Data Science Pathway Associate in Arts

With so much information at your fingertips, it can be hard to make sense of it all. But you thrive on figuring things out and using data to your advantage. With the prerequisite courses for a degree in data sciences, you’ll be on track to turn your passion into a career. You’ll learn the basics of computer programming and statistics, providing the groundwork for you to expand your skills in analyzing data to discover trends and patterns that will help businesses make informed decisions.

Getting Started: Fall Term

Aug. 19:  Application

Aug. 26:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Affordable tuition: Earn a state university education at about half the cost.
  • Small class sizes: With classes of 30 or less, you don’t have to learn in an auditorium.
  • Online degree option: The courses for our A.A. degree are offered in person and online, so you can study when and where you want. 
  • Seamless transition: With your A.A. degree, you can stay at Seminole State to continue your progress toward a bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field.
  • Guaranteed transfer: Earn your A.A. here, and take advantage of guaranteed admission to UCF or one of Florida’s other state universities for your bachelor’s.
  • More than 100 University Transfer Pathways: Take prerequisite courses for majors in various fields from accounting to theater.
Data Sciences Pathway
Type: Associate in Arts
Major Code: SCI-DATSCI
CIP: 1192401010

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Spring 2025
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General Biology I Gen Ed Core
4
Credits
In this course students will apply the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world. This course will cover molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, and replication. This course is primarily for science majors or students with a strong biology background. It is a study of the molecular and cellular composition and function of living organisms. Emphasis will be given to structure, chemical metabolism, and genetic mechanisms. Laboratory illustrates basic biological principles. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Gen Ed Core
5
Credits
In this course, students will develop problem solving skills, critical thinking, computational proficiency, and contextual fluency through the study of limits, derivatives, and definite and indefinite integrals of functions in one variable, including algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, and applications. Topics will include limits, continuity, differentiation and rates of change, optimization, curve sketching, and introduction to integration and area. A graphing calculator will be used throughout the course. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students.
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
5
Credits
This course is a continuation of MAC 2311. Selected topics include conics, translation and rotation of axes, techniques of integration, arc length and other applications of the definite integral, polar coordinates, indeterminate forms and improper integrals, infinite sequences and series and Taylor's Formula. A graphing calculator will be used throughout the course. Students should ask the instructor which calculator will be used.
Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
4
Credits
This course is a continuation of MAC 2312. Selected topics include parametric equations, vectors in the plane and 3-space, directional derivatives and curvature, quadric surfaces, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, differential calculus of functions of two and three variables and multiple integration. A graphing calculator and a computer algebra system will be used throughout the course. Students should ask the instructor which calculator will be used.
Physics with Calculus I Gen Ed Core
4
Credits
This calculus-based course serves as the first in a two-part series, covering topics like kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. Designed for science and engineering majors, the course integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
Statistical Methods I Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will utilize descriptive and inferential statistical methods in contextual situations, using technology as appropriate. The course is designed to increase problem-solving abilities and data interpretation through practical applications of statistical concepts. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines and programs. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, two-sample inferences, and correlation and regression. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students and is the gateway course for majors in the Statistical Reasoning pathway. It is recommended that students without college-level math credits have completed a secondary-level course in Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics with a grade of a “B” or higher before taking this course.
Principles of Computer Programming
3
Credits
This course covers the basic concepts of computer programming. Students use a structured approach using the Java programming language to design and program logic techniques such as iteration, initialization, conditional processing, accumulation and sequencing. Also considered are programming style and program efficiency. Logic techniques and data formats are illustrated using high level programming languages. This class utilizes classroom lecture and hands-on programming exercises. A working knowledge of the Windows PC including starting programs, saving files and copying files is required. Lab fee required.
Computer Programming Fundamentals
3
Credits
This course covers the basic concepts of computer programming using the Java programming language and is structured for students who have completed a course in programming using a programming language other than Java. A working knowledge of the Windows PC, including starting programs, saving files and copying files is required. Lab fee required. The prerequisite for this course is COP 1000 taken in a programming language other than Java. Departmental approval is required.
Practical Programming with Python
3
Credits
Students learn the concepts, techniques, skills, and tools needed for developing programs in Python. Core topics include types, variables, functions, iteration, conditionals, data structures, classes, objects, modules, and I/O operations. Students get an introductory experience with several development environments, including Jupyter Notebook, as well as selected software development practices, such as test-driven development, debugging, and style. Course projects include real-life applications on enterprise data and document manipulation, web scraping, and data analysis.
Python Programming
3
Credits
An introduction to the Python programming language to include control data structures, functions and web implementation.
C++ Programming
3
Credits
This course provides an introduction to object-oriented programming and the C++ programming language. Students will create, document, run and debug programs using computer facilities on campus. Key topics include variables, classes, objects, selection, iteration, strings, arrays, pointers and functions. Lab fee required.
C# Programming
3
Credits
This course provides an introduction to the C# programming language. Students will learn the basic features of the language, including selection, iteration, data types and scope. In addition, the course will cover the object-oriented aspects of the language including encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism. Lab fee required.
Programming in Java
3
Credits
This course provides an introduction to object-oriented programming using the Java programming language. Students will design, build, test and debug computer applications that utilize classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism and interfaces. Lab fee required.
Advanced Java Programming
3
Credits
In this course the student will learn about data structures and algorithms, including analysis of algorithm performance and advanced Java programming. Topics covered include lists, trees, graphs and hashing. Lab fee required.
Web Programming I
3
Credits
Web Programming I will focus on the skills required for web application development using XHTML, client-side scripting and basic server-side scripts. This course will explore the syntax, semantics and limitations of page layout, Cascading Style Sheets and basic scripting. Implementation of server-side scripting will be covered as it pertains to form processing. Examples of tools, W3 standards and cross-browser compatibility will also be examined. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to design, program and publish a commercial-grade website. Lab fee required.
Advanced JavaScript
3
Credits
This course will teach the student how to build applications based on JavaScript technologies. Topics covered include working with Node.js, JSON, REST, NoSQL databases and popular JavaScript application frameworks. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to build a rich internet application based on front-end technologies.
Data Driven Websites
3
Credits
Databases drive today's e-commerce websites. This course demonstrates how to leverage the power of a relational database through the use of SQL and server-side scripting. The student will explore server-side scripts in a variety of languages to provide dynamic website content. The course will demonstrate how to connect to data from standard ODBC-compliant databases and create database-driven websites. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to design, develop and publish a dynamic database-driven application suitable for use in business or e-commerce. Lab fee required.
Web Programming II
3
Credits
This course introduces the student to modern web development with a client-side JavaScript framework, a service tier and a back-end database. The student constructs a sample web application and studies topics such as constructing forms, using CSS frameworks, source control and deployment.
Selected Topics In Computer Programming
3
Credits
In this course, topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. Lab fee required.
Selected Topics in Computer Programming
1
Credits
In this course, topics of current interest are presented via individual or group instruction. Generally, the student will work with a faculty member to explore a subject not covered in the standard curriculum.
Internship in Computer Programming
1
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Internship Computer Programming
2
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Internship in Computer Programming
3
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.

 *MAC 1114 and MAC 1140 OR MAC 1147 with a grade of "C" or higher; or sufficient score on placement test is a required prerequisite for MAC 2311.

Total Credits: 60

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Per Florida Statute 1007.25, "Beginning with students initially entering a Florida College System institution or state university in 2014-2015 and thereafter, coursework for an associate in arts degree shall include demonstration of competency in a foreign language." Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on Foreign Language Proficiency.

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fee Comparison*

 Seminole StateUFFSUUCF
Tuition and Fees$3,131$6,380$5,666 $5,954 
Room and Board-0-$12,120
$13,474 $12,542 
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,260$1,200$1,200
Total$4,131$19,760$20,340$19,696

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current academic year for in-state students living on campus. Dorm fees, meal plans and book expenses are estimates based on cost of attendance information provided by the State University System of Florida. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.