Data Science (BA/BSc)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Why study Data Science?
In the modern economy, the collection and analysis of data is of paramount importance for the various institutions to reach their goals efficiently and in an informed way. Technology has enabled the various economic actors to collect enormous amounts of data, and proper expertise is needed to manipulate such data and analyze it so as to extract valuable actionable insight. A non-exhaustive list of areas where data collection and analysis is of vital importance includes business (e.g. marketing, finance, and accounting), engineering, computer science, psychology, climate and environment science, sociology, economy, political science and arts. Therefore, data scientists (mathematicians and statisticians with programming experience or computer scientists with knowledge of mathematics and statistics) are in extremely high demand throughout the overall economy. Students will develop a broad array of practical skills associated with data science.
- A very versatile and broad-reaching program proving training in multiple disciplines related to data science such as mathematics and statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, ethics and communication.
- Allows students to learn about both learning the theoretical underpinning and getting hands-on exposure to the practical implementation of the various data science topics studied.
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 provides a basic and broad study of theory, mathematical basics, programming methodology, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, and software engineering.
This degree combines a major in computer science with a major in mathematics and statistics. It provides a foundation for integrated studies in computer science and mathematics. The mathematics component of the program includes topics that overlap with computer science, such as modeling, symbolic computation, and combinations, as well as the standard topics of a mathematical curriculum.
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
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
You must meet Concordia's minimum admission requirements
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
You must meet Concordia's minimum admission requirements
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.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
N/A Admission to this program is only available for the Fall Term. |
| Outside Canada (International) |
February 1 | N/A |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
- Data Science Lab
- Statistical Learning
- Numerical Analysis
- Applied Statistics
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Introduction to Neural Networks
Consult the undergraduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
The Co-op program gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks. As a Co-op student, you will work for firms where you may:
- Detect anomalies in data patterns
- Develop AI algorithms
- Apply statistical and machine learning algorithms
- Perform data analysis in real-world case studies
- Clean and manipulate raw data
- Manage large databases.
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.
Data Science alumni have established careers in areas such as:
- Machine learning and AI
- Data analysis
- Database management
- Computer programming
- Software development
- Scientific research.
Department Contact
