Data Science, Minor
Expanding your career opportunities with the skill sets in data science and machine learning that can be applied across a diverse range of professional fields and settings.
The Data Science minor will build upon the skills you develop in your major to deepen your understanding in the areas of statistics and computer science that form the foundation of data science. The minor will empower you to develop the knowledge and skills that are essential to thrive in high-paying, high-growth fields such as data science, data analytics, bioinformatics, and machine learning.
Public University Price, Private University Experience
A Lifetime of Value
Data Science, Minor
Discover the empowering experience here for you.The Data Science program overlaps with requirements of many majors, with students immersing themselves in the combination of advanced modeling, data visualization, with R and Python programming to prepare for careers in industry or research.
Educational Objectives
Our collaboration between Statistics and Computer Science will provide you with a cross-section of courses that provide in-depth training in these two key components of data science.
Our focus on both R and Python programming will equip you with essential knowledge and skills in two of the leading languages used in business and industry.
Our carefully aligned curriculum and academic path through the minor means you’ll be able to complete the program within 12-13 units if you plan correctly with your major.
Our streamlined approach to pairing the minor with specific majors offers students majoring in Statistics, Biology, and Environmental Science a specialization in data science, depending on the concentration.
Complete one of the following courses:
- STAT 100 - Introduction to Statistics Units: 3
- BUS 204 - Business Statistics Units: 3
- STAT 250 - Applied Stat:Sci Tech Units: 4 *
- MATH 320 - Applied Probability and Statistics Units: 4 *
*Indicates courses that require Math 150 as a prerequisite
Complete one of the following courses**
- CST 238 - Introduction to Data Structures Units: 4
- BIO 380 - Practical Computing for Scientists Units: 4
- CST 319 - Computing Across the Disciplines Units: 3
**Note that each course has prerequisites outside of the minor, but that may be completed as part of your major or general education coursework.
Complete one of the following courses:
Complete one of the following courses:
- CST 381 - Data Science Fundamentals Units: 4
- CST 383 - Introduction to Data Science Units: 4
Complete one of the following courses:
- STAT 310 - Data Visualization Units: 3
- CST 463 - Advanced Machine Learning Units: 4
Complete one of the following courses not already completed above:
Note that some courses may have prerequisites outside of the minor.
- STAT 210 - Statistical Computing with R Units: 1
- STAT 211 - Statistical Computing with SAS Units: 1
- STAT 310 - Data Visualization Units: 3
- STAT 410 - Generalized Linear Models Units: 4
- STAT 420 - Statistical Theory I Units: 4
- STAT 440 - Bayesian Inference Units: 4
- CST 231 - Problm-Solving/Programng Units: 4
- CST 363 - Introduction to Database Systems Units: 4
- CST 370 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms Units: 4
- CST 463 - Advanced Machine Learning Units: 4
- BUS 469 - Database Management Units: 4
- BUS 308 - Information Systems for Decision Making Units: 4
- BUS 468 - Business Analytics Units: 4
- MATH 150 - Calculus I Units: 4
- MATH 151 - Calculus II Units: 4
- MATH 230 - Elementary Linear Algebra Units: 3
- MATH 250 - Multivariate Calculus Units: 4
- MATH 265 - Differential Equations and Linear Algebra Units: 4
- BIO 410 - Bioinformatics Units: 4
Our location will add a rich dimension to your overall experience in the Data Science minor, putting you in close proximity with Silicon Valley. Additionally, NOAA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, both major employers in our region, use data science to help better grow our food and understand our environment.
Faculty & Staff
Discover the empowering experience here for you.Our faculty are dedicated to the success of their students and regularly mentor them on student research projects, often providing paid experiences through their own grants or CSUMB’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC).
Lipika Deka
Special Consultant
Lipika Deka
Department Chair AY
Cynthia Bush
Administrative Support Coordinator
Researchers will observe students in action with an eye to increasing the participation by female students and students of color.
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the Data Science program.
Admissions & Student Support
Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.