Data Science, B.S.

Undergraduate students with outstanding academic performance may apply for “Early Entry“ to a graduate program and begin graduate coursework while completing undergraduate degree requirements. Accepted students receive provisional acceptance to the graduate program pending the award of their bachelor’s degree. Up to 12 hours of graduate courses may be taken as an undergraduate and “double-counted” toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees; limitations vary by program.

Students are charged undergraduate tuition and fees for all courses for which they register until the bachelor’s degree is attained (see restrictions below). Students considering Early Entry to a graduate program should speak with the respective master’s program advisor to be sure they will meet the prerequisites for the anticipated Early Entry courses. Early Entry is currently available for master’s programs in:

• Data Science and Business Analytics, M.S. or Graduate Certificate, Early Entry
• Health Informatics and Analytics, Graduate Certificate, Early Entry
• Health Informatics and Analytics, M.S., Early Entry

Benefits

• Early Entry students may have acceptance to the graduate program, pending the award of the baccalaureate degree, generally within two semesters.
• This early entry program is also accelerated in which up to 12 hours earned at the graduate level may be substituted for required undergraduate hours. In other words, up to 12 hours of graduate work may be “double-counted” toward both the baccalaureate and PSM degree, and up to 12 hours for the Graduate Certificate
• Early Entry students will be charged undergraduate tuition and fees for all courses (graduate and undergraduate) for which they register. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students will be charged graduate tuition and fees.

Admissions Requirements

1. A student may be accepted into the Data Science and Business Analytics Early-Entry Program at any time after completion of 75 semester hours of undergraduate work applicable to the appropriate degree although it is expected that close to 90 hours will have been earned by the time the first graduate course is taken.
2. Submit a completed application through the graduate school’s Online Admissions Portal. The application process and all required documentation (e.g., test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation) are the same for early-entry students as for other applicants to the program.
3. At least a 3.2 overall GPA
4. Admission must be recommended by the Department and approved by the Graduate School. The admission status will be “provisional” pending the award of the undergraduate degree.
5. Financial Aid Considerations for Early-Entry Graduate Students
6. Graduate Admissions – Early Entry
7. For questions or more information, contact Carly Mahedy

The School of Data Science has two active student governance organizations: the Undergraduate Association of Data Science and the Graduate Student Council. These organizations are committed to supporting their respective undergraduate and graduate members by organizing a variety of events, programs, and meetups. Their primary goal is to help students from diverse backgrounds connect with each other and with professionals, promoting both personal and professional growth. Additionally, they serve as a crucial channel for providing feedback on the quality of instruction and the curriculum.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DECLARING THE DATA SCIENCE MAJOR:

Students new to the University who are interested in Data Science should apply directly to the program by submitting their application to Charlotte and selecting Data Science. If you are a new student who might have applied to another program and would like to be considered for Data Science, please be sure to reach out to undergraduate admissions as soon as possible.

Current Charlotte students who are in another major on campus and are interested in pursuing data science must meet the following criteria:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
• Be in good academic standing.
• If you meet these criteria, please complete the following form associated with what you are planning to pursue.

Declare Data Science Major Now! 

Each semester, the School of Data Science employs undergraduate students as graders and instructional assistants to support SDS academic programs. They are paid hourly and are responsible for submitting biweekly time sheets.  Responsibilities may include grading papers, setting up laboratory experiences, keeping class records, and preparing instructional materials. Only students enrolled in an SDS program can apply for SDS-funded employment opportunities. 

Appointments for an undergraduate employee range between 10 and 20 hours per week.  Undergraduate student workers are currently paid $12 per hour. Awards are usually for one semester but may be extended at the program’s discretion. These appointments do not come with any form of tuition remission.

Instructional Assistant: Each semester, SDS hires eligible undergraduate students to serve as Instructional Assistants (IAs). As an IA, students work under a professor for a specific course, assisting with demonstrations, creating/grading assignments, tutoring students, and helping with labs. Prior coursework may be required. You may also proctor exams and distribute materials.

Course Grader: Each semester SDS hires eligible undergraduate students to serve as graders. Graders work closely with faculty to manage and grade course assignments. Students must have earned no less than a grade of “B” in the course they are assigned to support.

Peer Advisor Roles: Peer Advisors are hired to support undergraduate students enrolled or considering enrolling in the Data Science or Sports Analytics programs. Responsibilities include answering student questions, providing campus resource info, promoting academic policies, and participating in school events. Peer advisors also help faculty with outreach campaigns. Peer Advisors will be asked to work 10-12 hours per week, including summer hours.

Eligibility

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Must be enrolled in an SDS undergraduate program
• In-state, out-of-state, and international students are eligible to apply
• Current and newly admitted students are eligible to apply
• Enrolled in the Data Science Bachelor’s degree or the undergraduate Sports Analytics Certificate.

How and When to Apply

The application portal opens the first week of October for Spring assistantships and the first week of March for Summer and Fall Assistantships. Once the application portal is open, it will stay open throughout the semester. The application is an online electronic form that allows applicants to highlight skills, note their preferences, and upload both a cover letter and resume.

Interested students should apply by completing the application form below. Submitted applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be interviewed and selected by the faculty. Students will be notified if additional information is needed or if they have been selected for a position. The application for Summer 2027 and Fall 2027 student employment will be available in March 2027 (you can only access the application with your UNC Charlotte email).

If Selected: Requirements for Undergraduate Student Employees

• Hire-a-Niner: If selected by the program to serve as a grader or instructional assistant, you will need to apply again through the Hire-a-Niner system.  In order for you to submit an application to Hire-a-Niner, you will need an approved resume.
• I-9 Verification: Students are responsible for completing all required paperwork (Criminal background check, I-9 verification, etc.) in a timely fashion.  Additional information can be found on UNC Charlotte’s Human Resources website. Students will also need to provide appropriate I-9 identification documents. A full list of acceptable documents can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
• Visa Requirements: International students, individuals on an F, J, or H visa, may have additional requirements to hold a paid position.  Please consult the Office of International Programs (ISSO) website.