2025-2026 Academic Catalog

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Data Science, BS

General Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the three areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.   

Program Requirements

  1. Students must complete a total of 62-71 major credit hours, from approved courses.
  2. Students must complete at least 30 upper-division (3000-level and above) credit hours in the major.
  3. Students must earn a minimum grade of C- (1.7) in all courses that apply to the major and must achieve a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.25. Courses taken using P+/P/F or S/U grading cannot apply to major requirements.
  4. Students must complete a minimum of 15 upper-division level credit hours with CU Denver faculty.
  5. Students must pick from one of the following concentration options: General, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, or Mathematics.

 General Data Science Option

Take the required courses listed below:39
Introduction to Business
Fundamentals of Computing
Business Problem Solving Tools
Data Governance and Ethics
Business Data and Database Management
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Data Wrangling & Visualization
Statistical Theory
Introduction to Probability
Machine Learning Methods
Applied Regression Analysis
Choose one:3
Foundations of Data Science
Introductory Statistics
Choose one:3-4
Applied Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Choose one path:2-3
Career and Professional Development
OR
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
and Career and Professional Development
Choose one (any course other than MATH 4779 requires the approval of the Director of Data Science and must be taken for 3 credit hours):3
Math Clinic
Internship
Independent Study
Internship
Independent Study
Choose one:3
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Evaluative Analytics
Choose nine elective credits not previously taken:9
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Transformative Technologies Impacting Globalization
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Time-Series Forecasting
Decision Analysis
Project Management
Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Supply Chain Analytics
Data Visualization
Evaluative Analytics
AI for Business
Special Topics
Physical Chemistry: Quantum and Spectroscopy
Molecular Informatics
Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Molecular Modeling and Drug Design
Data Mining
Big Data Mining
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics
Special Topics (must be relevant to Data Science)
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Big Data Systems
Data Analysis with SAS
Introduction to Econometrics
Advanced Econometric Methods
Remote Sensing I: Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing II: Advanced Remote Sensing
Introduction to GIS
Cartography
GIS Applications for the Urban Environment
Environmental Modeling with Geographic Information Systems
Open Source Software for Geospatial Applications
GIS Programming and Automation
Deploying GIS Functionality on the Web
GIS Applications in the Health Sciences
Technology In Business
System Strategy, Architecture and Design
Information Systems Security and Privacy
Business Intelligence for Financial Modeling
Project Management and Practice
Database Management Systems
Text Data Analytics
Elementary Differential Equations
Introduction to Optimization
Game Theory
Applied Graph Theory
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Partial Differential Equations
Probabilistic Modeling
Marketing Research
Total Hours62-64

 Business Option

Take the required course list below:39
Introduction to Business
Fundamentals of Computing
Business Problem Solving Tools
Business Data and Database Management
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Data Wrangling & Visualization
Statistical Theory
Introduction to Probability
Applied Regression Analysis
Machine Learning Methods
Choose one:3
Foundations of Data Science
Introductory Statistics
Choose one:3-4
Applied Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Choose one path:2-3
Career and Professional Development
OR
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
and Career and Professional Development
Choose one (any course other than MATH 4779 requires the approval of the Director of Data Science and must be taken for 3 credit hours):3
Math Clinic
Internship
Independent Study
Internship
Independent Study
Choose one:3
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Evaluative Analytics
Choose nine elective credits not previously taken:9
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Transformative Technologies Impacting Globalization
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Time-Series Forecasting
Decision Analysis
Project Management
Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Supply Chain Analytics
Data Visualization
Evaluative Analytics
Technology In Business
System Strategy, Architecture and Design
Business Intelligence for Financial Modeling
Project Management and Practice
Database Management Systems
Text Data Analytics
Marketing Research
Total Hours62-64

 Chemistry Option 

Take the required course list below:39
Introduction to Business
Fundamentals of Computing
Business Problem Solving Tools
Data Governance and Ethics
Business Data and Database Management
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Data Wrangling & Visualization
Introduction to Probability
Applied Regression Analysis
Machine Learning Methods
Choose one:3
Foundations of Data Science
Introductory Statistics
Choose one:3-4
Applied Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Choose one path:2-3
Career and Professional Development
OR
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
and Career and Professional Development
Choose one (any course other than MATH 4779 requires the approval of the Director of Data Science and must be taken for 3 credit hours):3
Math Clinic
Internship
Independent Study
Internship
Independent Study
Choose one:3
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Choose nine elective credits not previously taken:9
Physical Chemistry: Quantum and Spectroscopy
Molecular Informatics
Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Molecular Modeling and Drug Design
Total Hours62-64

 Computer Science Option

Take the required course list below:57
Fundamentals of Computing
Object Oriented Programming
Data Structures and Program Design
Discrete Structures
Algorithms
Database System Concepts
Data Science
Data Governance and Ethics
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Data Wrangling & Visualization
Statistical Theory
Introduction to Probability
Applied Regression Analysis
Choose one:3
Foundations of Data Science
Introductory Statistics
Choose one:3-4
Applied Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Choose one path:2-3
Career and Professional Development
OR
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
and Career and Professional Development
Choose one (any course other than MATH 4779 requires the approval of the Director of Data Science and must be taken for 3 credit hours):3
Independent Study
Internship
Internship
Math Clinic
Independent Study
Internship
Independent Study
Choose six elective credits not previously taken:6
Data Mining
Big Data Mining
Bioinformatics
Special Topics
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Big Data Systems
Total Hours74-76

 Economics Option

Take the required course list below:39
Introduction to Business
Fundamentals of Computing
Business Problem Solving Tools
Data Governance and Ethics
Business Data and Database Management
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Data Wrangling & Visualization
Statistical Theory
Introduction to Probability
Applied Regression Analysis
Machine Learning Methods
Choose one:3
Foundations of Data Science
Introductory Statistics
Choose one:3-4
Applied Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Choose one path:2-3
Career and Professional Development
OR
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
and Career and Professional Development
Choose one (any course other than MATH 4779 requires the approval of the Director of Data Science and must be taken for 3 credit hours):3
Math Clinic
Internship
Independent Study
Internship
Independent Study
Choose one:3
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Evaluative Analytics
Take the following elective courses:9
Data Analysis with SAS
Introduction to Econometrics
Advanced Econometric Methods

 Geography Option

Take the required course list below:39
Introduction to Business
Business Problem Solving Tools
Data Governance and Ethics
Business Data and Database Management
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Data Wrangling & Visualization
Statistical Theory
Introduction to Probability
Applied Regression Analysis
Machine Learning Methods
Choose one:3
Foundations of Data Science
Introductory Statistics
Choose one:3-4
Applied Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Choose one path:2-3
Career and Professional Development
OR
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
and Career and Professional Development
Choose one (any course other than MATH 4779 requires the approval of the Director of Data Science and must be taken for 3 credit hours):3
Math Clinic
Internship
Independent Study
Internship
Independent Study
Choose one:3
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Evaluative Analytics
Choose nine elective credits not previously taken:9
Remote Sensing I: Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing II: Advanced Remote Sensing
Introduction to GIS
Cartography
GIS Applications for the Urban Environment
Environmental Modeling with Geographic Information Systems
Open Source Software for Geospatial Applications
GIS Programming and Automation
Deploying GIS Functionality on the Web
GIS Applications in the Health Sciences
Total Hours62-64

 Mathematics Option

Take the required course list below:39
Introduction to Business
Fundamentals of Computing
Business Problem Solving Tools
Data Governance and Ethics
Intermediate Excel for Business
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Data Wrangling & Visualization
Introduction to Probability
Applied Regression Analysis
Machine Learning Methods
Choose one:3
Foundations of Data Science
Introductory Statistics
Choose one: 3-4
Applied Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Choose one path:2-3
Career and Professional Development
OR
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
and Career and Professional Development
Choose one (any course other than MATH 4779 requires the approval of the Director of Data Science and must be taken for 3 credit hours):3
Math Clinic
Internship
Independent Study
Internship
Independent Study
Choose one: 3
Business Analytics Process
Forecasting Techniques
Statistics for Business Analytics
Computing for Business Analytics
Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
Causal Analytics
Evaluative Analytics
Choose nine elective credits not previously taken:9
Elementary Differential Equations
Introduction to Optimization
Game Theory
Applied Graph Theory
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Partial Differential Equations
Probabilistic Modeling
Total Hours62-64

The program’s student learning goals that define what the students should know and be able to do by the time of graduation are to:

  • Math & Programming Skills: Apply the math and programming skills necessary for the work of data science.
  • Data Cycle: Explore technical and practical data science by applying the data cycle to transform data into knowledge.
  • Data Preparation: Assess and improve the quality of data relative to analytical needs.
  • Data Management: Address data challenges of volume, variety, and velocity to enable efficient and effective data analysis.
  • Data Analysis: Apply techniques, methodologies, and technologies for various forms of data analysis such as data modeling and data mining.
  • Data Visualization: Create visualizations of complex data and results for delivery to diverse audiences.
  • Data Storytelling: Explain data and results in writing and verbally, equipping stakeholders to make data-informed decisions.
  • Data Ethics: Assess ethical implications in data science, such as privacy and bias.
  • Application Domains: Apply data science in a variety of domains, such as healthcare, social sciences, natural sciences, physical science, business, education, and public administration.
  • Interprofessional Collaboration & Teamwork: Exhibit the qualities of an effective interprofessional collaborator as part of a data science team and within organizations with diverse roles.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate these capabilities in a broad range of data science activities.  The degree will prepare students for careers as data analysts, data scientists, data  strategist and many other diverse careers that rely on data, which is essentially every corner of the job market today.

The following plans of study are examples of pathways that students can follow, depending on their entry level MATH placement.

To review a list of courses will fulfill CU Denver Core Arts, Behavioral Science, Humanities and Natural and Physical Sciences with and without a lab, please check the CU Denver Core Curriculum.

Calculus I

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
BMIN 1000 Introduction to Business 3
ENGL 1020 Core Composition I 3
MATH 1376 Programming for Data Science 3
MATH 1401 Calculus I 4
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
 Hours16
Spring
ENGL 2030 Core Composition II 3
CSCI 2800 Special Topics (Data Science Thinking) 3
MATH 2830 Introductory Statistics 3
MATH 2411 Calculus II 4
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
 Hours16
Year 2
Fall
BMIN 2200 Career and Professional Development 3
CSCI 2400 Data Structures and Program Design for Data Science 3
ISMG 3100 Data Governance and Ethics 3
MATH 2421 Calculus III 4
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
 Hours16
Spring
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
CU Denver Core Natural and Physical Sciences with a lab 4-5
CSCI 3400 Databases for Data Science 3
MATH 2700 Data Analysis with R 3
MATH 3376 Data Wrangling & Visualization 3
 Hours16-17
Year 3
Fall
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
MATH 3810 Introduction to Probability 3
CSCI 3450 Algorithms for Data Science 3
MATH 3191 Applied Linear Algebra 3
Open elective-student choice 3
 Hours15
Spring
Application Domain Elective 3
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
BANA 4110 Business Analytics Processes 3
CSCI 4580 Data Science 3
MATH 3382 Statistical Theory 3
 Hours15
Year 4
Fall
Application Domain Elective 3
BANA 4120 Forecasting Techniques 3
CSCI 4455 Data Mining 3
CSCI 4931 Deep Learning 3
Open elective-student choice 3
 Hours15
Spring
Application Domain Elective 3
CSCI 4930 Machine Learning 3
CSCI 4951 Big Data Systems 3
MATH 4387 Applied Regression Analysis 3
 Hours12
 Total Hours121-122

Precalculus 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
BMIN 1000 Introduction to Business 3
ENGL 1020 Core Composition I 3
MATH 1376 Programming for Data Science 3
MATH 1130 Precalculus Mathematics 4
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
 Hours16
Spring
ENGL 2030 Core Composition II 3
CSCI 2800 Special Topics (Data Science Thinking) 3
MATH 2830 Introductory Statistics 3
MATH 1401 Calculus I 4
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
 Hours16
Year 2
Fall
BMIN 2200 Career and Professional Development 3
CSCI 2400 Data Structures and Program Design for Data Science 3
ISMG 3100 Data Governance and Ethics 3
MATH 2411 Calculus II 4
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
 Hours16
Spring
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
CSCI 3400 Databases for Data Science 3
MATH 2700 Data Analysis with R 3
MATH 2421 Calculus III 4
MATH 3376 Data Wrangling & Visualization 3
 Hours16
Year 3
Fall
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
MATH 3810 Introduction to Probability 3
CSCI 3450 Algorithms for Data Science 3
MATH 3191 Applied Linear Algebra 3
CU Denver Core Natural and Physical Sciences with a lab 4-5
 Hours16-17
Spring
Application Domain Elective 3
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
BANA 4110 Business Analytics Processes 3
CSCI 4580 Data Science 3
MATH 3382 Statistical Theory 3
 Hours15
Year 4
Fall
Application Domain Elective 3
BANA 4120 Forecasting Techniques 3
CSCI 4455 Data Mining 3
CSCI 4931 Deep Learning 3
Open elective-student choice 3
 Hours15
Spring
Application Domain Elective 3
CSCI 4930 Machine Learning 3
CSCI 4951 Big Data Systems 3
MATH 4387 Applied Regression Analysis 3
 Hours12
 Total Hours122-123

Algebra 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
BMIN 1000 Introduction to Business 3
ENGL 1020 Core Composition I 3
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
MATH 1110 College Algebra 4
MATH 2830 Introductory Statistics 3
 Hours16
Spring
ENGL 2030 Core Composition II 3
CSCI 2800 Special Topics (Data Science Thinking) 3
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
MATH 1120 College Trigonometry 3
MATH 1376 Programming for Data Science 3
 Hours15
Summer
MATH 1401 Calculus I 4
 Hours4
Year 2
Fall
BMIN 2200 Career and Professional Development 3
CSCI 2400 Data Structures and Program Design for Data Science 3
ISMG 3100 Data Governance and Ethics 3
MATH 2411 Calculus II 4
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
 Hours16
Spring
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
CSCI 3400 Databases for Data Science 3
MATH 2700 Data Analysis with R 3
MATH 2421 Calculus III 4
MATH 3376 Data Wrangling & Visualization 3
 Hours16
Year 3
Fall
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
MATH 3810 Introduction to Probability 3
CSCI 3450 Algorithms for Data Science 3
MATH 3191 Applied Linear Algebra 3
CU Denver Core Natural and Physical Sciences with a lab 4-5
 Hours16-17
Spring
Application Domain Elective 3
Core Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Behavioral Science, International Perspectives or Cultural Diversity 3
BANA 4110 Business Analytics Processes 3
CSCI 4580 Data Science 3
MATH 3382 Statistical Theory 3
 Hours15
Year 4
Fall
Application Domain Elective 3
BANA 4120 Forecasting Techniques 3
CSCI 4455 Data Mining 3
CSCI 4931 Deep Learning 3
 Hours12
Spring
Application Domain Elective 3
CSCI 4930 Machine Learning 3
CSCI 4951 Big Data Systems 3
MATH 4387 Applied Regression Analysis 3
 Hours12
 Total Hours122-123