Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains answers to some frequently asked questions about the major.  If you have a question that is not answered below, please email us at data-analytics@osu.edu.

What courses are required to apply to the Data Analytics major?

We are now requiring students to complete CSE 2221 and either Math 1152 or equiv, Math 2568, or STAT 3201 at Ohio State prior to applying to the major. Completion of these courses will allow the application committee to review a student's quantitative and CSE skills to determine if the applicant can be successful in the major program.

What GPA is needed to apply to the major?

The Data Analytics major does not have a minimum GPA established. Instead, we look for a high level of performance in the courses that demonstrate success in the curriculum. In general, students admitted to the major program have had above average grades (As and Bs) in prerequisite coursework (MATH 1151/1152, CSE 1223/2221, etc).

But really. What is the GPA a student needs to get into the major?

The coursework of the Data Analytics major is extremely rigorous. As such, we are looking for students who can be successful in the program. We are looking for students who demonstrate strong performances in relevant coursework, such as CSE, Math, and Statistics. Cumulative GPAs can be impacted by courses that are not essential to a student's ability to be successful in the major. For example, a student who gets a D in CHEM 1250 might have a low cumulative GPA, even though their MATH and CSE grades are strong.

What courses should I start with in the major?

All students should start by taking Math 1151 (Calculus I) and 1152 (Calculus II).  These courses are pre- or co-requisites for the Computer Science and Statistics courses in the major’s core curriculum.

The first Computer Science course in the core curriculum is CSE 2221 (Software I).  This course has a programming pre-requisite requirement; students who do not have CSE Placement Level A should first take CSE 1223 (preferred) or 1222.

The first Statistics course in the core curriculum is Stat 3201 (Introduction to Probability for Data Analytics).  This course has Math 1152 as a pre-requisite.  Students who have no prior exposure to probability and statistics may want to take Stat 2450 (Introduction to Statistical Analysis) as an introductory course.  Stat 2450 does not count toward the requirements for the major; however, it can be used as an Open Option GE requirement.

Students planning to specialize in Business Analytics should plan to take Economics 2001.01 and 2002.01 before starting the courses in their specialization.

Students planning to specialize in Biomedical and Public Health Analytics should plan to take Chemistry 1110 or 1210 and Biology 1113 before starting the courses in their specialization.

Are there information sessions or open houses for the major?

Current OSU students who wish to change their major to Pre-Data Analytics or add DA as a double major should attend a Data Analytics Major Information Session. Prospective high school and transfer students can contact the Data Analytics Academic Planning Specialist to request additional information about the Data Analytics major or to schedule a campus visit. 

Can I minor in Data Analytics?

We currently do not have a minor in Data Analytics.  Students interested in a minor related to Data Analytics might consider an undergraduate minor in Computer and Information Science, Computational Science and Engineering, Statistics, or Business Analytics. 

Is it possible to get a second major in Data Analytics?

Completing a second major (or dual degree) in Data Analytics is possible, but will be challenging.  Information on double majors and dual degrees is available here.  Early planning with an advisor is strongly encouraged.

How do I apply to the major?

Information on applying to the major is available here.

I’m interested in one of the data analytics specializations but I am happy with my current major.  Can I complete one of the specializations without majoring in Data Analytics and have this noted on my transcript?

No, the specializations are a part of the Data Analytics major and can’t be “added on” to other majors.  If you are interested in fields related to Data Analytics, you might consider a minor in Computer and Information Science, Computational Science and Engineering, Statistics, or Business Analytics.

What degree options are available if I'm interested in studying Data Analytics at the graduate level?

Ohio State University has many options for graduate work in fields related to data analytics:

I am currently pursuing a Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) degree.  I noticed that a few of the requirements for the CSE major are the same as for the Data Analytics major.  What would a degree in Data Analytics give me that a CSE degree wouldn’t?

Both majors provide many options for coursework and both have excellent career prospects.

A CSE degree would give you options to specialize in areas like Graphics, Games, Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering and Programming Languages.

Both majors would give you options to specialize in Statistical Machine Learning, Data Mining, and Database Systems.

The Data Analytics major is an interdisciplinary major and would provide more breadth across areas related to analytics and data science.  In particular, the core of the Data Analytics major has a strong emphasis on statistical modeling and analysis in addition to core computer science principles.  Majoring in Data Analytics would also give you options to specialize in areas like Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Geospatial Analysis, and Health Informatics.

What degree will I get if I major in Data Analytics?

The major in Data Analytics leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.  Like all students pursuing a BS degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, you will also have to complete General Education (GE) Requirements. The GE advising page for the Data Analytics major contains some guidance for selecting GE courses.