Computer Science, BS: Data Science Emphasis

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) in Computer Science with an emphasis in Data Science from Bellevue College meets the critical and pervasive demand for rigorously trained computer science professionals specializing in Data Science. This degree program will prepare graduates to use mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence algorithms, scientific computing, and systems to analyze, design, and implement data-driven systems, enabling them to derive insights and solutions from complex datasets of varying size and complexity.

Program Outcomes

Upon graduation, program students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics to develop and analyze computing systems.
• Demonstrate the conceptual knowledge to identify and analyze a problem, and then define the computing requirements to creatively solve it.
• Demonstrate the ability to design, implement, evaluate, trouble-shoot and test a computer-based system process, component, or program to meet desired results.
• Demonstrate the ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools for computing practice throughout the data science lifecycle and employ the resulting knowledge to satisfy stakeholders’ needs.
• Demonstrate success skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, personal responsibility, and management skills.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of computers on society as well as an understanding of the key ethical issues shaping the practice of Computer Science.

Entry Requirements

First-Year Students

Must be qualified to enroll in the following courses:

• MATH 151 : Placement by assessment or MATH 142  with a C- or better, or AP score of 2 or higher on AB or BC exam.
• ENGL 101 : Placement by assessment or ENGL 92  or ENGL 93  with C- or better.

Transfer Students

• MATH 151  and MATH 152 , or equivalent credits.
• ENGL 101  English Composition I.
• CS 210  and CS 211  
• 5-6 credits of either PHYS 121 , biology or chemistry.

Note: Exceptions to entry requirements may be granted on a limited basis based on a comprehensive review of the student’s application.

Technical and math courses taken at other institutions are subject to additional review if completed more than 5 years ago or if the student is seeking equivalency to an upper-division course requirement. Contact the Computer Science Program Manager at cs@belleveucollege.edu for additional details.

Transfer equivalency for upper-division Computer Science course credits is subject to faculty review of syllabi and assessment examples. 

Degree Requirements

Completion of all required courses as shown in the Catalog, and achieve the following:

• Complete a minimum of 180 college-level quarter credits (including general education and program-specific requirements)
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for all coursework taken at Bellevue College and for all coursework applied to the degree, including credits transferred from other colleges
• Complete each Core and Upper-Division Elective course with a C (2.0) grade or better
• At least 45 quarter credits for the degree must be completed in residence at Bellevue College, of which 30 credits must be upper-division.
• Courses may be subject to minimum grade requirements and prerequisites. Check online at www.bellevuecollege.edu/classes/all/.

College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR)

First-year and transfer applicants must complete a minimum level of preparation prior to applying for admission into Computer Science. Completion in six subject areas: English, Mathematics, Social Sciences/Social Studies, World Languages, Lab Science, Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative, and Arts. These minimum academic subject areas are set by the Washington Student Achievement Council. Most applicants have completed these requirements in high school or through college coursework.

English Language Proficiency

All international applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency as defined by International Education by the application deadline. Email ie@bellevuecollege.edu.

Application Process

This is a selective admissions program. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of available seats in the program. Prospective students are encouraged to meet with the Program Manager to confirm their eligibility and have any questions answered before filling out the application to ensure they qualify.  Contact the CS program manager at cs@bellevuecollege.edu

To be considered for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, Data Science Emphasis, prospective students must submit the following:

1. First-time Bellevue College students must apply for General Admission before filling out the BS degree application. Processing time for general admissions is typically 1-3 business days.
2. All students who have transfer credits will need to follow the steps for submitting official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges attended other than Bellevue College. This will include completing the program-specific Transfer Credit Request form for each transcript. Application can be reviewed with unofficial transcripts. However, acceptance into the program will not be determined until official transcripts have been received and evaluated.
3. Fill out and submit the BS application. An Application Fee of $75 will be collected at the time of submission. Students will also be required to upload all unofficial transcripts if not already on file with Bellevue College.