Data Science
Certificate of Achievement (C) Computer Science · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Data Science Certificate of Achievement will prepare students for today’s data-driven world. The program is designed to enhance career opportunities in data science areas, including data and system analysis, data science research, business analytics, data engineering, database administration, statistical assistance, software engineering, and management. The core sequence covers data science foundational concepts, core programming practices, database management and an introduction to version control software. Skills mastered in this sequence of courses can be a first step toward a career in data science.
Enhanced career opportunities in data and system analysis, data science research, business analytics, data engineering, database administration, statistical assistance, software engineering, and management.
Requirements
Certificate of Achievement Requirements
Complete all Major Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 20% of the major requirements through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| CIS 107 | Introduction to Database Systems | 2-4 |
| orCIS 117 | Introduction to SQL Programming | |
| CS 104 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| orCS 105 | Programming Methodology | |
| CS 106 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| orCS 114 | Intermediate Python | |
| CS 118/MATH 118 | Data Science for All | 4 |
| List A - Complete 3 courses from the following (not used to satisfy the Required Core above) | 7.5-14 | |
| COMM 288 | Communication Research Methods | |
| CS 104 | Introduction to Programming | |
| CS 105 | Programming Methodology | |
| CS 106 | Data Structures and Algorithms | |
| CS 108 | Discrete Structures | |
| CS 114 | Intermediate Python | |
| CS 133 | Programming for Engineers | |
| CS 134 | Version Control with Git | |
| CS 137 | C Programming | |
| CS 140 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ | |
| ERTH 171/GEOG 171 | Introduction To Geographic Information Systems And Maps | |
| MATH 150 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | |
| MATH 160 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | |
| MATH 180 | Transition to Advanced Mathematics | |
| MATH 200 | Multivariable Calculus | |
| MATH 210 | Linear Algebra | |
| MATH 220 | Differential Equations | |
| PSY 200 | Research Methods and Experimental Design in Psychology | |
| SOC 115 | Introduction To Social Research | |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| orPSY 150 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
| orSOC 125 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | |
| Total Units | 19.50-28.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Apply foundational data science concepts including computing summary statistics, creating data visualizations, simulating experiments, and probability concepts.
- Use foundational programming concepts to explore and analyze real-world datasets using problem decomposition, and code design strategies.
- Design, create, query, and manage databases for analytic processing using SQL.
- Describe limitations and issues surrounding data analysis in terms of bias, ethics, establishing causality and privacy.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.