Data science emphasizes the use of data to describe and understand the world around us. It applies ideas and methods from statistics, computer science, and optimization to find innovative solutions to important problems in many areas. Graduates that combine data science knowledge with fields like management science, humanities, social sciences, or engineering are in high demand.
The major in data science requires a minimum of 36 credit hours (12 courses). Given the interdisciplinary nature of the study of data science, students are required to take another major in any discipline. The data science major cannot be the first major declared by a student. Students obtaining a B.S. degree in data science may not also obtain a B.A. degree in mathematics.
Admission to a Data Science Major
To declare the major, students must complete two calculus classes, one of which must be MATH 1338 - Calculus II or MATH 1340 - Consolidated Calculus , and the three data science core courses with an overall B average.
SMU Degree Requirements
An SMU undergraduate degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and must include completion of the University’s Common Curriculum , one major and a combination of electives and/or other majors or minors. Completion of certain majors requires more than 120 hours to finish the degree. The credit hours within this curriculum are distributed as follows: