Data Science Major

UH Hilo is proud to offer the first data science major in the University of Hawaii System!
Our BS in Data Science program starts in Fall 2024.

Our major is designed to be interdisciplinary - it builds an in-depth skillset in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistics, and then allows you to choose one of the following four tracks to specialize further:

  • Astronomy
  • Business
  • Statistics
  • Computational
Details are below.

Data Science Recommended GE courses that serve as potential entryways (optional for degree):

  • DATA 101 Awesome data science skills (3)
  • DATA/QBA 200 Intro to Business Analytics (3)

Requirements for the B.S. in Data Science: (51-68 Credits)

Math Foundations: (7 credits)
  • MATH 241 Calculus 1 (4)
  • MATH 211 Matrix Algebra With Applications (3)
Core Requirements: (29 Credits)
  • DATA/CS 171 Data Science Fundamentals in R (3)
  • DATA/CS 172 Python for Data Analysis (3)
  • DATA/CS 272 Machine Learning for Data Sci (3)
  • DATA/MATH 271 Applied Statistics with R (3)
  • DATA 315 Mathematical Methods for Data Sciences (3)
  • DATA/CS 373 Data Security & Privacy (3)
  • CS 475 Data Visualization (3)
  • CS 475L Data Visualization Lab (1)
  • DATA/CS 483: Computer Vision (3)
  • DATA 495 Data Science Seminar (1)
  • DATA 490 Data Science Capstone (3)
Data Management and Analysis: Choose one course from the below (3 Credits)
  • DATA 474 Applied Informatics (3)
  • DATA/CS 370 Data Management (3)
  • DATA/MATH 371 Multivariate Modeling with R (3)
Types of Data: Choose one course from the below (3 Credits)
  • DATA/QBA 465 Text Mining for Behavior and Social Sciences (3)
  • DATA 470 3D Mapping of Ecosystems (3)

Domain Emphases (9-26 Credits)

Pick one of the following domain emphases:

Computational Track (9 Credits)
  • CS 350 Systems Programming (3)
  • CS 440 Artificial Intelligence (3)
  • CS 422 Database Analytics (3)

Business Track: (9 Credits)
  • QBA 260 Business Statistics (3)
Choose 6 credits from: (6)
    • QBA 300 Operations Management (3)
    • QBA 362 Business Analytics (3)
    • QBA 367 Business Analytics and Applications (3)

Statistics Track (13 Credits) (See notes)
  • MATH 242 Calculus II (4)
Choose 9 credits from: (9)
    • MATH 311 Intro Linear Algebra (3)
    • MATH 371 Multivariate Modeling with R (3) (See notes)
    • MATH 421 Elem Probability Theory (3)
    • MATH 422 Elementary Math Statistics (3)

Astronomy Track (26 Credits) (See notes)
  • PHYS 170 Gen Phys I: Mechanics (4)
  • ASTR 180 Princ Of Astron I (3)
  • ASTR 181 Princ Of Astron II (3) (See notes)
  • MATH 242 Calculus II (4)
  • PHYS 272 Gen Phys II: Elec & Magnetism (4)
  • ASTR 250 Observational Astronomy (3)
  • ASTR 250L Observational Astronomy Lab (1)
  • ASTR/PHYS 260 Computational Physics & Astron (3)
  • ASTR/PHYS 260L Computational Phys & Astr Lab (1)

Program Notes:
  1. A C or better is required in all courses required for the major.
  2. At least 45 credits must be earned in courses at the 300- and 400- level.
  3. MATH 242 is included in the statistics track as it serves as a prereq giving the necessary calculus background.
  4. MATH 371 is not eligible for the statistics track if already taken for the data management and analysis course.
  5. The astronomy track contains 18 credits of background courses needed as prereqs for ASTR 250(L) and ASTR/PHYS 260(L).
  6. Students pursuing the astronomy track may be able to seek instructor permission to waive ASTR 181 as a prereq for ASTR 250(L).


Data Science Certificate

The Certificate in Data Science is a great way for students in other majors to gain basic training in data science skills. It consists of four (4) core courses:

  • DATA/CS 171: Data Science Fundamentals in R
  • DATA/CS 271: Applied Statistics with R
  • DATA/CS 172: Python for Data Analysis
  • DATA/CS 272: Machine Learning for Data Scientists

Then, students generally take two (2) three-credit classes that focus on data science in an area that interests them.

For full details, view the Data Science Certificate Requirements at UH Hilo's official course catalog.



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