Overview

The Data Science Major is a 78- to 84-credit multidisciplinary program within the 120-credit Bachelor of Science degree. Students will complete coursework in data science, computer science, mathematics, statistics and business, along with fulfilling breadth and option requirements. The major will provide students with applied training in cloud infrastructure, databases, data visualization, security, and machine learning. Students will develop competency in core mathematical and statistical concepts, enabling them to extract meaningful insights from big data. Business courses will equip students with a holistic understanding of using analytics in organizational decision-making contexts and will help them leverage interpersonal and team skills.

Contact Information

Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Room 5-107, City Centre Campus
10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-5786

Department of Computer Science
Room 5-173, City Centre Campus
10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-4484

Arts and Science Academic Advising
Room 6-211, City Centre Campus
T: 780-497-4505
E: artsandscience@macewan.ca

Bachelor of Science

Faculty of Arts and Science
MacEwan.ca/Science

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a foundational general degree that provides broad and widely applicable knowledge and abilities rather than a niche specialization. This broad base equips graduates with generalist knowledge and skills that give them the flexibility and agility so highly valued in a dynamic world economy. It also offers students a solid foundation to specialize in future employment or further schooling.

The degree provides a breadth of study across various Arts and Science disciplines and sets the foundation for later years. The major and minor areas of study allow students to focus and gain in-depth expertise in complementary or entirely disparate disciplines; there is a wide array of possible combinations. Finally, options enable students to explore courses outside their disciplines or even within their program, enhancing their diversity of learning. The small classes, close interaction between instructors and students, opportunities for individual study, and faculty with a strong focus on teaching are signature strengths of this program.

General Program Information

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) requires the completion of 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The degree provides both breadth and depth while offering students considerable flexibility in designing their program of study.

Students may complete:

• a primary major and a minor;
• a primary major and a secondary major; 
• a major and two minors; or
• a multidisciplinary major.

The primary major must be selected from a Science discipline. A secondary major may be selected from either an Science or an Arts discipline.

Students may declare a major when they apply to the BSc or enter the program as undeclared and declare a major later. Students must declare their major and minor, or other approved program structure, by the time they have completed 45 credits.

The Arts and Science Academic Advising Office provides information about majors and minors through email and newsletters. Students who require assistance selecting a program of study should contact the Advising Office.

Science Disciplines

BA/BS Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor	Honours
Applied Statistics	⦿	-	⦿
Biological Sciences	⦿	⦿	⦿
Chemistry	⦿	⦿	-
Computer Science	⦿	⦿	-
Cybersecurity Studies	-	⦿	-
Data Science	⦿	-	-
Earth and Planetary Sciences	-	⦿	-
Environmental Sciences	⦿	⦿	-
Mathematics	⦿	⦿	⦿
Mathematical Sciences	⦿	-	-
Planetary Physics	-	⦿	-
Physical Sciences	⦿	-	-
Physics	-	⦿	-
Psychology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Statistics	-	⦿	-

Arts Disciplines

BA Arts/Science Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor
Anthropology	⦿	⦿
Classics		⦿
Creative Writing		⦿
Economics	⦿	⦿
English	⦿	⦿
Film		⦿
French		⦿
Gender Studies		⦿
History	⦿	⦿
Indigegogy		⦿
Philosophy	⦿	⦿
Political Science	⦿	⦿
Sociology	⦿	⦿
Spanish		⦿
Urban Wellness		⦿

Out of Faculty Minors

In addition to minors offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science, Bachelor of Science students may complete eligible minors offered by other programs across the University. Please refer to the Minor Eligibility page in the Academic Calendar for a list of minors available to BSc students.

Laddering a Diploma into the Bachelor of Science

Students with an accredited diploma can ladder into the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and use some of their diploma coursework towards their degree requirements. If you have questions about the diploma laddering process, please visit www.macewan.ca/bscstudent or contact artsandscience@macewan.ca.

Preparing for Professional Studies

Students intending to enter professional programs at other universities can take their pre-professional programs in the Faculty of Arts and Science at MacEwan University. The university offers the first and second years of several pre-professional programs, including chiropractic medicine, dental hygiene, dentistry, medical laboratory science, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. All courses in these pre-professional programs are credit courses, and, as such, they may apply to the degrees offered by MacEwan University.

Students are advised to consult the admissions requirements for the universities and programs of their choice and to select their MacEwan University courses accordingly. Completing pre-professional courses at MacEwan University does not guarantee admission to the subsequent professional program. Each professional program requires a separate application, and entry is competitive, not automatic.

Degree Requirements

Breadth Requirements 

All Bachelor of Science degrees require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for the major(s), minor(s), Honours, or options. BIOL, CHEM, EASC, or PHYS courses must include a laboratory component.

Breadth Requirements

Breadth Element	Description	Credits
Biological or Earth and Planetary Sciences	BIOL or EASC (not including BIOL 101, BIOL 102, or BIOL 103)	6
Chemistry or Physics	CHEM or PHYS	6
English	ENGL 102 and 3 credits in university English (not including ENGL 111, ENGL 108, or ENGL 211)	6
Humanities	CLAS, COMP, HIST, HUMN, PHIL or a language other than English	6
Mathematical Sciences	One of MATH 114, MATH 120, or MATH 125, and 3 credits in MATH, STAT, or CMPT (not including CMPT 104)	6
Social Sciences	ANTH, ECON, GEND, INDG, LING, POLS, PSYC, or SOCI	6

Bachelor of Science Degree

Program of Study

Program Element	Description	Credits
Primary Major	The Science major will range from 42 to 60 credits with a minimum 36 credits taken at the senior-level.1	42-60
Secondary Major or Minor(s)	Students have the option of completing a second Science or Arts major, or one or two minors. Minor courses must be completed at the senior-level.1	18-60
Options	Students can choose from Arts and Science courses or up to 21 credits in out-of-faculty options.2	Up to 60
	Total Degree Credits Including Breadth	120

¹

Multi-disciplinary majors consist of 60-84 junior- and senior-level credits. Students who declare a multi-disciplinary major may pursue a minor but are not required to do so.

²

Students can take up to 3 credits from Physical Activity (PACT), Emergency Communications and Response (ECRP), Travel (TRVL), or Office Assistant (OAAS, OADM, OALS, or OAMS) to fulfill out-of-faculty options.

Bachelor of Science Honours 

Program of Study

Program Element	Description	Credits
Minimum Honours Requirements	Honours requirements are determined by each discipline.	63
Option Courses, Non-Compulsory Honours Courses, and/or a Minor	Students have the option of completing a minor from outside of the Honours discipline. Some disciplines may require a minor.	57
	Total Degree Credits Including Breadth	120

The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study. In the Faculty of Arts and Science, students typically require a minimum grade of C- to use a course as a prerequisite. Please check course descriptions for more information.

Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions 

Cross-Faculty course recognition represents an agreement between programs within MacEwan University and consists of a number of approved courses that have the potential to be recognized within another degree. These courses are not considered transfers or equivalents as the original course will show within a student's transcript and their Academic Planning and Progress Report (APPR). How the courses listed below might be used within a student’s degree are determined by the student’s program of study. They are dependent on a number of factors including year of declaration, year of completion, and individual program requirements.

Cross-Faculty Course Recognition

Out-of-Faculty Course	Course Recognition	Course Used For
ACUP 114	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ACUP 117	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ACUP 119	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ACUP 124	BIOL 1XX	Options
ACUP 127	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ACUP 209	SCIOP 2XX	Options
ACUP 215 and ACUP 220	WINL 200	Options
ACUP 303 and ACUP 304	WINL 300	Options
ACUP 320	BIOL 3XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
AGAD 300	COSL 300	Options
AGAD 435	WINL 300	Options
ARTE 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 214	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 224	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 225	ARTOP 2XX	Options
ARTE 234	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 304	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 314	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 324	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
CORR 102	SOCI 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 104	SOCI 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 110	SOCI 225	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 120	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 202	ARTOP 2XX	Options
CORR 208	ARTOP 2XX	Options
CORR 214	COSL 200	Options
CORR 218	SOCI 321	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 224	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 100	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 108 and CYCW 112	SOCI 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 115	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 114	ARTOP 1XX	Options
CYCW 201	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 204	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 205	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 206	ARTOP 2XX	Options
CYCW 208	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 211	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 302	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 303	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 339	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 340	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 350	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 360	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 361	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 461	ARTOP 4XX	Options
CYCW 466	ARTOP 4XX	Options
DESN 171	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
DESN 271	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ECCS 110	PSYC 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 115	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ECCS 160	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 180	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science breadth
ECCS 220	COSL 200	Options
ECCS 255	ARTOP 2XX	Options
ECCS 260	SOCI 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 270	COSL 200	Options
ECCS 310	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 355	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 360	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 425	SOCI 4XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
FNCE 201	ECON 2XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
FNCE 301	ECON 3XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breath
FNCE 310	SCIOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
FNCE 404	ECON 4XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
FNCE 407	ECON 3XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
FNCE 408	ECON 4XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
HAPR 101	SCIOP 1XX	Options
HAPR 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
HAPR 114	WINL 200	Options
HAPR 201	ARTOP 2XX	Options
HAPR 212	WINL 200	Options
HEED 110	ARTOP 1XX	Options
HEED 120	SCIOP 1XX	Options
HLSC 104	SCIOP 1XX	Options
HLSC 105	SCIOP 1XX	Options
HLSC 120	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
HLSC 124	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
HLSC 126	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
HLSC 128	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
HLST 150	SCIOP 1XX	Options
HLST 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options
HLST 290	SCIOP 1XX	Options
INFM 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
INFM 202	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 208	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 209	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 260	COSL 200	Options
INTA 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
INTA 362	ARTOP 3XX	Options
MGTS 103	STAT 1XX	Options; fulfills Mathematical Sciences Breadth
MGTS 312	STAT 2XX	Options or Statistics program requirements; fulfills Mathematical Sciences Breadth
MGTS 352	ECON 2XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
MGTS 401	DATA 3XX	Options
MGTS 417	DATA 3XX	Options
MTST 120	BIOL 1XX	Options
MTST 122	BIOL 1XX	Options
MTST 125	BIOL 1XX	Options
MTST 126	BIOL 1XX	Options
MTST 146	SCIOP 1XX	Options
MTST 161, MTST 162, MTST 260, MTST 261, and MTST 262	COSL 200	Options
MTST 191, MTST 192, and MTST 291	COSL 200	Options
MTST 292 and MTST 293	WINL 200	Options
MUSC 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
MUSC 123	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
MUSC 224	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
PEDS 100	BIOL 1XX	Options
PEDS 101	BIOL 1XX	Options
PEDS 102	BIOL 1XX	Options
PEDS 103	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
PEDS 109	SCIOP 1XX	Options
PEDS 200	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
PEDS 203	SCIOP 2XX	Options
PEDS 206	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
PEDS 207	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements
PEDS 209	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PEDS 240	SCIOP 1XX	Options
PERL 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PERL 204	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PERL 207	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 102	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PSSC 112	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PSSC 121	SOCI 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
PSSC 203	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 204	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 212	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 252	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 253	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 272	COSL 200	Options
PSSC 273	COSL 200	Options
SOWK 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
SOWK 111	ARTOP 1XX	Options
SOWK 112	ARTOP 1XX	Options
SOWK 203	ARTOP 2XX	Options
SOWK 204	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
TAST 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
TAST 102	ARTOP 1XX	Options
TAST 129 and TAST 130	COSL 200	Options
TAST 117	ARTOP 1XX	Options
TAST 135	WINL 200	Options
THAR 240	ARTOP 2XX	Options
THAS 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
THAS 102	SCIOP 1XX	Options
THAS 103	SCIOP 1XX	Options
THAS 115	ARTOP 1XX	Options
THAS 116	SCIOP 1XX	Options
THAS 203	COSL 200	Options
THAS 210	COSL 200	Options
THAS 211	COSL 200	Options
THAS 212	WINL 200	Options
THAS 214	COSL 200	Options
THAS 222	ARTOP 2XX	Options
THAS 223	SCIOP 2XX	Options
THAS 233	SCIOP 2XX	Options
THPR 205	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
THPR 206	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
THPR 214	COSL 200	Options
THPR 224	COSL 200	Options

Data Science Requirements

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Data Science program requires 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. Normally, students have the option of completing a minor, but the requirements of the Data Science Major are extensive, so the degree program requires courses from the major, options, and breadth only. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for the major or options.

The Data Science Major is 78 to 84 junior- and senior-level credits. Students must complete all Specific Requirements and choose up to 6 credits (2 courses) from the Major Electives. While not explicitly required, CMPT 101 is the prerequisite for CMPT 103. Students must complete CMPT 101, or its equivalent, prior to enrolling in CMPT 103. CMPT 101 can be used to fulfill a major elective.

Bachelor of Science - Data Science Major

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Specific Major Requirements
Junior-Level Courses
CMPT 103	Introduction to Computing II	3
MATH 114	Elementary Calculus I	3
MATH 115	Elementary Calculus II	3
MATH 120	Basic Linear Algebra I	3
or MATH 125	Linear Algebra I
STAT 151	Introduction to Applied Statistics	3
Data Science Courses
DATA 200	Introduction to Data Science with R	3
DATA 220	Introduction to Data Systems and Tools	3
DATA 351	Introduction to Sampling and Experimental Design	3
DATA 496	Data Science Capstone Project	3
Senior-level Computer Science Courses
CMPT 200	Data Structures and Algorithms	3
CMPT 250	Introduction to Human Computer Interaction	3
CMPT 291	Introduction to File and Database Management	3
CMPT 351	Introduction to Data Visualization	3
CMPT 491	Datamining and Advanced Database Topics	3
CMPT 455	Introduction to Machine Learning	3
or STAT 372	Applied Multivariate Statistics and Machine Learning
CMPT 470	Introduction to Computer Vision	3
or CMPT 472	Natural Language Processing
Senior-level Mathematics and Statistics Courses
MATH 336	Introduction to Optimization	3
STAT 265	Probability Theory I	3
STAT 266	Mathematical Statistics	3
STAT 324	Computational Statistics with R	3
STAT 370	Applied Time Series Analysis	3
STAT 378	Applied Regression Analysis	3
Business Courses
BUSN 101	Introduction to Sustainable Business	3
BUSN 330	Project Management	3
MGTS 352	Operations Management	3
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from the following:		3
ACCT 212	Introductory Accounting
FNCE 201	Introductory Finance
LEGL 210	Business Law I
MARK 201	Fundamentals of Marketing
ORGA 101	Introduction to Management
Major Electives
Choose up to 6 credits (2 courses) from the following list: 1		0-6
CMPT 101	Introduction to Computing I
CMPT 340	Introduction to Numerical Methods
or MATH 335	Numerical Methods
CMPT 355	Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
DATA 495	Special Topics in Data Science
DATA 497	Data Science Internship
MATH 223	Introduction to Combinatorics
MATH 335	Numerical Methods
STAT 371	Applied Categorical Data Analysis
Options and Breadth Requirements
Students can choose from Arts and Science courses or up to 21 credits in out-of-faculty options. 2		36-42
Total Credits		120

¹

Students can choose CMPT 470 or CMPT 472 if not selected for the Senior-level Computer Science requirement.

²

Students can take up to 3 credits from Physical Activity (PACT), Emergency Communications and Response (ECRP), Travel (TRVL), or Office Assistant (OAAS, OADM, OALS, or OAMS) to fulfill out-of-faculty options.

Degree Regulations

Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from the academic advisors about academic planning for completing degree requirements at MacEwan University.

Academic Residency - Credit Requirements 

In addition to meeting the University’s academic residency requirements, students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) must complete the following credits at MacEwan University:

• At least 24 senior-level credits in the major discipline. Of these, at least 12 credits must be at the 300- or 400-level, and all required 400-level courses must be completed at MacEwan University.
• If completing a minor, at least nine senior-level credits in the minor. Of these, at least three credits must be at the 300- or 400-level.

Students who previously completed a MacEwan University credential must complete at least 45 additional credits while enrolled in the BSc. 

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another post-secondary institution must complete at least 60 additional credits at MacEwan University that are applicable to the Bachelor of Science. At least 45 of these credits must be completed while the student is enrolled in the BSc. This requirement also applies to students who began their studies at MacEwan University but subsequently completed a credential at another institution.

Students who interrupt their studies and are required to apply for readmission must comply with the program regulations in effect when they resume their studies.

Breadth Requirements 

Courses taken to fulfil the major, minor, or option requirements can also satisfy breadth requirements.

Declaration of a Major and Minor 

Bachelor of Science students may declare a major either at the time of application or after beginning their degree program. By the time students have completed 45 credits, they must have declared a primary major and a minor; a primary major and a secondary major; a major and two minors; or a multidisciplinary major.

Primary majors are selected from Science disciplines and consist of 42 to 60 junior- and senior-level credits; multi-disciplinary majors consist of 60 to 84 junior- and senior-level credits. Students who declare a multi-disciplinary major may pursue a minor but are not required to do so. Secondary majors can be from a Science or an Arts discipline. Except for students in an Honours program, a maximum of 60 credits may be completed in any one discipline towards the degree. A major and minor cannot be in the same discipline, and students may not declare more than one out-of-faculty minor. Students can re-declare their major(s) and/or minor(s) if required.

Minors offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science to BA and BSc students consist of 18 senior-level credits. Arts and Science minors offered to students in other degree programs may include up to 3 junior-level credits. Similarly, minors offered by other Faculties or Schools to BA and BSc students may include up to 3 junior-level credits.

Students who complete multiple majors or minors may not be able to finish their degree within eight consecutive fall and winter terms. Depending on the combination selected, students may also need to complete more than 120 credits to satisfy all degree requirements.

Before declaring multiple majors or minors, students are strongly encouraged to consult both an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Advising Office and discipline advisors in their intended majors and minors.

Restricted Enrolment Courses

The Faculty of Arts and Science strives to accommodate all students wishing to enrol in a given course when it is appropriate to their program: however, classes in some courses must, for academic reasons, be restricted in size. If such a course is found to be oversubscribed, priority in registration will be given to those students whose programs may require it (e.g., majors, Honours, and/or minors) and then to other students as space permits.

Graduation Grade Point Average 

As part of the Graduation Grade Point Average regulation, Bachelor of Science students must obtain an overall GGPA of 2.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the major(s) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the minor(s).

Graduation Requirements 

Graduation requirements are governed by the date on which a student declares their major(s) and minor(s). Students who declare their major(s) and minor(s) on or before the published deadline are bound by the requirements of the current academic year. Those students who declare after this date are bound by the programs of study and degree requirements of the upcoming academic year as published in the MacEwan Academic Calendar.

Junior - and Senior-Level Courses 

Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior-level and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior-level.

Major or Minor 300- and 400- Level Requirements 

The 300- and 400-level requirements in the major or minor cannot consist solely of project, field placement, and/or individual study courses.

Maximum Individual Learning Courses 

The maximum number of credits for individual learning courses, including projects, field placement, internship, work-integrated learning, community-service learning, or independent study (excluding the Honours Thesis), is 15. Specific disciplines may have further restrictions. 

Maximum Junior-Level Courses 

A maximum of 48 credits at the 100-level are permitted in completion of the B.Sc. degree. Additional courses at the 100-level are extra to the 120 credits required to complete the B.Sc. degree and will not be counted toward fulfilment of graduation requirements.

Minimum Science Courses 

Students are required to complete successfully a minimum of 72 total credits from Science courses.

Minimum Passing Grade 

A minimum grade of D or credit CR is required for all Science degree courses unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study. 

Minimum Transfer Grade for Credit 

A minimum grade of D is required on any transfer credit granted for the program. Unless otherwise stated, Arts and Science courses require a minimum grade of C- when the course is used as a prerequisite. Transfer credit decisions made by the university are final and cannot be appealed.

Out-of-Faculty Options Requirements 

Students may take a maximum of 21 credits from courses offered by a MacEwan University Faculty or School other than Arts and Science. Students completing an out-of-faculty minor or laddering students who have met the minor requirements with a MacEwan University diploma must complete their degree requirements from courses offered within the Faculty of Arts and Science or from the list of Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions in the Academic Calendar. Courses deemed as Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions are used to fulfill in-Faculty courses within the BSc and do not count as out-of-Faculty options. 

Progression of Studies 

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements as noted on all courses that may fulfill Bachelor of Science program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Faculty of Arts and Science Degree-Level Learning Outcomes

Thinking about knowledge is at the core of University education and learning within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Students develop capacities to “think-through” - to practice wonder, reflection, and engage in thoughtful inquiry and dialogue. Thinking-through involves questioning beyond the confines of one's immediate personal, social, and disciplinary surroundings. First, knowledge is acquired and understood. Learning moves beyond acquiring information and data to a formally disciplined manner of thinking about knowledge. Next, knowledge is interrogated by asking and answering questions, distinguishing between opinion and knowledge, and developing tools to assess reasons and evidence. Finally, knowledge is synthesized as students develop coherent arguments, and link ideas together beyond what is immediately apparent. Learning is a lifelong creative process of discovery and action that happens beyond the classroom and the degree. Our graduates interact with and contribute to their community by integrating and applying the research and communication skills and ways of knowing developed through their education. Learning outcomes capture the observable knowledge, skills, and abilities graduates acquire that are the foundation of learning.

Graduates will demonstrate their ability to “think-through” by:

1. Analysing puzzles, problems, concepts, and theories.
2. Conceptualizing questions based on disciplinary knowledge.
3. Evaluating knowledge within and across disciplines in ways that acknowledge historical, cultural, and social contexts.

Graduates will demonstrate research and scholarship skills by:

4. Applying appropriate research skills and ethical principles.
5. Interpreting results appreciating the value and limits of conclusions.
6. Recognizing how research involves an ongoing process of reflection, dialogue, and reassessment.

Graduates will demonstrate diverse skills for communication by:

7. Conveying complex ideas coherently in a variety of formats.
8. Appraising information in ways that consider context and audience.
9. Interpreting the ideas and arguments of others in ways that reflect their knowledge, judgement, and comprehension.

Graduates will demonstrate durable skills necessary for learning beyond their degree by:

10. Collaborating with diverse groups.
11. Examining different perspectives and challenging biases and preconceptions.
12. Exploring the continuous impact and limitations of disciplinary knowledge and expertise.

Data Science Major Learning Outcomes

​An overarching set of learning outcomes for a major in Data Science encompasses the knowledge, skills, and competencies students should acquire during their academic journey. These outcomes reflect the program's goals in preparing students to be proficient in data analysis, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making. Upon completion of the Data Science Major, students will be able to:

1. Data Collection and Preparation:

1. Collect, clean, validate, and preprocess data from various sources, including structured and unstructured data, to ensure data quality and integrity.
2. Select appropriate data storage and retrieval techniques, including databases and the cloud.

2. Data Exploration and Visualization:

1. Explore and analyze data using statistical techniques and visualization tools to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies.
2. Create meaningful data visualizations and dashboards to effectively communicate insights to stakeholders.

3. Statistical Analysis and Inference:

1. Build appropriate statistical models.
2. Apply statistical methods to draw meaningful inferences and make data-driven decisions.
3. Conduct hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and forecasting methods to understand relationships within the data.

4. Machine Learning and Predictive Modeling:

1. Examine and implement supervised and unsupervised machine learning models for classification, regression, clustering, data encoding/embedding, and recommendation systems.
2. Evaluate, diagnose, and fine-tune machine learning models to maximize relevant metrics, focusing on understanding the tradeoffs of different evaluations.
3. iUse and compare the performance of traditional machine learning and modern deep learning models.

5. Data Technologies

1. Demonstrate understanding and introductory use of modern big data handling tools, with a specific focus on current industry standards for data science.
2. Understand how to improve the quality and usability of the data and transform real, raw data into usable datasets.
3. Understand data concepts and practices, including data pipelines, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and data warehousing.

6. Programming:

1. Write code in languages such as Python and R to manipulate data, perform analysis, and build data-driven applications.
2. Utilize modern software libraries, frameworks, and tools to perform data manipulation.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of basic algorithm design and complexity analysis.

7. Ethical Data Handling and Privacy

1. Adhere to ethical guidelines regarding data privacy and security.
2. Recognize the potential biases and ethical implications of data collection and analysis.

8. Data Storytelling and Communication:

1. Effectively communicate data findings and insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports, presentations, and data storytelling techniques.

9. Domain Knowledge and Problem Solving:

1. Apply data science techniques to solve real-world problems in various domains, including healthcare, finance, marketing, and more.
2. Collaborate with domain experts to define and address specific challenges.

10. Project Management and Collaboration:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of managing data science projects from inception to completion, including project scoping, data collection, data analysis, data cleaning, and model selection, tuning, and deployment.
2. Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams, leveraging each team member's expertise.

11. Business Fundamentals

1. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business concepts and functions, including business planning, management, ethics, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, and provide a broader context for data science functions within business environments.
2. Incorporate a holistic understanding of data science in organizational decision-making contexts.

Student Plan

• The student plan provides a suggested course sequence with the minimum number of credits required for the major
• The student plans lists CMPT 101 as a requirement of the Data Science program. Students who have CMPT 101 or its equivalent can use this as an elective for the major
• The suggested course sequence depends on course availability and the student's schedule
• It is highly recommended that students complete their Breadth Requirements by the end of two

Year 1	Credits
CMPT 101	3
CMPT 103	3
ENGL 102	3
MATH 114	3
MATH 115	3
MATH 120 or 125	3
STAT 151	3
Breadth Requirements	9
	30
Year 2	Credits
BUSN 101	3
CMPT 200	3
CMPT 250	3
CMPT 291	3
DATA 200	3
DATA 220	3
STAT 265	3
STAT 266	3
Breadth or Option Requirements	6
	30
Year 3	Credits
BUSN 330	3
CMPT 351	3
DATA 351	3
MATH 336	3
MGTS 352	3
STAT 324	3
STAT 370	3
STAT 378	3
Breadth or Option Requirements	6
	30
Year 4	Credits
CMPT 455 or STAT 372	3
CMPT 470 or 472	3
CMPT 491	3
DATA 496	3
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from the following:	3
ACCT 212
FNCE 201
LEGL 210
MARK 201
ORGA 101
Option or Major Electives	15
	30
Total Credits 120

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:

Regular Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:

1. ELA 30-1
2. Mathematics 30-1
3. Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30, or Computing Science-Advanced Career and Technology Studies (5 credits)
4. One subject from Group A, B, C or D

Notes:

• Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 are required for majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Psychology.
• Chemistry 30 is required for a major in Physical Sciences.
• Applicants who declare Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or Physical Sciences should have Physics 20.
• A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Mature Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must be Canadian Applicants, 20 years of age or older, and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:

1. ELA 30-1
2. Mathematics 30-1
3. Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30, or Computing Science-Advanced Level Career and Technology Studies (5 credits)

Notes:

• Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 are required for majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Psychology.
• Chemistry 30 is required for a major in Physical Sciences.
• Applicants who declare Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or Physical Sciences should have Physics 20.

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Previous Post-Secondary Work 

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.

Applicants must have successfully completed the following:

• A minimum of 24 university-level credits, from a recognized institution, with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• The required mathematics and science courses listed under the Regular or Mature Admission category.

Notes:

• Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 are required for majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Psychology.
• Chemistry 30 is required for a major in Physical Sciences.
• Applicants who declare Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or Physical Sciences should have Physics 20.

Additional Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the following:

1. English Language Proficiency

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to All Admission Categories

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.

2. Other Admission Criteria

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to All Admission Categories

Applicants who have been assigned two unsatisfactory academic records within the past five years will not be considered for admission or re-admission to the program until a minimum three years from the date of the assignment of the last unsatisfactory academic record. For the purpose of admission or re-admission, an unsatisfactory record is defined as a transcript with the notation ‘required to withdraw’ or equivalent.

3. Internationally or Out-of-Province Educated Applicants

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to Regular and Mature admission categories

The Office of the University Registrar will assess high school/senior secondary applicants’ academic preparedness based on an informed consideration of the academic curriculum completed by the applicant.

General Admission Criteria for Internationally Educated Applicants or Applicants Educated Out of Province:

1. Senior Secondary school credential appropriate for entry to university in the system or country of education; and
2. Program-specific prerequisite admission subjects, which must be completed at the senior/grade 12 level or equivalent for program preparedness; and
3. Minimum average required for regular or competitive admission on all academic subjects successfully completed in the final year of secondary education.