Degree Requirements
Requirements for the SM degree in Data Science address the learning outcomes. A total of 12 courses taken over at least three semesters is required.
Each student's plan of study for the SM degree will include:
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The four technical core courses:
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AC 209a “Data Science 1: Introduction to Data Science”
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AC 209b “Data Science 2: Advanced Topics in Data Science”
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AM 207 “Advanced Scientific Computing: Stochastic Methods for Data Analysis, Inference, and Optimization”
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AC 207 “Systems Development for Computational Science”
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AC221 “Critical Thinking in Data Science”
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At least one research experience. This requirement can be satisfied by the AC 297r Capstone project course or a master's thesis project.
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At least one Computer Science elective and one Statistics. Courses often chosen to satisfy these electives are listed here.
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Up to one seminar course - AC 298r or similar
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Up to one independent study research course
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Up to four other data science electives (from other FAS departments or other schools at Harvard)
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As a final requirement, the presentation of a poster on a data science project at the annual IACS Project Showcase
| SM Requirements | Number of Courses |
| Technical Core* | 4 |
| Critical Thinking in Data Science | 1 |
| Research Experience: AC 297r | 1 |
| Computer Science Elective | 1 |
| Statistics Elective | 1 |
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Additional Courses: Computer Science electives (up to 4) Statistics electives (up to 4) Other Data Science electives** (up to 4) Research course (up to 1) Seminar course (up to 1) |
4 |
| TOTAL | 12 |
* Students can choose to substitute CS 109a/b for AC 209a/b. These will count towards the maximum number of 6 100-level courses that can be include in their Plan of Study.
**Students can count at most 2 non-technical courses towards this requirement.