Data Science, B.S.

At Cal Poly Humboldt, we are particularly passionate about “Data for Good” and believe Data Science can help solve many challenges addressing our society from housing inequity to climate change.

Data scientists gather and investigate data and extract meaningful insights and hidden trends. They also use machine learning algorithms to build predictive models which have a wide range of applications, from TikTok recommendations to predicting the next COVID variant to surge.

Hands-on Learning

Coursework centers around hands-on, applied learning experiences, which include projects that are community-based. Students will analyze real case studies of ethics in data science relating to privacy issues and the biases that are often inherently built into data.  Courses are designed to help students build a portfolio of work and finished projects that they can show potential employers to demonstrate their career-readiness.

Area of Application

Each student will apply data tools to focus on and gain expertise in a discipline. For example, students may use data science  to examine biological questions in genomics and evolution, or to critically analyze crime patterns or address racial disparities in policing. Click here for a list of possible Areas of Application.

Place-based Learning Community

First-year, first-time students who major in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science and Software Engineering will be automatically enrolled in a specific place-based learning community, "Representing Realities."  This is a free year-long program of science and general education courses and activities focusing on math and computation.  Students develop strong peer relationships as well as relationships with faculty through this immersive program.

Experience Your Learning

Coursework centers around hands-on, applied learning experiences, which include projects that are community-based. 

  • Students choose an area of application and take approved courses in a related discipline. For example, students interested in careers that critically analyze crime patterns, access to justice, policy, or advocacy would select a set of courses offered through the Criminology & Justice Studies major.   

  • First-year, first-time students who major in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Software Engineering will be automatically enrolled in Representing Realities. One of several place-based learning communities at Humboldt, this  free year-long program of science and general education (GE) courses and activities focuses on the world of math and computation.    

  • Students will have the opportunity to analyze real case studies of ethics in data science relating to privacy issues and the biases that are often inherently built into data.

  • Courses are designed to help students build a portfolio of work they can show potential employers after graduation. 

Academics & Options

Students will develop and practice skills in synthesizing knowledge and applying contemporary statistics, data analysis, and computational science methods to solve social and environmental problems.

See the Required Courses Flow Chart

See the Areas of Application

See Frequently Asked Questions

Technology Recommendations and Requirements

Students in Data science courses will be required to use laptops to do activities in class, to participate in live coding demonstrations, and to work on projects with instructor assistance.  For students who purchase a laptop prior to arriving, we recommend the following specs: at least 8 Gb of RAM and 20Gb of free hard drive space, administrative access and the ability to connect to the internet.  Our program will have a number of laptops available for loan for students majoring in data science. Students with financial need will be prioritized for laptop loan in the event that demand exceeds our supply.  Our campus bookstore sells laptops which meet the recommended specs. The library also has a device loaning program.

Career Options

Data science methodologies build skills and knowledge that are being applied to nearly every field in natural and social sciences and the humanities. The program provides a pathway for students to prepare for a growing number of data-rich professions. 

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Manager
  • Data Analytics Project Manager
  • Risk Analytics
  • Data Researcher

Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships available to both current Humboldt students and new Freshman or transfer students. 

Find a Scholarship

Supercomputer

Cal Poly Humboldt hosts a supercomputer initially used to simulate nuclear fusion by parallel computing.  Other research problems can also be addressed through its use.  Students have the opportunity to work with the supercomputer-- both of its maintenance and upgrades as well as utilizing its computational resources for research questions.

More information