UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2023-2024

Program: Minor in Data Science

Program Description

A minor in Data Science calls for 23-26 units of study, including courses in probability and statistics, as well as courses in computer algorithms and programming, data structures and program design, and machine learning. The minor concludes with a one-semester capstone project that synthesizes this knowledge.

Program Requirements

Laptop Requirement

The COMP courses in the Data Science minor require students to have personal and continuous access to a laptop computer that meets the Computer Science department requirements. For questions about this requirement, please contact the Department of Computer Science at (818) 677-3398. See Laptop Requirement—Minimum Specification for detailed information regarding the laptop and software specifications. Students receiving financial aid are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarship Department for assistance associated with required technology costs.

Special Grade Requirements

Carefully check course prerequisites, as many courses in the minor require grades of “C” or better in prerequisite courses. No grade lower than a “C” will be accepted on transfer from another institution to satisfy course requirements in the minor. Where specific grade requirements are not specified, no CSUN grade lower than a “C-” will be accepted for courses required in the Data Science minor.

1. Lower Division Core* (7-10 units)

3. Upper Division Core** (16 units)

COMP 442 Machine Learning Principles (3)
COMP 492 Projects in Data Science (3)
MATH 340 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
MATH 444 Statistical Modeling (3)
MATH 445 Statistical Foundations to Machine Learning (3)

*MATH 150A is a prerequisite to courses in lower division core.
**MATH 150B is a prerequisite to courses in upper division core.

Total Units in the Minor: 23-26

Contact

Department of Computer Science
Chair: Adam Kaplan
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 4503
(818) 677-3398

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a minor in Data Science will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate facility with the objects, terminology and concepts of linear algebra.
  2. Demonstrate facility with the terminology, use of symbols and concepts of probability.
  3. Write simple computer programs to perform computations arising in the mathematical sciences.
  4. Analyze a problem and specify the computing requirements appropriate to meet the desired need.
  5. Apply knowledge of programming concepts, algorithmic principles and data abstraction to design, implement and evaluate the software necessary to solve a specified problem.
  6. Understand professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
  7. Use current techniques, skills and software development tools necessary for programming practice.