Designing an Individualized Pathway for the Data Science & Social Systems B.A.

As part of the program in Data Science & Social Systems, students select a pathway that explores a topic they are passionate about and where data science methods and approaches have something compelling to offer. The option to define an individualized pathway is available for students who have an interest that is more specific (not more general) than those offered in the predefined pathways.

The individualized pathway would need to be cohesive with a narrow focus that centers on a social problem. It is not simply a collection of classes that interest the student.

Students who would like to pursue this option must create an Individualized Pathway Proposal and have it approved by (a) a faculty advisor and (b) the program. Ideally, students should get their pathway approved before they start taking the classes to ensure that the classes will fulfill pathway requirements.

Instructions for Individualized Pathway Proposal

Name your pathway

Give your individualized pathway a concise name.

Describe the social problem to be addressed

In 300-500 words, write a description of the social problem you want to address through this pathway. 

Choose the four classes you would want to take for this pathway
  1. The four classes should consider different angles and perspectives. Together, they should form a well-rounded examination of the topic.
  2. The total of the four classes must be at least 16 units.
  3. For each course, please include:
    • The number and title of the course
    • Description from ExploreCourses
    • Number of units
    • Link to course syllabus
    • Rationale: How would this course provide an important perspective on the problem you want to address in your pathway, and how would this course enable you to pursue your interests as a data scientist in this topic?
Consult with a faculty advisor to finalize your plan and get approval
  1. Your faculty advisor should be within the discipline that your pathway focuses on. Start by perusing the B.A. advisors and faculty on our website, including those in the “Other Potential Advisors” section. Research various people to learn more about their background, research, and fields of expertise. Choose one or two people who you think would be a particularly good fit as your faculty advisor, given your proposed pathway. If you’re having trouble narrowing it down, please contact our student services team (Amanda Kuhn and/or Megan Imai) or Associate Director (Mallory Nobles) for guidance.
  2. Reach out to the potential faculty advisor of your choice. (Please limit your inquiries to one or two potential advisors.) To make initial contact, either:
    1. Option 1: Email the potential advisor directly to explain that you are in the process of declaring the Data Science & Social Systems B.A., and you’re hoping to design an individualized pathway. Attach your individualized pathway proposal, and ask if they would meet with you to discuss the pathway and see if they would be a good fit as your faculty advisor. Please copy our student services team (Amanda and Megan) on this email.
    2. Option 2: If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to the person directly, you may email our student services team (Amanda and Megan) to let them know who you’d be interested in as your faculty advisor, and ask them to make the introduction. One of them will follow up by emailing you and the potential advisor to introduce you. You should then reply to that email to share your proposal and arrange a first meeting with your potential advisor.
  3. It’s essential that you meet with your faculty advisor and have a conversation, rather than just corresponding through email. When you meet with the faculty advisor, ask for their input about your pathway and four courses. In particular, it’s important that they identify any possible gaps in perspective and/or alternative courses that would make the pathway a more substantial course of study. A useful conversation often includes making revisions to the proposal as appropriate.
  4. When you and your advisor have agreed that (a) this person would be a good fit as your advisor and (b) your individualized pathway is finalized, please ask for their signature on your proposal.
Submit your proposal

Submit your finalized proposal 

Ensure the form contains your advisor's signature. 

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