Applications are open for the interdisciplinary bachelor's degree program that brings together computing, mathematics and statistics with a focus on responsible data use

Contacts:
Nick Wilson, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, nwilso28@calpoly.edu, 805-235-8008
Emily Slater, College of Engineering, emslater@calpoly.edu, 805-266-0208

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly will offer a new bachelor’s degree in data science beginning in fall 2027, bringing together faculty and coursework from the College of Engineering and the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics. Applications are open through Nov. 30.

The 120-unit interdisciplinary major will combine computing with mathematical and statistical training. Students will develop skills in data management, visualization, statistical modeling and machine learning, all while learning to communicate findings and consider the ethical implications of how data is collected and used.

“Data is increasingly central to nearly every field, creating growing demand for graduates who can work effectively with it,” said computer science professor Paul Anderson, chair of Cal Poly’s Data Science Curriculum Committee. “This program will give students a clear pathway into data science while preparing them with the computational, mathematical and statistical skills employers need.”

The major builds on Cal Poly’s cross-disciplinary studies minor in data science, established in 2016 and jointly administered by the Statistics and Computer Science and Software Engineering departments. Seven cohorts have completed the minor, which has reached or nearly reached capacity in recent academic years.

Students in the new major will study programming, statistics and mathematics before moving into more advanced data science coursework. They will be able to choose among three concentrations: mathematical foundations, statistical modeling and machine learning engineering.

Project-based coursework will culminate in a team capstone in which students apply what they have learned to an open-ended data science challenge. Throughout the program, students will examine questions involving privacy, bias and the broader societal effects of data-driven decisions.

“Our goal with this degree is to train students to be responsible stewards of data,” said Kelly Bodwin, a Cal Poly statistics professor. “This means understanding every step in a process, from the data collection to the mathematical and statistical analyses to the computational implementations of models and data storage.”

Learn by Doing experiences will give students opportunities to work with subject-matter experts on meaningful questions and translate results into actionable decisions. Students will also learn to handle data ethically and responsibly throughout that process.

Workforce trends helped shape the program as well. State and national employment projections point to strong demand for data scientists, and members of the College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board affirmed that the program’s concentrations align with current industry needs.

“The data science major aligns closely with workforce demands as nearly every field relies on data to make decisions, including health care, agricultural business, engineering, technology, government and more,” said Karen McGaughey, chair of the Cal Poly Statistics Department.

The degree is designed to prepare graduates for careers in data science, data engineering and related roles across public and private organizations while providing a foundation for continued study.

Prospective students may apply to Cal Poly through Cal State Apply and select Data Science as their intended major. The undergraduate application period closes Nov. 30.

To learn more about the program, visit www.calpoly.edu/major/data-science.

Top Photo: Cal Poly students collaborate during an annual American Statistical Association DataFest competition held on campus each spring. Photo by Alexis Kovacevic

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