Data Science

The program provides students with knowledge, skills, and training to prepare them for entry-level careers in the field of Data Science or Data Analytics. The program includes foundation courses in statistics, programming in data science, databases, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.  

Program student learning outcomes

• Analyze data using various techniques, including statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data mining.
• Proficiently use data science programming languages to enable data manipulation, analysis, and model building.
• Understand data storage, retrieval, and management in different environments, including databases and big data systems.
• Effectively communicate data insights through reports, presentations, and visualizations.
• Apply data science principles and tools to solve real-world problems in various domains.

Program requirements

Required courses

CIS 181 - Python Programming                                                          3.5 units

Math 112 - Elementary Statistics                                                     4.0 units   

CIS 193 - Introduction to Data Science                                          3.5 units

CIS 204 Data Analysis and Visualization with ML                        3.5 units

CIS 207 Database Management System                                        3.5 units

                                                                                                                   18.0 units
Electives (Select one class from below)

CIS 150 – Access                                                                                 3.5 units

CIS 151 – Excel                                                                                    3.5 units

CIS 160 - Web Development                                                            3.5 units

CIS 161 – HTML and CSS                                                                 3.5 units

CIS 170L – Cybersecurity Fundamentals                                    3.5 units

CIS 171B - Amazon Web Services-Data Storage                       3 units

Total:                                                                                                    21 to 21.5 units

Projected annual completers from 20 to 40.

The CIS department offers programs designed to meet the needs of the industry. The Applied Data Science program was developed in response to feedback from the CIS Advisory Board and insights from the Labor Market Information (LMI) report on data science. This program is ideally suited for individuals looking to enhance their skills through a certificate or a two-year degree, particularly for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Furthermore, this program is transferable to UC/CSU systems, as many four-year universities have established undergraduate programs in Data Science.

In data science, students learn to extract meaningful insights from data by integrating programming, statistics, databases, and domain expertise. They focus on collecting, cleaning, modeling, analyzing, and interpreting data, which is used to build predictive models and support decision-making. Key skills developed in this field include proficiency in programming languages relevant to data science, as well as capabilities in statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, data mining, database management, and big data technologies. Furthermore, students refine their communication skills and learn effective strategies for presenting data. This certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in data science and analysis careers.

Three elective courses in the Data Science program are also included in three existing Certificates of Achievement in Computer Information Systems (CIS). This overlap creates an opportunity for students who have already completed any of these three certificates to advance their education and complete the Data Science program.

Data Science - Glendale Community College Data Science
AS/ Certificate of Achievement - Pasadena City College
Certificate of Achievement in Data Science - West LA College

Annual enrollment project: 40 to 50 students

Yannick Real