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Your Questions Answered
Honors Program
Students majoring in Data Science may apply to the Data Science honors program. AMS majors may apply to the Math honors program. PPA majors may apply to either the Political Science honors program or the Data Science honors program.
Capstones
No, DSci capstones are only offered during the spring semester.
No, DSci capstone projects/partners change every year.
When all spots have been filled, you will receive a waitlist email.
No! Any DSci student can apply. The seats are extremely limited and student applications are considered wholistically—including your success in previous coursework relevant to the particular project to which you are applying. Exactly which courses and experiences are most relevant for your application change every year as our projects change.
No! Any DSci student can apply. The seats are extremely limited and student applications are considered wholistically—including your success in previous coursework relevant to the particular project to which you are applying. Exactly which courses and experiences are most relevant for your application change every year as our projects change.
No, you cannot do the capstone course if it meets at the same time as a required class you need to graduate.
As of Spring 2024, DATASCI 498RW may be used to satisfy one of your upper level 𝔻Sci electives. For most tracks (including a Data Science minor), you need three 300-level (or above) 𝔻Sci electives—and you may count DATASCI 498RW (or DATASCI 495BW) as one of them.
Internships
You must submit the application on our website. The DSci Internship is open only to declared Data Science major students. No more than four credits taken at a single time can count toward a DSci major. DATASCI 496R(W) counts as general DSci elective credit and does not fulfill any specific course requirements. This course must be taken for a letter grade, and the internship must take place during the semester the student is enrolled in the course. Credit cannot be applied retroactively.
Calls for interns in a variety of fields that go out throughout the year on the DSci student listserv, Handshake, or the DSci Slack community. You can also apply for a stipend to support your costs during an unpaid internship through the Pathways Center (https://pathways.emory.edu/opportunities/internship-funding/index.html).
Number of credit hours determined by how many hours per week your internship is.
Internship credit applications must be submitted at least 3 days before the end of the corresponding Add/Drop/Swap period. Deadlines for submissions/requirements during the semester are on the 496R(W) Canvas page, which you will have access to once your enrollment is finalized. Can I take DATASCI 496R(W) during the summer semester?
Summer internships are not currently eligible for DSci-specific course credit, but you can get credit (without tuition fees) via the Pathways Center. DSci staff do not manage enrollment for summer internships.
To begin the CPT process, you'll need to connect directly with your ISSS advisor, as they oversee CPT authorization and requirements. They’ll guide you through what’s needed, including which forms to complete, what documentation to provide, and how your internship fits within your academic program.
The CPT authorization process should be fairly straightforward. Since this is a summer internship, you'll need to handle everything through the Pathways center. You'll be able to enroll in a 0-credit hour internship class that qualifies you for CPT without needing to pay tuition.
- Minimum of 15 work hours per week for at least 13 weeks during the Fall/Spring semester under supervision of the internship sponsor. Internships must last for at least 13 weeks, unless otherwise approved by the Internship Director.
- A research paper proposal on an appropriate topic, with annotated bibliography (if WRT)
- A research paper on an appropriate topic (if WRT)
- One check-in meeting with the Internship Director
- Student will be evaluated by the internship supervisor at the end of the internship.
- Minimum of 3 work hours per week for at least 13 weeks during the Fall/Spring semester under the supervision of the internship sponsor. Internships must last for at least 13 weeks, unless otherwise approved by the Internship Director.
- An assessment paper (if Non-WRT) in which the student evaluates the internship experience and discusses how it advanced his/her academic and professional development.
- One check-in meeting with the Internship Director
- Student will be evaluated by the internship supervisor at the end of the internship.
Research Fellowships
The DSci Research Fellowship allows undergraduates to engage in a semester-long (or year-long) research project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Students enroll in research credit and commit to regular scholarly work that contributes to an ongoing research agenda.
Eligibility requirements vary by department but typically include being a rising sophomore, junior, or senior; being in good academic standing; completing foundational coursework in data science or related fields; and demonstrating motivation for independent research.
Yes. The DSci program does not run a faculty matching process at this time. Students should only apply if they already have a faculty member who has agreed to supervise their research.
No. students are responsible for securing their own faculty mentor by reviewing faculty research areas, attending departmental events, and reaching out proactively.
Most projects require approximately 8–10 hours per week, though expectations may vary by faculty member and project scope.
Research tasks may include data cleaning and analysis, literature reviews, experiment design support, writing and documentation, and developing computational tools or pipelines.
Research credits may count toward major or elective requirements depending on departmental policy. Students should confirm with their academic advisor.
Students are expected to prioritize their DSci research. Additionalcommitments should be discussed with the faculty mentor to ensure workload feasibility.
No. Research conducted as a DSci undergraduate fellow or research assistant cannot be used for or related to a student's undergraduate honors thesis work.
Applications typically include a project proposal or statement of interest, confirmation from a faculty mentor, and any required departmental forms. Applicants who already have a committed research advisor should submit their application no less than 3 days before the end of the add/drop/swap period in the semester. Applications submitted after this time will be rejected, and you will not be enrolled in DATASCI 499R.