BA.DS - Data Science

Roman Yasinovskyy (department head)

Data science is the study of how we extract meaning from data, and in a data driven world, this is an exciting time to seek a degree in this field. Data science is unique in that it combines techniques and theories from many fields including mathematics, computer science, probability and statistics, machine learning, pattern recognition, communication studies, art, and ethics.

The data science major at Luther is designed to provide students with an interest in data science with the technical skills required to enter this field, along with the interdisciplinary breadth required to apply these skills to a particular field.

Required for a major: DS 120, 220, 321, 420, 421; CS 130, 140, and 150; MATH 115 (or equivalent statistics course, such as MATH 215, BIO 256, MGT 150, PSYC 350, or SOC 350) and MATH 327; and 2 Subject Matter courses. Senior project, usually a year-long combination of DS 490 and DS 491, is required (students graduating early or those spending a semester of their senior year away from campus must petition the department to complete their senior project in one semester as DS 492).

Subject Matter Courses: Subject Matter courses give students the required background in one of the subject matter fields. Students may design their own set of subject matter preparatory courses in consultation with the department head and subject area faculty. The chosen courses must be approved by the department head, who may consult with members of other departments as appropriate. Two courses from different departments may be accepted as long as they form a cohesive package. At least one of the 2 courses must be numbered 200 or above.

Required for a minor: DS 120, 220, and 420; CS 130, 140, 150; and MATH 115 (or equivalent statistics course, such as MATH 215, BIO 256, MGT 150, PSYC 350, or SOC 350).

Advanced Placement Credit: A student who receives a score of 4 or 5 on the APCS-A exam will receive credit for CS 150. A student who receives a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Statistics exam may receive credit for Math 115.