May 29, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Data Science Major, BS in Data Science - Technical Communication Concentration


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Students in the Data Science B.S. program learn to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages through core data mining, statistics and data modeling skills. Students learn to extract, prepare, and visualize data, which they then model and analyze. Students learn to apply these skills with sector-specific knowledge in the capstone course, where they develop workforce-ready skills on real-world projects. The BSDS degree program is a 120-credit, 4-year B.S. program that provides customizable transdisciplinary options including stackable certificates, concentrations and minors. The Technical Communication concentration is designed to prepare students to effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences using industry-standard tools and best practices.

Campus: Knoxville, Distance Education


uTrack Requirements


Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students.

Term 1


Credit Hours 13-15


Term 1 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 2


Credit Hours 16


Term 2 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 3


Credit Hours 15


Term 3 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 4


Credit Hours 13-15


Term 4 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Define TOPS plan

Term 5


Credit Hours 15


Term 5 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 6


  • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
  • Quantitative Reasoning (QR)  Elective 3 Credit Hours * OR Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours

Credit Hours 15


Term 6 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Complete at least two TOPS electives
  • Complete at least one Technical Communication concentration course

Credit Hours 15


Term 7 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 8


  • 4 Technical Communication Concentration Elective 3 Credit Hours
  • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
  • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
  • Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours

Credit Hours 15


Term 8 Milestone Notes


  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above

Total Credit Hours 120


Footnotes


1. Expanded Perspectives Electives must total 6 credit hours from any courses on the approved AH, SS, GCI, or GCUS or AAH lists

2. Engaged Inquiries electives must total 9 credit hours from two or more subjects.

3. See Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) Electives Requirements below for additional information.

4. Concentration requirement.  See Technical Communication Concentration Requirements below for additional information.

* Meets Volunteer Core  Requirement.

Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) Elective Requirements


Students must complete 15 hours of Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) elective credit by completing any combination of CECS minor(s), CECS certificate(s), and/or program electives as listed below.  

CECS Certificates


The CECS Certificates listed below are eligble for TOPS elective credit:

Data Science Program Electives


The program elective courses listed below are eligble for TOPS credit. Please consult course catalog for specific course prerequisite requirements.

Technical Communication Concentration Requirements


The Technical Communication Concentration consists of 12 credit hours of required coursework.  To satisfy the Technical Communication Concentration requirements, students must complete the following courses:

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