EARN YOUR DATA SCIENCE DEGREE AT SC!
Total Credit Hours: 124
Transfer Credits: Up to 94
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science prepares students to collect and analyze data for actionable insights and making data informed decisions. Students gain an understanding of information technology, computer science, the role of data analysis, data science, and cloud computing for transferrable skills to utilize in many different business sectors. Upon completion of the degree, students earn certificates in IT analytics, data science, and cloud computing.
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PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Graduates in data science will:
• Understand the fundamental concepts of data science, including data management, data analytics, data visualization, and the information technology that makes those efforts possible.
• Apply data science techniques to solve real-world problems.
• Communicate effectively about data science findings.
• Work effectively in a team setting.
• Think critically and creatively about data science problems.
• Identify and address ethical issues in data science.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in data science.
• Apply data science skills to a variety of industries and settings.
RESOURCES
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DATA SCIENCE PROGRAM DETAILS
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science will prepare students to collect and analyze data for actionable insights and making data informed decisions. Students will gain an understanding of information technology, computer science, the role of data analysis, data science, and cloud computing for transferable skills to utilize in many different business sectors. Upon completion of the degree, students will earn certificates in information technology analytics, data science, and cloud computing.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school or have completed a GED®
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
Major Requirements
Cloud Computing Requirements:
DASC250 Cloud Computing Foundations
Cloud computing fundamentals introduces important concepts in the practice of cloud computing and data storage. Students explore the need to remotely store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. Additional topics will include cloud computing platforms, cloud scalability, cloud analytics and business applications. Credit 3 hours.
DASC340 Networking and Software Development
This course explores the basics of computer networking and software development. Learners will explore the application of networks to communicate and share information and resources. Additionally, the course introduces the basics of software development. Topics in software development will introduce computer science activities dedicated to the process of creating and supporting software. Credit 3 hours.
DASC350 Cloud Infrastructure
Cloud infrastructure will introduce learners to main component of this field of study and its business applications and services. Topics will include networking, equipment, servers and data storage and hosted services (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS). Credit 3 hours.
DASC360 Cloud Security
This course is an intermediate study on security concepts and how they apply to cloud computing. It in intended for learners with basic programming skills and cloud computing knowledge. Topics will include techniques for securing cloud services and environments to protect and access data. Credit 3 hours.
Data Science Requirements:
DASC240 Role of Data Analysis
The role of data analysis will explore the foundations of data analysis and its role in decision-making. Students will study the foundations of data analysis and the role of collecting, cleaning, and organizing data to ensure the data is accurate and accessible for interpretation to inform stakeholders. Credit 3 hours.
DASC310 Data Analytics
Students will study the role of data and the importance of data informed decisions. Students will explore statistical analysis, dealing with different types of data, data science methodology and how to examine and present this data for strategic decision making. Credit 3 hours.
DASC320 Data Science
Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful information and will build upon the role of data analytics. Students examine this multidisciplinary approach that combines principles from mathematics and computer science with a focus on designing of processes for data modeling and analysis. Credit 3 hours.
DASC330 Cleaning Data and Data Visualization
This course will examine the importance of complete and accurate data along with the ability to present it for ease of interpretation and understanding. Students explore the practice of translating information into a visual context, such as a presentation or report making it easier for decision makers to understand and identify patterns and trends. Credit 3 hours.
Information Technology Analytics Requirements:
CSCI290 Computer Science Essentials
This course presents algorithms, data structures, secure coding, and software design. Learners will learn to analyze program requirements, construct, and analyze and algorithmic solution. Learners identify and implement data structures within a software application to create optimized code. Learners explore various facets of information security, particularly relating to coding practices. Credit 3 hours.
DASC210 Foundations of Information Technology
This course will examine information technology as a complete field of study. Students will explore the different roles, responsibilities, and potential job opportunities. Topics will include how both information and computing systems support business, basics of computer hardware, support and communications needs. Credit 3 hours.
DASC220 Data Management
Data management will focus on the fundamentals of databases and the management of data. Students will examine current research and developments in the field. The course focuses on theory and application of topics to include data modeling and design, storage, database design, security and data mining. Credit 3 hours.
DASC230 Administration and Leadership in Data Management
The course will cover the process operatizing and leading in the field of data management. There will be a focus on leadership and operating within this the field of data. Students will conduct research, study theory and apply what they have learned. Credit 3 hours.
Additional Coursework:
DASC401 Emerging Trends in Data Science
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the most recent developments in data science, including emerging trends and new techniques. Students will gain a deep understanding of the latest advancements in machine learning, data visualization, data mining, and statistical modeling. This course is designed for students who have a strong foundation in data science and want to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field. Credit 3 hours.
DASC425 Machine Learning
This course will provide a fundamental overview of concepts used in computational data analysis. Topics include regression, classification, clustering, time-series data, and visualization. Students will perform data analysis using Python including predictive analysis. Credit 3 hours.
Undergraduate Certificate in Cloud Computing
The Cloud Computing certificate is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving field of cloud computing. This comprehensive program offers a blend of theoretical concepts and practical hands-on experience, enabling students to understand the fundamental principles of cloud computing and apply them in real-world scenarios.
Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science
The Data Science certificate encompasses various facets of data science, including statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and data-driven decision-making. Students will participate in a structured and in-depth learning experience, gaining proficiency in both theoretical concepts and practical applications of data science methodologies.
Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology Analytics
The Information Technology Analytics certificate is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage data analytics techniques and tools in the field of information technology (IT). This program offers a practical and hands-on approach to understanding data-driven decision making and empowers participants to extract valuable insights from complex IT datasets.
General Education Requirements*
Basic Skills
CORE110: Information Literacy
This course is designed to provide learners with the skills that are fundamental to becoming an information‐literate professional who can locate, evaluate, organize and communicate information. The abundance and rapid flow of data requires skill development in the understanding of information resources, accessing information sources, determining the credibility of Internet information, logically organizing sources and finally presenting the information professionally.
ENGL101: Composition 1
This course helps learners develop writing skills that are transferable to any academic or workplace writing task. The course guides learners through the process of planning, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading academic and workplace writing. Learners will develop skills necessary to craft coherent sentences and paragraphs, to edit editing their writing for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They will learn about narrative structure and techniques as well as the elements of successful argumentation and persuasive discourse. This course also guides learners through every stage of the research process. Learners will develop a research plan, conduct research, organize and draft a research paper, and then revise, edit, and proofread that research paper.
ENGL102: Composition 2
This course builds on the thinking and writing skills introduced in Composition 1. Learners will write critical, argumentative essays based on their interpretations of nonfictional texts, including literary, film, and cultural texts, and in doing so, will recognize the role of rhetoric in the writing situation as they craft persuasive discourse. In doing so, they will learn methods of questioning, analyzing, and evaluating their own beliefs as well as the perceptions and perspectives of others. These methods of critical thinking are intended to improve the quality and organization of learners’ writing for any purpose, including academic and workplace purposes. In addition to writing essays, learners will develop more advanced research strategies, as well greater proficiency in APA style.
Prerequisite: ENGL101
COM125: Speech
This course helps learners majoring in any discipline strengthen communication skills essential for success in academics and the workplace. Learners will focus on listening, evaluating, and delivering spoken discourse based on audience and purpose. Learners will evaluate why some people are more effective than others as public speakers, analyze speeches and audiences, study ethical considerations for speakers, research and organize findings on a topic, and present findings before an audience, and learn techniques for identifying and reducing speech anxiety.
MASC110 Statistics & Probability or MASC115 College Algebra
MASC110 Statistics & Probability, or MASC115 College Algebra, or more advanced college credit bearing mathematics course requiring college algebra or higher as a prerequisite.
Ethical Reasoning
HUM201: Ethics
Ethics introduces learners to moral philosophy, the branch of philosophy that questions what is good and bad. The course surveys a number of important ethical theories—ethical relativism, objectivism, egoism, altruism, utilitarianism, duty‐based moral theory, natural law, natural rights, and virtue ethics—as they examine reasons why certain actions are morally right or wrong. Learners will apply ethical theories in the evaluation and analysis of current controversial issues, question ethical matters from a variety of angles, and acquire new tools to assist them in making ethically sound, well‐informed decisions throughout their lives.
Disciplinary Perspectives
Natural Science (3 or more credit hours)
Social Science (3 or more credit hours)
Humanities (3 or more credit hours)
The Arts (3 or more credit hours)
Other Cultures (3 or more credit hours)
Capstone
CAPS495 Senior Capstone
Senior capstone or major capstone course.
*Most general education requirements are waived for students with an AA, AS, or AAS degree. Speak to your admissions counselor for details.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete all foundation and major courses with an overall GPA of 2.0
- Complete a minimum of 124 credit hours, with at least 60 hours at a bachelor’s degree-granting institution
- Complete at least 30 credit hours with a C average or above from Southwestern College
All degree requirements are subject to change. Please see Southwestern College Professional Studies Catalog for the most current degree requirements.