Data Science

The Associate’s Degree in Data Science will provide students with the foundational knowledge to pursue a career in data science. It is designed for students to complete the first two years of college math, statistical analysis, and computer programming needed to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science.

We anticipate an enrollment of 30+ students in the first academic year. This number is based on the growing number of AS in Computer Science degrees being awarded each year in the CIS Department, reaching 60 in the 2024-2025 academic year, and in the number of AS and AS-T degrees awarded by the Mathematics Department, which is also around 60 per year.

Data Science students are given the foundational knowledge in Mathematics and Statistics, as well as principles and practices in Computer Science and Programming, that are appropriate preparation for roles in the data science and machine learning fields. The program prepares students in Functional and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), data structures, and foundational mathematics and statistics. This program is intended primarily for students who intend to transfer and ultimately earn a bachelor’s degree to enter the workforce.

To earn an AS degree, students must complete a minimum of 60 CSU transferable units that include major requirements and Cal-GETC requirements. This degree will prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution and earn a bachelor’s degree in data science, and for entry-level positions as Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Data Science Managers, Business Intelligence Analysts, Applied Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers.

This program will reside in the Computer and Information Science Department, which offers associate degrees in Computer and Information Science, Computer Science Applications and Development, Web and Mobile Applications Development, as well as related certificates.

According to the LMA report, there are two community colleges in the Bay Region issuing 23 awards on average annually (last 3 years ending 2023-24) on TOP 0799.00 - Other Information Technology, although they don’t offer a specific AS degree in Data Science.

• Las Positas College (offers foundational courses in data science and machine learning, and a Certificate of Achievement in Data Analytics)
• Santa Rosa Junior College (offers foundational courses in data Science)

Three other institutions were identified as offering AS degrees in Data Science in the Bay Area region:

• West Valley College
• City College of San Francisco
• Laney College

Based on the data included in the LMA report, there is a labor market gap in the Bay Region with 1,250 annual openings for the Data Science occupational cluster and 166 annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 1,084 students. In the Mid-Peninsula Subregion, there is also a gap with 528 annual openings and 55 annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 473 students.

College of San Mateo intends to meet the identified regional labor market demand by contributing to the number of student completers that are prepared to directly enter the workforce, or transfer for higher educational attainment at local four-year institutions in the CSU and UC systems.

In addition, required General Education coursework must be completed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the associate degree. Students consult with their academic counselor to select the courses that align with their academic and career goals.

Three colleges in our region were identified as offering AS degree in Data Science. To ensure awareness, every effort was made to contact the institutions listed below.

West Valley College

Mel Vaughn

Dean, Science and Math

melvin.vaughn@westvalley.edu

Response: None

City College of San Francisco

Frederick Teti

Dean, School of STEM

fteti@ccsf.edu

Response: Support

Laney College

Johnnie Williams

CIS Department Chair

jwilliams@peralta.edu

Response: Support