Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
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Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Data Science.
View full program detailsProgram information
Data science is the process of extracting insight from data through ethical, transparent, and reproducible processes. This program provides students with a thorough training in Data Science, which focuses on making decisions supported by data. It is grounded in Statistics (to formulate relevant questions and determine the answer based on data) and Computer Science (to manipulate and visualize data efficiently).
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
What you'll learn
This program stands out for its unique interdisciplinary foundation, jointly offered by the Departments of Computer Science and Statistics. It equips students with a balanced skill set in programming, statistical analysis and machine learning, which are core areas driving the data science field today. With a strong emphasis on ethical and transparent data use, the program prepares students to address real-world challenges responsibly, prioritizing fairness, security and accountability.
Graduates emerge as clear communicators of complex data insights, ready for high-impact roles across sectors like technology, healthcare, finance and government. As demand for data professionals continues to surge, this specialization ensures students are equipped with the tools to continuously adapt in a fast-evolving field.
Life at UBC's Vancouver campus
Studying Data Science at UBC’s Vancouver campus means joining a leading interdisciplinary program that combines technical depth in Computer Science and Statistics with a strong focus on ethics, communication, and real-world application. Located in one of Canada’s top tech hubs, the program connects students with opportunities and the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving data-driven world.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Data Science. Here are a few you might like.
Computation as a tool for systematic problem solving in non-computer-science disciplines. Introductory programming skills.
Object-oriented programming. Design and analysis of basic algorithms and data structures especially relevant to data science. Algorithm analysis methods, basic data structures, graphs and graph algorithms.
Analysis, design, and implementation of static and interactive visual representations; visualization literacy; data communication; exploratory Data Analysis; application of theoretical principles to visualization development.
Ethical application of data science and machine learning algorithms. Application of ethical theories in real-world case studies. Data ownership, collection, and validity. Algorithm auditing, fairness and transparency. Reducing unfairness in algorithms. Deployment of predictive models and dissemination of results.
Outcomes
Data Science graduates have an impact on society by supporting evidence-based decisions grounded in our ever-growing collection of data. They are in very high demand and are called Statisticians, Quantitative Analysts, Decision Support Engineering Analysts, or Data Scientists.
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry, and
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics (may be waived with grades of 5 in IB Chemistry and in your IB Mathematics course)
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Data Science.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Data Science.
View full program details