Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science emphasizes problem solving in the context of data science and analytics, and prepares students for effectively analyzing massive amounts of structured/unstructured data in various application domains. This BS program requires a minimum of 42 credit hours in computer science, about 28 credit hours in mathematics and the sciences, and the university general education program. The departmental curriculum provides required data science courses such as introduction to data science, data structures, algorithms, database systems, object-oriented software development, artificial intelligence, information security, and data mining; as well as concentration courses in computer science, statistics, or business.
All undergraduate students majoring in Data Science will meet the following student general outcomes, specified by ABET CAC, upon their graduation:
- Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
Specifically, graduates should have an ability to
- Apply theory, techniques, and tools throughout the data analysis lifecycle and employ the resulting knowledge to satisfy stakeholders’ needs.
Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program
LD = Lower Division
UD = Upper Division
C = Effective Communication
D = Diversity
I = Critical Inquiry
R = Responsible Living
Z = Capstone Experience
Program Outline
The Bachelor of Science, with a major in data science, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 39 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major requirements outlined below. This program does not require a minor.
Required Computing Core (42 credit hours)
- CSCI 1470 Computer Science I
- CSCI 1480 Computer Science II
- CSCI 2310 Introduction to Data Science
- CSCI 2320 Data Structures
- CSCI 3330 Algorithms
- CSCI 3360 Database Systems [UD UCA Core: C]
- CSCI 3381 Object-Oriented Software Development with Java
- MATH 3381 Data Cleaning and Visualization
- CSCI 3385 Artificial Intelligence
- CSCI 4315 Information Security [UD UCA Core: R]
- CSCI 4321 Ethical Implications of Technology [UD UCA Core: D, R]
- CSCI 4370 Data Mining
- CSCI 4491 Applied Data Science [UD UCA Core: Z]
Required Mathematics/Statistics Core (20 credit hours)
- MATH 1496 Calculus I
- MATH 1497 Calculus II
- CSCI 2330 Discrete Mathematics for Computing
- MATH 3311 Statistical Methods
- MATH 3320 Linear Algebra [UD UCA Core: I]
- MATH 4371 Introduction to Probability [UD UCA Core: R]
Data Science Concentration (12-18 credit hours)
Students majoring in Data Science will be required to complete one of the following concentrations.
[1] Computer Science (12 credit hours)
- CSCI 3V75 Internship (with V = 3 or an upper-division course approved by the chair)
- CSCI 2335 Networking or CSCI 3345 Human-Computer Interaction or CSCI 4340 Introduction to Parallel Programming
- CSCI 4371 Machine Learning
- CSCI 4372 Data Clustering
[2] Statistics (18 credit hours)
- MATH 3392 Multivariate Analysis
- MATH 4373 Regression Analysis
- MATH 4391 Machine Learning
- MATH 4392 Time Series and Forecasting
- And 6 credit hours of electives chosen from the following MATH courses:
- MATH 3391 Nonparametric Statistics
- MATH 4381 Special Problems in Mathematics (when the subject is one of the following: Qualitative Data Analysis, Text Mining, or Bayesian Analysis)
[3] Business (12 credit hours)
- CISA 3382 Internship in Computer Information Systems and Analytics (or an upper-division course approved by the chair)
- CISA 4325 Predictive Analytics
- CISA 4330 Prescriptive Analytics
- CISA 4380 Business Intelligence and Data Visualization
General Electives (5-11 credit hours)
This program requires 5–11 credit hours of general elective coursework depending on the concentration chosen.
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
