Program type
Major
Data Science (BA/BSc)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Experiential learning
Co-op
Why study Data Science?
In today’s economy, businesses and institutions rely on data analysis to reach their goals. Data collection is made possible by technological advancements, but insightful data analysis requires human expertise. That’s where a degree in data science comes in. Data analysis is an essential part of working in almost every field today. For this reason, data scientists are in high demand across economic sectors. Students in the Data Science program will develop a broad array of practical skills including:
Data science applications in mathematics and statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, ethics and communication.
Both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience
Program highlights
Provides exposure to cutting-edge disciplines such as machine learning, neural networks and other artificial intelligence topics.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
The core of the Data Science program integrates two main components.
- The first offers foundational training in mathematics and statistics along with more hands-on exposure to data science applications through data science labs and machine learning courses.
- The second component provides exposure to traditional computer science topics such as programming, databases and algorithms, plus the opportunity to learn cutting-edge topics in artificial intelligence.
The curriculum also includes a course in technical writing and one about social and ethical dimensions of technology, which provide the opportunity to develop soft skills that are useful in the area of data science.
We offer an honours program to computer science students with high academic standing. You may apply to the honours program once you have completed 30 credits.
Courses
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
Quebec CEGEP: 27 overall, 26 math
- Natural Science DEC or
- DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts or
- Linear Algebra; Calculus I and II; Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism; Waves, Optics and Modern Physics; General Chemistry; Chemistry of Solutions and General Biology
- Additional information for CEGEP applicants
High School: A- overall, A- math, B+ in science
- One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
- Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- ACT or SAT is not required
- AP exams are not required but may qualify you for advanced standing
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 33 overall, 5 HL or 6 SL math, 5 HL science
- Accepted math: Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches SL or HL
Baccalauréat français: 15 overall, 15 math, 14 in science
- Required courses:
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques and physique-chimie
- Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted: Terminale Spécialité physique-chimie and mathématiques complémentaires)
- Terminale: Spécialité physique-chimie recommended but not required
- Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
British system of education (GCE)
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams AB, A in math, B in science or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Students without A-level math may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
University Transfers (internal): 3.0 overall, 3.0 in math and science, 2.3 in courses offered by GCS
- At least two of the following (or equivalent): MATH 203, 204, 205
University Transfers (external): A- overall, A- in math, B+ science
- Courses in the disciplines of Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Courses in two of the following areas: Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
Quebec CEGEP: 27 overall, 26 math
- Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra
- Additional information for CEGEP applicants
High School: A- overall, A- math
- One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- ACT or SAT is not required
- AP exams are not required but may qualify you for advanced standing
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 33 overall, 5 HL or 6 SL math
- Accepted math: Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches SL or HL
Baccalauréat français: 15 overall, 15 math
- Required courses:
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques
- Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques
- Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
British system of education (GCE)
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams AB, A in math, or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Students without A-level math may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
University Transfers (internal): 3.0 overall, 3.0 in math, 2.3 in courses offered by GCS
- At least two of the following (or equivalent): MATH 203, 204, 205
University Transfers (external): A- overall, A- in math
- Courses in the disciplines of Calculus and Linear Algebra
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
WINTER
November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
After your degree
The program targets students expected to directly join the workforce after completion of the undergraduate degree. The program will prepare them to hold a technical position related to the production and analysis of data by providing them with a knowledge base in probability and statistics, data management, and computer programming. The students will have an opportunity to be exposed to various subdisciplines such as artificial intelligence, pure mathematics, and communication.
Student stories
Scarlet Guy
Bachelor of Arts Honours History: Public History
Find out how Scarlet Guy discovers a world of interdisciplinary learning and community support in the Faculty of Arts and Science.
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