Bachelor of Data Science
The Carleton University Institute of Data Science (CUIDS) staff are dedicated to providing you with the information and support you need to succeed at Carleton. This page is designed to help you plan your courses and craft your student experience. Use this page to learn more about the different facets of your undergraduate program, including academics, campus life, co-op, and more!
On this page
Preparing for your Studies
Academics
Course Outlines and Registration
Welcome to Carleton and your Bachelor of Data Science degree program! More information on registration, course selection, electives and prohibited courses, and your academic audit can be found by following the link below:
DSAAI Accelerated Pathway
The DSAAI Accelerated Pathway allows Bachelor of Data Science students a chance to fast-track their Master’s of Data Science, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence enabling you to reach your academic and career goals sooner.
Concentrations and Minors
Students in the B.D.S program may choose to enroll in one (or both) of the concentrations offered by the Institute of Data Science: Artificial Intelligence, and Statistics. Adding a concentration is a great way to focus your learning experience throughout your degree.These concentrations are only open to students enrolled in the B.D.S. program.
If you are enrolled in a B.D.S. program, you may also register for up to two minors from other departments during your academic career. For example, you could add a minor in Math or Psychology to your degree and double count some, or all, of your minor courses towards your free elective requirements. You may view the Program section of each degree in the Undergraduate Calendar to see the requirements of the specific minor.
Much like a minor, adding a concentration is not a mandatory requirement for your program. Students who choose to enroll in a concentration will be limited to enrolling in at most one minor in addition to their chosen concentration. Students can add a concentration, or a minor, using the Change of Program Elements form on Carleton Central.
Students may enroll in (at most) two concentrations, or two minors, or one concentration and one minor. If you have any questions about this selection and/or are interested in taking a minor or double concentration, please consult with an Undergraduate Advisor.
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No. If you do not choose a concentration, you will still come out of the 20 credit program with a Bachelor of Data Science degree. There are plenty of elective courses that allow you to tailor your degree to cover a variety of different topics. Some concentration specific courses are open to students not enrolled in the concentration. Keep in mind, however, that some courses are restricted to students registered in a particular concentration or may give priority registration to students in the associated concentration. Selecting a concentration will help to guarantee that you will be able to take those required concentration-related courses.
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Yes! Students are permitted to do two “program elements” so you can add both Concentrations. You can request this in Carleton Central using the “Change Program Elements” link. It is important to note that having a double Concentration will mean that you need to use most, if not all, of your free electives, and choose courses strategically within the Major requirements, to fit both concentrations in without requiring extra credits to graduate. Please consult your undergraduate advisors for help with course planning.
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Taking a concentration will allow you to specify in a particular area. If that area matches the area of an employer, you may be better suited for that particular job. For example, having a degree with a Statistics concentration designation will tell a prospective employer that you have a bit of a specialty in that area, so it may provide an advantage in getting your resume closer to the top of the pile for a job that requires a focus in Statistics. But then again, an “A+” student without a concentration may be viewed more favourably than a “B” student with that concentration. Therefore, high grades are likely more valuable than a concentration designation.
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Students in a Bachelor of Data Science program are restricted from obtaining a Minor in Computer Science, or a Minor in Statistics. When looking at options for a Minor to add to your degree, you should always check that the Minor is not prohibited to students in your program. This information is typically listed on the Undergraduate Calendar page associated with each Minor.
If a Minor requires a course that is prohibited in the Bachelor of Data Science program, it may not be possible for you to obtain that Minor (even if it is not explicitly restricted for students in a B.D.S.). In some cases, students may be provided an exception to use an equivalent course towards a Minor requirement (ie. COMP 1405 for BUSI 1401) to avoid a prohibited course. Any exceptions must be confirmed and processed by the department offering the Minor.
Co-op
Co-operative Education combines traditional, in-class education with hands-on experience. As a co-op student, you alternate study terms at Carleton with four, eight, twelve or sixteen month work terms. Co-op work terms allow for the development of key employability skills, exploration of career options and graduation with tangible, workplace experience—giving you a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.
Work-Study Sequence
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Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Term Pattern Term Pattern Term Pattern Term Pattern Term Pattern Fall S Fall S Fall W Fall S Fall S Winter S Winter S Winter S Winter W Winter S Summer Summer W Summer W Summer W Legend
S: Study
W: Work
More information on the co-op program can be found on the Carleton Co-op website, but here are a few links to help get you directed to information on co-op for your bachelor of Data Science:
Student Clubs and Societies
Carleton’s extensive network of clubs and societies is another great way to meet new people and pursue your interests outside the classroom. With more than 170 active clubs and societies to choose from, you will certainly find a venue for your academic, social, political or charitable interests. Here is a list of clubs and societies that are related to computer science:
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- Blueprint
- Technolgap
- cuHacking
- Carleton Artificial Intelligence Society (CAIS)
- Carleton Science Student Society (SciSoc)
- Carleton Computer Science Society (CCSS)
- Carleton Cybersecurity Club (CCSC)
- Carleton Game Development Club (CGDC)
- Carleton Quantum Computing Society (CQCS)
- Women in Computer Science (WiCS)
- Carleton CUSEC Society (CCS)
- All clubs and societies
Student Wellness and Support
University success is achieved by not only maintaining good study habits and attending class, but also by taking care of yourself. There are many resources and services on campus and in the community to help you better understand, manage and improve your mental health and wellness throughout your degree and beyond.
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- Wellness Service Navigator
- Health and Counselling Services
- Computer Science Teaching Assistants
- School of Computer Science Undergraduate Advisors
- Science Student Success Centre (SSSC)
- The SSSC also offers a Computer Science Study Group
- Academic Advising Centre
- Centre for Student Academic Support (CSAS)
- Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities (PMC)
- 2SLGBTQ+ Resources
- From Intention to Action (FITA)
- Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC)
- Centre for Indigneous Support and Community Engagement (CISCE)
- AVP Indigenous Teaching, Learning and Research
- Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office (GO-ISSO)
- Carleton Athletics
- Carleton Wellness programs
- Get Help Now – Crisis/Urgent Counselling Support