Although there is significant and growing overlap of skills between specializations, there are common ULC areas that have been notable choices for CS students:
Data Science
- Math and Statistics (MATH/STAT). CS students are already required to take multiple prerequisite courses for Math and Stat upper level courses, so MATH/STAT tends to be a popular choice. MATH and STAT courses can be combined for the 12 required credits.
- Business (BMGT). CS majors who want to use BMGT as their ULC will most likely need to be accepted into the major or minor to gain access to 12 credits of upper level coursework. If pursuing the Business Analytics minor, communicate extensively with your advisor to avoid cross-listed and credit-only-granted-for courses that may be ineligible.
- Psychology (PSYC) or Sociology (SOCY). Psychological skills are invaluable to the work of Data Scientists, which can revolve around ethical decision making, effective communication, understanding of confidentiality, privacy, human behavior, and complex biases. A competitive Data Analyst will have a balance of psychological and technical skills. Many upper level PSYC courses are restricted to students in the major, so be careful to plan for courses without this restriction. Over the Winter and Summer terms, these restrictions are usually not applied, so there may be more options for courses available at these times.
Cybersecurity
- Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES minor, includes HACS courses). The ACES minor allows students to explore cybersecurity at a more concentrated level while gaining access to specialized internship and research opportunities.
- Terrorism Studies (may include BSST, ANTH, AREC, ENES, GEOG, GVPT, etc.)
- Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS)
- Law (MLAW)
- Public Policy (PLCY)
Machine Learning
- Engineering (ENXX). Engineers, especially in ML, are expected to perform at an advanced level in areas of leadership, teamwork, and work ethic
- Robotics (ENXX/CMSC)
- Technology Entrepreneurship (ENES)
Please consult with your advisor to ensure the courses you plan to take will satisfy your requirement.