The rapidly expanding collection and use of data is driving transformations across broad segments of industry, science, and society. These changes have sparked great demand for individuals with skills in managing and analyzing complex data sets. Such skills are interdisciplinary, involving ideas typically associated with computing, information processing, mathematics, and statistics as well as the development of new methodologies spanning these fields. Our major in Data Science (offered jointly with the Department of Statistics and SCI) offers a program specifically geared to training students to participate in this data revolution.
This undergraduate major allows students to gain critical skill sets that span key areas of mathematics, computing, and statistics, with foundational training providing literacy in four areas (data, algorithmic, mathematical, and statistical) that every student needs to master data science. Students will develop expertise that connects theory to the solution of real-world problems and be able to specialize their studies towards a more specific career focuses. Completing this major will prepare students to work as a data science professional or to pursue graduate study in a direction involving data in a significant way.
Major Requirements
For full details, see the official major sheet.
Choosing between Data Science and other Mathematics Majors
Students who graduate with any of the Mathematics majors or the Data Science major will be well qualified for positions in data science. The Data Science major is designed for students whose main passion is working with data, including mathematical, statistical, and computing aspects.
As compared to the Data Science major, the core courses common to the other Mathematics majors emphasize calculus- and differential equations-based modeling of real-world systems (MATH 0240 and 1270), and logic, rigor, and proof (MATH 0413 and 0420).
Double Majors in Data Science and Math
It is quite possible to complete a double major in Data Science and one of the Mathematics directions. Students considering this option should choose Math 1180 as their linear algebra class, as this is the required linear algebra course for all math majors.
Sample Four-year Math + Data Science major plan
Note that students may receive test (eg. AP) credit upon entry for some courses contemplated in the schedule below, thereby reducing the number of courses it is necessary to take. As of Spring 2026, Pitt's official list of such courses includes MATH 0220 and 0230, CMPINF 0401, and PHYS 0174.
Color code. Cyan highlight: Math. Yellow highlight: Data Science. Green highlight required by both majors.
Year 1, Fall
- CS 0007 Introduction to Computer Programming
- MATH 0220 Calculus 1 (or MATH 0235 Honors)
- STAT 1060 Data Science Foundations
- PHYS 0174 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1
Year 1, Spring
- CMPINF 0401 Intermediate Programming
- MATH 0230 Calculus 2
- MATH 0480/CS 0441 Applied Discrete Mathematics
Year 2, Fall
- MATH 0240 Calculus 3
- MATH 0413 Introduction to Theoretical Math
- STAT 1151/STAT 1631 Intro Probability
Year 2, Spring
- MATH 0420 Intro to the Theory of 1-Variable Calculus
- MATH 0500 Professional Development (1 credit)
- MATH 1180 Intro to Linear Algebra
- STAT 1152/STAT 1632 Intro Mathematical Statistics
Year 3, Fall
- MATH 0430 Intro to Abstract Algebra
- CS 0445 Algorithms and Data Structures 1
- MATH 1101 Optimization
- STAT 1261 Principles of Data Science
Year 3, Spring
- CS 0590 Social Implications of Computing Technology
- MATH 1270 ODE 1
- CS 1501 Algorithms and Data Structures 2
- Data Science Specialization/Upper-level Math
Year 4, Fall
- CS 1656 Introduction to Data Science
- Data Science Specialization
- Upper-level Math
Year 4, Spring
- CS 1675 Introduction to Machine Learning or STAT 1361 Learning and Data Science
- Data Science Specialization
- Data Science Capstone
- Upper-level Math
Honors substitutions. MATH 0235 may be substituted for the combination of MATH 0220 and 0230, MATH 1185 for MATH 1180, and MATH 0450 for the combination of MATH 0413 and 0420.