Bachelor of Science in Computational and Data Science
George Mason, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 4,897 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* International student deadline is 1st of June of every year | Domestic student deadline is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
The aim of this degree is to provide students with technical skills and knowledge for rigorously investigating physical and social phenomena.
The BS is a transformative approach that integrates science at George Mason University based on the combination of real-world computer science skills, data acquisition and analysis, scientific modeling, applied mathematics, and simulation. As an interdisciplinary STEM-designated program, this degree addresses the current central role of computation in the areas of "big data," modeling, and simulation.
Research Opportunities
Unique research experiences abound for our students. Thanks to our close proximity to Washington, D.C., our data scientists have opportunities to analyze statistics for the Washington Nationals, Redskins, and Wizards. If sports aren't your thing, students can plug into the area's fast-growing tech talent pipeline.
- This program's approach is highly interdisciplinary and will lead to understanding, interpretation, and prediction of phenomena that traditional theory or experiment cannot provide alone.
- Graduates of the program will possess the computational, scientific, and mathematical skills necessary for participating effectively as members of the scientific simulation and data analysis groups that are of increasing importance in the federal and public sectors, and in high technology firms.
- Graduates of the program will be well prepared to pursue graduate studies.
People with this degree have found employment opportunities across the public and private sectors, including organizations like:
- Raytheon
- CapitalOne
- XMode
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Core Required Courses
- CDS 130 Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) 3
- CDS 151 Data Ethics in an Information Society (Mason Core) 1
- CDS 230 Modeling and Simulation I 3
- CDS 301 Scientific Information and Data Visualization 3
- CDS 302 Scientific Data and Databases 1 3
- CDS 303 Scientific Data Mining 3
Total Credits 16
Extended Core Courses
Select 18 credits from the following: 18
- CDS 10 & CDS 102 Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences (Mason Core) and Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences Lab (Mason Core)
- CDS 201 Introduction to Computational Social Science
- CDS 205 Introduction to Agent-based Modeling and Simulation
- CDS 251 Introduction to Scientific Programming
- CDS 290 Topics in Computational and Data Sciences
- CDS 292 Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core)
- CDS 403 Machine Learning Applications in Science
- CDS 411 Modeling and Simulation II
- CDS 486 Topics in Computational and Data Sciences
- CSI 500 Computational Science Tools
- CSI 501 Introduction to Scientific Programming
Total Credits 18
Mathematics Courses
Select 10-11 credits from the following: 10-11
- MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core)
- MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
- MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core)
- MATH 203 Linear Algebra
- MATH 446 Numerical Analysis I
Total Credits 10-11
Statistics Courses
Select 6 credits from the following: 6
- STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)
- STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II
- STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
- STAT 346 Probability for Engineers
Total Credits 6
Science and Engineering Courses
Select 6 credits from either one of the following: 6
- Additional Mason Core: Natural Science or Mason Core: Information Technology courses.
- Any course offered by the College of Science or the College of Engineering and Computing.
Total Credits 6
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 63-64 credits, which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
Elective Course Suggestions
- CDS 410 Numerical Analysis II 3 or MATH 447 Numerical Analysis II
- CDS 421 Computational Data Science 3
- CDS 461 Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo Simulations 3
- CDS 487 Electronic Structure Computations 3
- CDS 490 Directed Study and Research 1-3
- CDS 491 Internship 1-3
- CDS 492 Capstone in Data Science (Mason Core) 3
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40
George Mason is All Together Different
We became Virginia’s most diverse and highest-ranked university for innovation by welcoming all who are prepared for the academic rigor of a Research 1 (R1) university. Here, Patriots live and learn together in a research-intensive environment, gaining the skills necessary to build a better world for themselves and their communities.
When our students graduate, they continue that work, with nearly nine in ten graduates achieving positive career outcomes within just six months of graduation as they strive for the future they want and deserve. George Mason didn’t achieve this incredible success by being like other institutions. We did it by being All Together Different.
George Mason is ranked a top public university
Undergraduate Programs
Tied for #51 in U.S. News & World Report Five “top 100” undergraduate programs in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report:
- Business (#84)
- Computer science (#100)
- Economics (#99)
- Psychology (#67)
- Teaching (#48 – top 50)
George Mason is a local powerhouse with a global reach
Located just outside Washington, D.C., George Mason’s beautiful 677-acre residential campus in Fairfax, Virginia, is home to the most diverse student body in Virginia. Our physical presence extends across the state and beyond, with Mason Square, our campus in Arlington; the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas; the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal; and our overseas campus in Songdo, South Korea.
As a Patriot, you will be part of a powerful regional presence with a global reach.
George Mason is focused on outcomes
89% of our graduates achieve positive career outcomes within six months of graduation.
George Mason is strengthened by our alumni
245,000+ Alumni. With nearly 70 percent of our alumni remaining in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area after graduation, you’ll be connected to an influential and effective network of Patriots ready to help you land the interview, internship, or job that advances your career.
George Mason is fueled by Patriot Pride
We wear green and gold. Patriot Pride flows all throughout campus and is demonstrated by the George Mason gear that we wear, the fight song that we sing, and the work that we do to create a better George Mason community and a better world.