Applying to the Major

Find out everything you need to know about joining the Data Science Major as your program specialization.

Application Timeline

Applications to the Data Science Major follow UBC Science’s specialization application process. Eligible students can apply in the spring or summer at the end of their first year. Students admitted to the program will begin their specialization in Term 1 of their second year. 

Detailed instructions and deadlines are provided on the Faculty of Science website during the application period.

Admission Requirements and Eligibility 

All specializations have required courses that you’ll need to take as part of the program, but in order to be eligible for admission, you’ll need to ensure you have completed certain first-year courses to be considered. 

See the required courses for first year 

Unfortunately, not all eligible applicants will be admitted. The program attracts high levels of interest with more students who apply than there are seats. The admissions committee strives to ensure that admitted students are diverse and representative of the faculty and our institution.  

General First-Year Science Students

To be eligible to apply for the Data Science major program, students will need to take and successfully complete DSCI 100 and Math 100 (or equivalent) and CPSC 103 or CPSC 110. Details about our admission process are available on the UBC Science specialization requirements page. 

Completing the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. 

Science One Students

Students in the Science One program are encouraged to apply for the Data Science Major. We are aware that the scheduling constraints of Science One make it infeasible for students to take two additional courses (DSCI 100 and CPSC 103/CPSC 110) in their first year. Science One students will be considered for admission into the program without completing DSCI 100 or CPSC 103/110, however, once admitted into the program, they should aim to complete these courses in the summer session. Otherwise, they will not be able to enroll into DSCI 220 and DSCI 200 in Year 2 Term 1 or DSCI 221 in Year 2 Term 2, making the program take longer to complete. 

 

Additional Information

Can't find what you need below? Learn more at our DSCI Major Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
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