Data Science
In the data science program you’ll study math, statistics and software and use data to solve real-world problems.
Potential careers
What can you do with a computer science degree? Here are a few jobs that relate to the program:
- data analyst
- business intelligence specialist
- database administrator
- statistician
- marketing analyst
- AI specialist
- data visualization architect
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the computer science program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to computer science:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the computer science program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Course-based
STAT 123 - Data Science
Develop computational and inferential thinking skills to use data to make good decisions
STAT 321 - Data Management and Presentation
Learn how to manage and present data
STAT359 - Data Analysis
Do a deeper dive into analysis and descriptive statistics
Research project
MATH 377 - Mathematical Modelling
Research and present a project on using mathematics to depict and understand physical, biological or social systems
MATH 498 - Seminar and Independent Project
Pursue an independent project, prepare a written report and present a seminar
Professional and technical skill development
STAT 123 - Data Science
Develop computational and inferential thinking skills to use data to make good decisions
STAT 321 - Data Management and Presentation
Learn how to manage and present data
Work experience
Work experience work terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Awards (SURA)
Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards
Get paid to work on a research project with a professor
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the computer science program.
Data science
- perform data analysis
- use mathematical and statistical communication to express your findings
- apply mathematical and statistical reasoning to calculate data
- use situational problem solving to assess challenges
- apply research skills to analyze problems
- use computer hardware and systems
- apply computer information processing and algorithms
Computer information processing and algorithms
- understand computer science theory
- design automated software test tools
- manipulate information
- create solutions from user specifications and known system constraints
- improve performance using coding best practices
- understand the practical limits of a system for problem solving