{"id":43734,"date":"2021-08-02T10:42:11","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T14:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/?page_id=43734"},"modified":"2026-08-25T09:26:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T13:26:21","slug":"cds-data-science","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources\/academic-advising\/academics\/pathways\/cds-data-science\/","title":{"rendered":"CDS: Data Science"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The sample pathways below represent four-year plans for a College of General Studies student intending to complete a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">Bachelor of Science in Data Science<\/a>. Each sample pathway outlines the recommended sequence of courses depending on the introductory course a student completes in their first term of study. Students will work with their CGS academic advisor and the CDS advising team for guidance on planning their degree pathway.<\/p>\n<p>Students will begin the Data Science major pathway by enrolling in either CDS DS 100 or CDS DS 110 during their first term of study. <strong>CDS Advising generally recommends students consider beginning with CDS DS 100.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Data Science majors are recommended to begin with CDS DS 110 if they meet any of the following criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have credit for any of the following: AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, or IB Computer Science, especially if these courses were taught in Java<\/li>\n<li>Have experience programming in Python<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<h3>Sample Pathway: Students starting their pathway with <strong>DS 100<\/strong><\/h3>\n<table width=\"102%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Gap Semester <\/strong><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"75%\">Recommended external course: Calculus I (equivalent to CAS MA 123)*<br \/>\n<em>Note:<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/policies\/transfer-credits\/\"><em>Prior approval must be granted for all external coursework<\/em><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ebebeb;\">\n<td width=\"24%\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Term 1<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Term 2<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>First Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-rh-103\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-103\">CGS HU 103<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-rh-103\">CGS RH 103<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-103\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-103\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-103\">CGS SS 103<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-100\/\" style=\"font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;\">CDS DS 100<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><em>(London or New England summer semester)<\/em><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-104e\/\">CGS HU 104<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-rh-104e\/\">CGS RH 104<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-104e\/\">CGS SS 104<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ebebeb;\">\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Sophomore Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-201\/\">CGS SS 201<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ns-201\/\">CGS NS 201<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-110\/\">CDS DS 110<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-120\/\">CDS DS 120<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-202\">CGS HU 202<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ns-202\/\">CGS NS 202<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-121\/\">CDS DS 121<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-210\/\">CDS DS 210<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Junior Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-122\">CDS DS 122<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-310\/\">CDS DS 310<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cas\/courses\/cas-ma-214\/\">CAS MA 214<\/a><br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources\/academic-advising\/academics\/pathways\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<\/sup><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-320\/\">CDS DS 320<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/phpbin\/course-search\/search.php?page=w0&amp;pagesize=10&amp;adv=1&amp;nolog=&amp;search_adv_all=CDS+DS+320&amp;yearsem_adv=*&amp;credits=*&amp;pathway=&amp;hub_match=all&amp;pagesize=10\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-380\/\">CDS DS 380<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #1<br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources\/academic-advising\/academics\/pathways\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ebebeb;\">\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Senior Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-340\/\">CDS DS 340<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #2<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #3<br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources\/academic-advising\/academics\/pathways\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<\/sup><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\"><\/a>CDS DS5** (Capstone) OR CDS DS 490 (Directed Study)<sup>3<\/sup><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #4<br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources\/academic-advising\/academics\/pathways\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<\/sup><br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources\/academic-advising\/academics\/pathways\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2\u00a0<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>*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.<\/p>\n<p><sup>2<\/sup>Students will enroll in courses to satisfy any remaining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/pathways\/cgs-and-the-bu-hub\/\">Hub requirements<\/a> or, if Hub requirements are almost or already completed, \u00ad\u00adpursue a minor. Schedule an appointment with a CDS Advisor to discuss the purpose and benefits of a minor for students in CDS.<\/p>\n<p><sup>3<\/sup>There are <em>many <\/em>possibilities available to satisfy the CDS capstone requirement, which will be discussed often during regular advising appointments with the CDS advising team each\u00ad\u00ad semester.<\/p>\n<p><span><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Sample Pathway: Students starting their pathway with <strong>DS 110<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<table width=\"102%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Gap Semester <\/strong><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"75%\">Recommended external course: Calculus I (equivalent to CAS MA 123)*<br \/>\n<em>Note:<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/policies\/transfer-credits\/\"><em>Prior approval must be granted for all external coursework<\/em><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ebebeb;\">\n<td width=\"24%\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Term 1<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Term 2<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>First Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-rh-103\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-103\">CGS HU 103<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-rh-103\">CGS RH 103<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-103\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-103\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-103\">CGS SS 103<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-110\/\">CDS DS 110<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><em>(London or New England summer semester)<\/em><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-104e\/\">CGS HU 104<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-rh-104e\/\">CGS RH 104<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-104e\/\">CGS SS 104<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ebebeb;\">\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Sophomore Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ss-201\/\">CGS SS 201<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ns-201\/\">CGS NS 201<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-120\/\">CDS DS 120<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-210\/\">CDS DS 210<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-hu-202\">CGS HU 202<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cgs\/courses\/cgs-ns-202\/\">CGS NS 202<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-courses-january-program\/\"><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-121\">CDS DS 121<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-310\/\">CDS DS 310<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Junior Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-122\/\">CDS DS 122<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-320\/\">CDS DS 320<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cas\/courses\/cas-ma-214\/\">CAS MA 214<\/a><br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/pathways\/boston-london\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<\/sup><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-340\/\">CDS DS 340<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/phpbin\/course-search\/search.php?page=w0&amp;pagesize=10&amp;adv=1&amp;nolog=&amp;search_adv_all=CDS+DS+320&amp;yearsem_adv=*&amp;credits=*&amp;pathway=&amp;hub_match=all&amp;pagesize=10\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/courses\/cds-ds-380\/\">CDS DS 380<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #1<br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/pathways\/boston-london\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ebebeb;\">\n<td width=\"24%\"><strong>Senior Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"35%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #2<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #3<br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/pathways\/boston-london\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<br \/>\n<\/sup>CDS Elective\/Practicum<sup>4<\/sup><\/td>\n<td width=\"39%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\"><\/a>CDS DS5** (Capstone) OR CDS DS 490 (Directed Study)<sup>3<\/sup><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS DS Elective<\/a> #4<br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/pathways\/boston-london\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2<\/sup><br \/>\nHub requirement OR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/pathways\/boston-london\/minors\/\">Minor<\/a><sup>2\u00a0<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>*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.<\/p>\n<p><sup>2<\/sup>Students will enroll in courses to satisfy any remaining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/pathways\/cgs-and-the-bu-hub\/\">Hub requirements<\/a> or, if Hub requirements are almost or already completed, \u00ad\u00adpursue a minor. Schedule an appointment with a CDS Advisor to discuss the purpose and benefits of a minor for students in CDS.<\/p>\n<p><sup>3<\/sup>There are <em>many <\/em>possibilities available to satisfy the CDS capstone requirement, which will be discussed often during regular advising appointments with the CDS advising team each\u00ad\u00ad semester.<\/p>\n<p><sup>4<\/sup>Students who did not take CDS DS 100 will need to complete an additional DS elective <em>or <\/em>practicum(s) offered by CDS through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/spark\/\">Spark<\/a>, for a total of 4 credit hours.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><span><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Academic Advising<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Students who need additional guidance should contact the CDS Academic Advising team at <a href=\"mailto:cds-advising@bu.edu\">cds-advising@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><span><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">CGS Requirements<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of the CGS program, students must have earned credit towards the following 10 courses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Humanities: 3 courses\n<ul>\n<li>Choose two from CGS HU 103, CGS HU 201, or CGS HU 202<\/li>\n<li>CGS HU 104*<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Natural Sciences: 2 courses\n<ul>\n<li>CGS NS 201 and CGS NS 202<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Rhetoric: 2 courses\n<ul>\n<li>CGS RH 103 and CGS RH 104*<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Social Sciences: 3 courses\n<ul>\n<li>Choose two from CGS SS 103, CGS SS 201, or CGS SS 202<\/li>\n<li>CGS SS 104*<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>*Required course taken during the Summer term.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><span><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Major Requirements<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The major in data science requires 64<sup>1<\/sup> units, including fourteen 4-credit courses, all completed with a grade of C or higher:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Statistics <\/strong>understanding through completing<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>CAS MA 214<\/li>\n<li><strong>10 DS courses<\/strong> that introduce and establish key concepts and competencies in programming, ethics, and mathematics through a data science lens<\/li>\n<li><strong>4 DS electives <\/strong>in a chosen subject area that will allow students to gain breadth and depth beneficial to students\u2019 choice of either a <em>methodological<\/em> focus <strong>or<\/strong>, for those wanting to prepare for a specific industry,<em> in-the-field<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>A capstone<\/strong> to finalize your undergraduate education and demonstrate your skillsets in data science<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><sup>1<\/sup>While students are encouraged to take CDS DS 100, those who do not will need to complete an additional DS elective <em>or <\/em>practicum(s) offered by CDS through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/spark\/\">Spark<\/a>, for a total of 4 unit hours.<\/p>\n<p>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-unit capstone experience, and, if CDS DS 100 was not completed, 4 additional units, which may be met through any course that satisfies a DS elective requirement or practicum(s) offered by CDS through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/spark\/\">Spark<\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>For information regarding DS courses, please see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">CDS Bulletin<\/a>, or the CDS website under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cds-faculty\/programs-admissions\/undergraduate\/bs-courses\/\">Courses<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s responsibility to discuss any previous experience in the subject matter and academic\/professional interests involving said subject to receive permission to enroll.<\/p>\n<p><span>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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/policies\/dual-degree-program\/\">here<\/a><span>. Please make an\u00a0<\/span>appointment with a CDS advisor <strong>well in advance<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>of potentially applying. <\/strong><span>If interested, please contact a CDS advisor at <a href=\"mailto:cds-advising@bu.edu\">cds-advising@bu.edu<\/a> with your quick questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;s policies can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cds-faculty\/programs-admissions\/resources\/undergraduate\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about the major, please see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cds-faculty\/academics\/undergraduate\/\">Undergraduate Program<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<p>If you are in need of academic resources, <strong>a visual guide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cds-faculty\/academics\/undergraduate\/advising\/\">(flowchart)<\/a><\/strong> of the DS program, or would like to check walk-in hours <strong>or schedule an appointment with a member of the CDS advising team, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cds-faculty\/academics\/undergraduate\/advising\/\">click here<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cds-faculty\/academics\/undergraduate\/advising\/\"><\/a><\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><span><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Continuation Requirements<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Completion of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources-for-current-students\/academic-advising\/academics\/cgs-curriculum\/\">CGS required courses<\/a> and appropriate electives<\/li>\n<li>Cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.00<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p>Attend a<span>\u00a0<\/span><b>mandatory CDS orientation<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>session prior to registration for the semester after continuation from CGS<\/p>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><span><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Graduation Requirements<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Boston University students completing a degree in CDS must also complete the following requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/academics\/cgs-and-the-bu-hub\/\">BU Hub requirements<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>For a list of the Hub requirements covered by courses in the DS major and requirements it does not, please see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cds-faculty\/academics\/undergraduate\/#ds-hub\">here<\/a>. Note that e<span>xternal courses are not eligible for Hub general education requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/cds\/programs\/bs-in-data-science\/\">BS in Data Science Requirements<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>To obtain a bachelor\u2019s degree from Boston University, students must complete a minimum of 128 units.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is a sample pathway to be used in consultation with your CGS Academic Advisor.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>It is subject to change according to course availability and individual circumstances.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Updated 8\/25\/2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The sample pathways below represent four-year plans for a College of General Studies student intending to complete a Bachelor of Science in Data Science. Each sample pathway outlines the recommended sequence of courses depending on the introductory course a student completes in their first term of study. Students will work with their CGS academic advisor [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16662,"featured_media":0,"parent":5328,"menu_order":27,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43734"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16662"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43734"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43734\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51652,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43734\/revisions\/51652"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}