FAQ: Transition from MCS to Data Science
What happened to MCS?
The MCS program stopped accepting new majors and minors on September 1, 2022. All students currently enrolled in the MCS major or minor will be able to complete these degree programs. Starting on September 1, 2022, students interested in Mathematical & Computational Science should explore the opportunities in the new Data Science program. The Data Science B.S. has requirements very similar to those of MCS.
Why will this area of study be called Data Science rather than MCS in the future?
This adjustment is intended to align with common language used in the field. In addition, the name allows us to expand the major to include a new B.A. option (called Data Science & Social Systems), which will allow students to work at the intersection of computation, statistics, and the social sciences to improve our communities.
What about students who already declared MCS?
Students who have declared MCS by August 31, 2022 will be able to continue in the MCS program with the current requirements through their graduation from Stanford. Their degree will say Mathematical & Computational Science, just as they intended.
What if I wanted to declare MCS?
Starting on September 1, 2022, people interested in Mathematical & Computational Science should consider the new Data Science B.S., as its requirements are very similar to those of MCS.
If I’m an MCS student, can I declare Data Science?
Yes! You can declare Data Science or switch from MCS to Data Science at any time starting September 1, 2022. Keep in mind that it will not be possible to declare MCS after August 31, 2022, so you would not be able to switch back if you were to change your mind. Please review the Data Science B.A. or B.S. program carefully before making the decision to switch majors.
Is there an Honors program in Data Science?
An Honors Program in Data Science B.S. will be available starting on September 1, 2023.
What are the biggest differences between MCS and the new Data Science B.S.?
The Data Science B.S. includes an additional statistics course and an ethics course to further prepare students for this field. There will also be a capstone experience to give students an opportunity to use their newly developed skills and work with real data. One other note is that CS 182W is no longer listed as an option for the CS core requirement, and it cannot double-count for the ethics requirement and WIM in the Data Science program.