Data science is a highly interdisciplinary field, combining expertise from statistics and computer science to solve complex, real-world problems. As more organizations in sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, climate science and government seek to leverage their vast amounts of data, data scientists have become critical in using data-driven approaches to inform decision-making and drive innovation.
Problem-solving abilities and communication are fundamental qualities of a data scientist. Also essential are skills in statistics, machine learning, programming, data visualization and big data. The data science concentration offers students training in these areas along with the opportunity to test your knowledge in the real world through the applied research internship. Graduates will be well positioned for one of the most in-demand and dynamic career paths.
The data science concentration and the artificial intelligence concentration have both been ranked among the top 10 by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Interdisciplinary Skill Set: Data science brings together statistics, computer science and domain-specific knowledge. This powerful combination equips you with the technical skills to analyze data and build models, the analytical mindset to extract meaningful insights, and the communication abilities to effectively translate those insights into impactful decisions.
Career Options: Data scientists are in demand across multiple industries. With the ability to harness data to solve complex problems, you will play a key role in driving innovation and shaping the future of emerging technologies.
Discover the endless possibilities to accelerate your career as a world-class innovator.
Students must successfully complete six graduate level courses (totalling 3.0 Full Course Equivalents (FCEs)) as follows:
One course (0.5 FCE) chosen from the Department of Statistical Sciences course schedule. These must be STA-2000 level courses or higher. The course selection may also include a maximum of two courses (0.5 FCE) chosen from the STA-4500 level of six-week modular courses (0.25 FCE each)
Two courses (1.0 FCEs) chosen from the Department of Computer Science’s (CSC designator) course schedule in two different course groups. Course groupings can be found on the Computer Science website.
Two required courses (1.0 FCEs): Communication for Computer Scientists (CSC 2701H) and Technical Entrepreneurship (CSC 2702H).
An eight-month industrial internship, CSC 2703H (3.5 FCEs). The internship is coordinated by the department and evaluated on a pass/fail basis. ‘Pass’ grades are awarded based on evaluations received from the industry/academic supervisors of the internship project and submission of an appropriately written final report, documenting the applied research internship.
