Five Basic Frequently Asked Questions about SCIDS
Q: Why was the School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS) established at UC San Diego?
A: SCIDS is the realization of UC San Diego’s plan for a dedicated academic school to advance the field by synergy enabled by the Halicioğlu Data Science Institute (HDSI) and the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computing. SCIDS meets a critical need in modern society to transform data into actionable knowledge across disciplines to advance data science, AI education, and technology. This effort requires attracting, training, and cultivating talented researchers, staff, and students at all levels across the university. SCIDS aims to improve the human condition by better understanding how data shapes society, and to prepare the next generation of highly skilled workers driving artificial intelligence advancements.
Q: Is SCIDS open?
A: SCIDS is open and operating. Students of HDSI are SCIDS students. The School hosts five degree programs: BS, MS, Online Master’s and PhD in Data Science, as well as a MAS in Data Science and Engineering – a joint program with the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. HDSI has two undergraduate majors: Data Science (DSC) and a proposed new major in AI offered jointly through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Data Science at HDSI is one of the most populous majors on campus, and SCIDS expects to enroll as many as 8,000 students over time.
Q: How do I apply for admission to SCIDS?
A: Admission to our degree programs follows the UC San Diego admission policies and protocols for its undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate admissions in Data Science are managed by the UC San Diego Admissions Office. For information on admissions to one of our graduate programs, please visit the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs website, or visit the Graduate webpage on the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute website.
Q: How many faculty members are at SCIDS?
A: As of Fall 2024, SCIDS includes 50 faculty members across 16 academic disciplines on campus. An additional five faculty members will join the School in Fall 2025.
Q: What real-world experiential opportunities for students are there at SCIDS?
A: SCIDS hosts a number of interdisciplinary collaborations across existing schools and academic departments. Through the Industry Partner Alliance (IPA) at HDSI, we have greater engagement with industry partners in emerging fields, and SCIDS will provide better training for students – as exemplified in many Senior Capstone Program projects mentored by technical professionals drawn from HDSI’s industry partners. The School also offers new opportunities for new courses, training, and degree programs that build and sustain an ecosystem of startups and established local companies.
For more information, please contact scids@ucsd.edu.