.

Updated 04/09/2024