Majoring in Data Science
B.S. in Data Science
Looking to learn more about Data Science as a discipline? Check out our FAQ!
The B.S. in Data Science focuses on providing students with a solid foundation, emphasizing data science theory and applications (including critical evaluation of how data can be used to solve novel problems), deliberation (considering the ethical, moral, and societal implications of data science), and communication. In largely applied contexts, students in the program learn programming (with an emphasis on python), modeling, machine learning, data visualization, database structures, and ethics in data science. In addition, each student selects a specialization in one of four areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Application, Algorithms, or Spatial Data Analytics. In the capstone experience, each student will work closely with a program faculty member to conduct a substantial research project that focuses on synthesis and critical analysis, problem solving in an applied and/or academic setting, creation of original material or original scholarship, and effective communication with diverse audiences.
Check the Data Science Course Catalog for more information.
Declaring a Major in Data Science
Need help with any of the below? You can come by our administrative office, or email us at datascience@wm.edu.
Step 0: Research & Requirements
First, you'll want to do your research to make sure you're ready to go! If you still aren't sure a BS in Data Science is for you, consider taking DATA 101 or DATA 201 to see if it's a good fit, or approach any of our faculty to chat. You can also sign up for a consultation meeting with one of our faculty here.
Once you've picked Data Science, you have to ensure that you've met the requirements for students to declare. At William & Mary, this means you must have a minimum of 39 and maximum of 54 credit hours (including AP, IB, and other transfer credits) to declare - generally, this falls into the spring semester of your Sophomore year. If you don't have 39 credit hours yet, you usually can't declare!
Step 1: Sign Up for an Advisor
Once you've determined you want to declare Data Science, you'll submit a brief form indicating your goals for your degree program and desired coursework. Once we receive the form, we will assign you a faculty advisor who can answer any questions you might have. While you wait for us to get back to you, you can proceed to start with the next step.
Step 2: Choose and Fill Out Your Major Declaration Form
Depending on the specialty area you intend to follow, the specific major declaration form template you'll need will be variable. Choose the correct form from the below menu of choices, and fill in any missing information.
| Specialization | Description |
| Artificial Intelligence | Prepare students for positions in which they will develop or apply artificial intelligence algorithms in the context of large-scale data sets. |
| Data Application | Pprepare students for positions in which they will conduct predictive analyses using large, potentially near real-time data sets from a wide range of sensors and sources. |
| Algorithms | Prepare students for positions in which they support the development of new software or algorithms for the ingestion or analysis of large sources of frequently near-real-time data. |
| Spatial Data Analytics | Prepare students for positions that require the large-scale analysis of data with a geospatial component, including both satellite and survey information. |
Step 3: Review Your Major Declaration Form
Review the major declaration form to ensure all information is complete and all catalogue requirements are met. You can do this in person with your advisor or over email, depending on your preferences and the questions you might have. Your advisor will sign the form.
Step 4: Submit Your Major Declaration Form
Once you've reviewed and signed your major declaration form, you will submit it to the University Registrar. You can do this in person, or email the form to degreeaudit@wm.edu.
Step 5: Annual Check-In
After you've declared as a Data Science major, you should try to check in with your advisor at least once annually to ensure that you're taking all the right courses, and broadly on track to graduate on your desired timeline!
