UCLA's Data Theory Major: A Foundation for the Future of Data Science
The interdisciplinary field of Data Science has emerged over the last three decades. Driven by the ubiquitous use of computing in science and commerce, as well as the routine use of automatic measuring and electronic recording devices, sources and types of data are increasing rapidly. The world is awash in the sea of data, creating an urgent demand for scientists who are able to understand data collection, storage, integration, and analysis. Using tools based in mathematics, especially the theory of probability, Statistics has become the language of data. UCLA’s Data Theory major joins the strength of the university’s Mathematics department with the innovation of its Statistics and Data Science department to offer students a world-class education in the foundations of Data Science.
The Need for a Foundational Approach to Data Science
Most Data Science programs focus on the methods of data modeling, analysis and engineering. What is missing is a rigorous understanding of the statistical and mathematical foundational concepts that underlie these methods. Without these, data scientists lack the understanding to deal with the plethora of problems they will face. For undergraduates, the Data Theory Major is a program at UCLA that produces students well equipped to understand current data science and develop the data science of the future.
What Sets UCLA's Data Theory Major Apart?
At UCLA, all Statistics faculty are data scientists with a wide range of application fields. The Data Theory major focuses on the fundamental concepts needed to model data and to make sense of data. It is this foundation that allows for the fullest and best application of data science. This capstone major is the first in the world, both in name and content. One key academic difference from the Data Science majors proposed by peer universities is the presence in our major of substantial upper division proof-based mathematics. The major is strong, perhaps stronger than some Masters degrees, in Machine Learning, which is at the core of Data Science.
The UCLA General Catalog is published annually in PDF and HTML formats. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in the UCLA General Catalog. However, all courses, course descriptions, instructor designations, curricular degree requirements, and fees described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice. Consult this Catalog for the most current, officially approved courses and curricula. Other information about UCLA may be found in materials produced by the schools of Arts and Architecture; Dentistry; Education and Information Studies; Engineering and Applied Science; Law; Management; Medicine; Music; Nursing; Public Affairs; Public Health; and Theater, Film, and Television.
Preparing Graduates for an Evolving Landscape
The fields that the graduates will enter are evolving quickly in response to the type and scale of data that are becoming available. It is a capstone major, providing the opportunity for students to collaborate in groups solving real data science problems. Graduates of UCLA’s Data Theory major will be much better prepared to immediately join and contribute.
Read also: UCLA vs. Illinois: Basketball History
Curriculum Overview
The general description of the Major, how to get in it, its requirements, learning outcomes and policies is given here.
Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA
Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors
tags: #UCLA #data #theory #major #curriculum
