Department: Mathematics and Computing 
Department Chair: J. Boardman 
Department Members: R. Beasley, J. Boardman, D. Callon, P. Fonstad, S. Hoehn, K. Smith, A. Walls 

Majors: Data Science 
Minors: Data Science 

Data science is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that lies at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and a domain of application. Knowing the context surrounding data being analyzed is critical to making informed decisions, so data science majors at Franklin College take courses from a related field to which data science techniques can be applied. A data science capstone course then gives students experience applying the entire data science life cycle to data from their related field. A data science minor is also available for students who would prefer to focus more heavily on the area of application while still learning some of the key ideas and technical skills from the field of data science. Both data science majors and minors learn how to recognize places where discriminatory bias can infiltrate data-based algorithmic systems and are equipped with the skills needed to approach data science projects from an equity perspective. 

All required courses for a major or minor in data science, including all related field and prerequisite requirements, must be completed with a C- or better. Prerequisites for non-majors must also be completed with a C- or better. Education students should consult that department for minimum requirements. 

Data Science Major 

Core Requirements 
CMP 150 Computer Tools for Problem Solving 
CMP 352 Data Structures and Algorithms 
CMP 370 Database Design and Processing
DAT 110 Data Equity and Bias 
DAT 141 Python for Computing and Data Science I 
DAT 142 Python for Computing and Data Science II 
DAT 471 Data Science Capstone 
DAT 499 Senior Competency Practicum 
MAT 135 Calculus 
MAT 140 Introduction to the Mathematical Sciences 
MAT 142 Calculus II 
MAT 181 Discrete Mathematics I 
MAT 182 Discrete Mathematics II 
MAT 224 Basic Applied Statistics 
MAT 233 Linear Algebra 
MAT 343 Probability Theory 
MAT 345 Statistical Consulting Project 

Professional Development Requirements 
PDP 200 Preparing for your Internship 
PDP 330 Big Data and the Professional Workplace 
INT 261 Math/Computing/Statistics Internship (4 credit hours) 

Related Field Requirements 

One of the following courses 
ECO 380 Econometrics 
MAT 344 Mathematical Statistics 

At least two additional courses at the 200-level or above from a discipline other than CMP/DAT/MAT to which data science can be applied. Data from this discipline should be the focus of the student’s DAT 471 Data Science Capstone. Students should choose these courses in consultation with their academic advisor. 

Data Science Minor 

Core Requirements 
DAT 110 Data Equity and Bias 
DAT 141 Python for Computing and Data Science I 
MAT 224 Basic Statistics 

One of the following 
CMP 150 Computer Tools for Problem Solving 
DAT 142 Python for Computing and Data Science II 

One of the following options 
Option 1: MAT 345 Statistical Consulting Project AND PDP 330 Big Data and the Professional Workplace* 
Option 2: MAT 345 Statistical Consulting Project OR PDP 330 Big Data and the Professional Workplace, AND one additional course from the following**: 

ACC 235 Data Management and Analysis 
BIO 365 Geographic Information Systems 
CMP 352 Data Structures and Algorithms 
CMP 360 Operations Research 
CMP 370 Database Design and Processing 
ECO 380 Econometrics 
EXE 402 Research Methods in Exercise Science and Athletic Training II 
MAT 135 Calculus 
MAT 181 Discrete Mathematics I 
MMJ 210 Advanced Reporting and Database Research 
PSY 420 Advanced Statistics & Research Methods in Psychology II 
SOC 227 Inquiry in the Social Sciences 
SOC 425 Research Methods I 

*Option 1 is not available to MAT majors 
**Some of the additional courses listed for Option 2 have significant pre-requisite requirements that must be fulfilled prior to taking those courses. In addition, the additional course for Option 2 may not be used to fulfill a requirement for a MAT or CMP major, but may be used for MAT/CMP double-majors. 

Complete course descriptions for each of these offerings may be found elsewhere in this catalog under the appropriate major headings. 

revised 11-22-21