Short Summary
If you’re curious about data and want to add tech skills to your degree, UCR’s Data Science Minor might be the perfect choice. This article breaks down the data science minor UCR course plan in a friendly, easy-to-understand way—with examples, visuals, and a clear path forward.
Why Choose a Data Science Minor at UCR?
Data science is everywhere—from Spotify recommendations to COVID-19 tracking. It’s one of today’s fastest-growing fields.
UCR (University of California, Riverside) offers a data science minor for students in any major. Whether you’re studying business, biology, or political science, this minor can give you a big edge.
What Is the Data Science Minor UCR Course Plan?
The data science minor UCR course plan includes six core courses—adding up to about 28–30 units. These courses teach you the basics of coding, statistics, and working with real-world data.
Here’s how the course plan typically looks:
Foundation Courses (2 classes)
These are required before you move to advanced topics.
- CS 10V or CS 8 – Introduction to Computer Science
Learn basic Python and how to think like a programmer. - MATH 9A or MATH 6A – Calculus I
Builds math skills that support data modeling.
Tip: If you’re new to coding or calculus, UCR offers tutoring and study groups to help you succeed.
Core Data Science Courses (3 classes)
These classes focus on data analysis and computing.
- STAT 100A – Introduction to Statistics
Teaches probability, data types, and basic inference. - CS 100 – Software Construction
Develops your skills in writing structured, readable code. - STAT 147 – Data Science I
The heart of the program—hands-on work with datasets, visualization, and R or Python.
Capstone or Elective (1 class)
Pick one course that matches your major or interests. Some options include:
- BIO 144 – Genomics and Bioinformatics
Great for life science majors. - ECON 104 – Data Analysis for Economics
Useful if you’re majoring in economics. - SOC 180A – Social Data Analysis
Perfect if you’re in social sciences.
Example: A political science student might take SOC 180A to explore voting data and survey research.
What You’ll Learn (In Simple Terms)
By the time you finish, you’ll be able to:
- Write code in Python or R
- Clean and visualize real-world data
- Use stats to find patterns and make predictions
- Work with software tools like Jupyter Notebook or RStudio
Infographic: UCR Data Science Minor Path
This path builds step-by-step. No data experience? No problem. You’ll start from the basics.
Who Can Enroll in the Minor?
Any major can apply—as long as you meet the prerequisites. It’s popular among students from:
- Business
- Biology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Engineering
Bonus: You don’t need to be a computer science major to learn data science.
Why It’s Worth It
Adding the data science minor UCR course plan to your degree can:
- Make your resume stand out
- Help you qualify for jobs in tech, finance, healthcare, or research
- Teach practical tools companies use every day
Real-Life Example: Meet Lisa
Lisa is a biology major. She loves science but wants to stand out in job applications.
She adds the Data Science Minor and takes BIO 144 as her elective. During senior year, she analyzes lab data using Python. That experience lands her an internship in biotech.
Sample Course Load (Suggested by Year)
| Year | Quarter | Suggested Course |
| 1st | Winter | CS 10V – Intro to CS |
| 1st | Spring | MATH 6A – Calculus I |
| 2nd | Fall | STAT 100A – Intro to Stats |
| 2nd | Winter | CS 100 – Software Construction |
| 2nd | Spring | STAT 147 – Data Science I |
| 3rd | Any | Choose 1 elective |
Note: This is just one path. UCR advisors can help you build a custom plan.
Final Tips Before You Start
- Talk to an academic advisor early to align it with your major.
- Use free UCR resources like the Learning Center and Python labs.
- Don’t be afraid of data—it’s just information with stories waiting to be told.
Final Thoughts
The data science minor UCR course plan is a smart move if you want to add tech skills without changing your major. It’s flexible, hands-on, and future-ready.
Whether you’re a numbers person or just curious about data, this minor gives you real-world tools to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Data Science Minor at UCR?
Answer:
It’s a six-course program that teaches students how to collect, analyze, and work with data using tools like Python, R, and statistics. It’s open to all majors and fits well with many career paths.
2. Who can enroll in the data science minor at UCR?
Answer:
Any undergraduate student from any major (biology, business, psychology, etc.) can enroll, as long as they meet the prerequisites like introductory computer science and math courses.
3. What’s included in the UCR data science minor course plan?
Answer:
The plan includes:
- Intro to Programming (CS 10V or CS 8)
- Calculus (MATH 9A or MATH 6A)
- Statistics (STAT 100A)
- Software Construction (CS 100)
- Data Science I (STAT 147)
- A specialized elective (e.g., BIO 144, ECON 104, or SOC 180A)
4. How long does it take to complete the minor?
Answer:
Most students complete it in 4–6 quarters, depending on how they plan their schedule. Starting in your first or second year makes it easier to finish on time.
5. Do I need coding experience to start?
Answer:
No. The minor starts with beginner-friendly programming courses. You’ll learn Python or another language step-by-step.
6. Can I still graduate on time if I add this minor?
Answer:
Yes—if you plan carefully. Many students fit it into their 4-year plan. Meeting with an advisor helps align it with your major and GE requirements.
7. Is the minor only useful for tech careers?
Answer:
Not at all! Data science is used in marketing, healthcare, journalism, biology, and social sciences. It adds value to any degree.
8. What kind of electives can I choose?
Answer:
You can choose electives based on your major. Examples:
- BIO 144 (for biology majors)
- ECON 104 (for economics majors)
- SOC 180A (for social sciences)
9. Will I learn to work with real data?
Answer:
Yes! In courses like STAT 147, you’ll work on real datasets, build visualizations, and apply your skills in hands-on projects.
10. Does the minor cost extra?
Answer:
There are no additional tuition costs for the minor. However, it may add a few extra units to your schedule.