Data ScienceMathematics + Data Science: 3+2
Your mathematics AOC supplies much of the foundation for data science. The 3+2 pathway adds computing, statistical practice and applied projects to that preparation, combining your Mathematics BA with an MS in Applied Data Science in a planned five years.
How the pathway fits your degree
All four prerequisites fit within the AOC when you choose Python.
- Calculus I
- Covered by the AOC calculus requirement.
- Introduction to Programming in Python
- Select Python for the AOC programming requirement.
- Probability I (one module)
- Part of the AOC probability sequence.
- Linear Algebra
- Covered by the AOC linear algebra requirement.
Applications in Mathematics
Model assumptions
Examine when an estimator or model is appropriate and how assumptions affect its conclusions.
Optimization and computation
Translate a mathematical method into code and evaluate its numerical behavior.
Probability in applications
Use probabilistic models to describe uncertainty in observed data.
Plan your undergraduate work
Early preparation
Complete the four entry courses by the end of Year 2. Keep the rest of the calculus sequence, Probability II, analysis and algebra in your AOC plan.
ISPs and seminar
Use undergraduate ISPs to explore a mathematical or computational question. Include the seminar and its presentation requirement in your course plan.
Thesis
A mathematical thesis can inform later applied work. Agree on the necessary advanced courses and a scope that supports completion in fall Year 4.
These are sample schedules. Work with your area-of-concentration sponsor to confirm course prerequisites, actual offerings, remaining BA requirements and the fall thesis deadline. Graduate courses do not automatically replace undergraduate requirements.
Sample course schedule: Years 1–5
Each course or thesis activity appears on its own line. General-education choices are examples to review with your sponsor.
HUM 1020 and ISC 2076 carry two credits each. Probability and seminar entries are half-course modules.
Year 1 fall
Undergraduate
- MAC 2311 Calculus I
- COP 2047 Introduction to Programming in Python
- ENC 1101 English Composition (BA/general education choice)
- HUM 1020 Homer's Odyssey - Introduction to Humanities (2-credit BA choice)
- ISC 2076 Introduction to Techne (2-credit BA choice)
Year 1 spring
Undergraduate
- MAC 2312 Calculus II
- MAS 2103 Linear Algebra
- POS 2041 American Government and Civics (BA/general education choice)
- AST 2002 Descriptive Astronomy (BA/general education choice)
Year 2 fall
Undergraduate
- MAC 2313 Calculus III
- STA 2442 Probability I (first module)
- STA 2443 Probability II (second module)
- CLA 2103 Greek Civilization (BA/EHQ choice)
- ECO 2023 Principles of Microeconomics (BA/EHQ choice)
Year 2 spring
Undergraduate
- MAP 3302 Ordinary Differential Equations
- MAA 4226 Real Analysis I
- MAT 3930 Mathematics Seminar 1: present a talk
- PHI 2603 Ethics and Values: Human Flourishing (BA/EHQ choice)
Year 3 fall
Undergraduate
- MAS 4301 Abstract Algebra I
- MAT 3930 Mathematics Seminar 2: present a talk
- LIT 2012 Introduction to the Novel (BA/EHQ choice)
Graduate
- IDC 5204 Applied Statistics I
- IDC 5110 Data Munging and Exploratory Data Analysis
Year 3 spring
Undergraduate
- MAS 4302 Abstract Algebra II (upper-level elective 1)
- MAT 3930 Mathematics Seminar 3: present a talk
- Mathematics thesis research: initial proofs
- REL 2300 Introduction to World Religions (optional BA choice)
Year 4 fall
Undergraduate
- MAA 4402 Complex Analysis (upper-level elective 2)
- Mathematics thesis writing and BACC
Graduate
- IDC 5120 Programming for Data Science
- IDC 5130 Databases for Data Science
Year 4 January
Graduate
- IDC 5295 Industrial Workshops (non-credit)
Year 4 spring
Graduate
- IDC 5205 Applied Statistics II
- IDC 5112 Communications and Applied Domains in Data Science
- IDC 5210 Applied Machine Learning
- IDC 5131 Distributed Computing
Year 5 fall
Graduate
- IDC 6200 Advanced Statistical Modeling
- IDC 6215 Deep Learning and AI
- IDC 6250 Practical Data Science
Year 5 spring
Graduate
- IDC 6294 Industrial Practicum II
The MS requires 36 graduate credits. Complete the BA credit, general-education and area-of-concentration requirements as well.
Thesis, BACC and independent study
Plan three January Independent Study Projects (ISPs) during Years 1–3, including the projects required by your area of concentration. Use this work to prepare for your senior thesis.
Develop the thesis with your sponsor during Year 3. The original 3+2 plan calls for completing the thesis, Baccalaureate Exam (BACC) and all remaining BA requirements in Year 4 fall, before formal graduate entry in spring.
If thesis timing changes, discuss a revised course and graduation plan with the program director. The original plan places formal graduate admission in the first spring after all BA requirements are complete.
Sample January projects
- Year 1: exploratory mathematics project
- Year 2: mathematics literature and proof project
- Year 3: thesis problem development and preliminary results