One cohort. Three curriculum pathways. Thirteen credit hours.
The iTREDS program consists of a data science curriculum that builds data acumen and provides an interdisciplinary experiential learning opportunity with societal impact.
Within the two-year program, scholars are required to fulfill the following credit hours and summer internship requirements as part of their undergraduate plan of study:
Cohort 6: 2025 – 2027 Curricular Pathways to Traineeship Completion
Fall 2025
Responsible and Ethical AI Teaching Fellowship – All students
As part of the iTREDS program requirements, scholars are expected to join the teaching team for the Responsible and Ethical AI course to help shape the next generation of ethical AI practitioners. In this role, teaching fellows mentor students through complex topics such as algorithmic fairness, data privacy, and global policy standards. They work closely with the course instructor to plan discussions, host interactive sessions, and address student questions spanning both technical and moral dimensions of AI. Teaching fellows also grade assignments and provide feedback on projects, fueling debates that encourage students to connect ethical theory with real-world scenarios. By emphasizing best practices in responsible AI, they support students in developing critical thinking, social responsibility, and innovative approaches to the AI landscape.
Because this teaching experience is a cornerstone of the iTREDS program, it offers scholars a unique opportunity to build career-defining skills and broaden professional networks. Leading classroom discussions and guiding student learning hones the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively and empathetically – assets highly regarded in a competitive job market. Engaging directly with students further deepens the fellows’ expertise in AI and ethics, while showcasing leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and project management abilities. Even as they mentor others, teaching fellows refine their own understanding of how AI can be advanced responsibly. By integrating theory and practice in the classroom, they become more than educators; they emerge as champions for equitable AI, primed to influence pivotal discussions in academia, industry, and society at large.
iTREDS Capstone Experience – All students
1 Credit Hour
Design Thinking Elements in Teaching
Mentor high school students in the “Responsible and Ethical AI” course, offered through Notre Dame’s partnership with the National Education Equity Lab. As a Teaching Fellow, you’ll lead virtual discussions, provide academic support, and help bridge the gap in AI education for underrepresented students. Gain valuable teaching experience while making a real impact!
- CSE 48623: iTREDS Capstone Experience 3, Section 01, CRN 42318 – Prof. Nitesh Chawla
- MDSC 48009: iTREDS Capstone Experience, Section 02, CRN 42822 – Prof. David Smiley
- MATH 497: Independent Study – Prof. Chris Wedrychowicz
Note: For CSE students, the iTREDS Capstone Experience (CSE 48901: Undergraduate Research) may count either as a technical elective or a CSE elective, but not as both.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – CSE students
3 Credit Hours
CSE 30124: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Section 01, CRN 18244
This course is a prerequisite for any data science, AI / ML courses in CSE.
All CSE students’ names have been provided to Prof. Ramzi Bualuan to facilitate registration.
Elements of Computing I – MDSC students
3 Credit Hours
CDT 30010: Elements of Computing I
Section 01, CRN 13225
Also, cross-listed as
CSE 10101: Elements of Computing I
Introduction to Data Mining – Saint Mary’s students
3 Credit Hours
CPSC 390: Introduction to Data Mining*
Currently listed as CPSC: Special Topics
The availability of this course may vary each term. Students at Saint Mary’s should verify its offering for Fall 2024 with Sugana Chawla prior to scheduling their classes.
Spring 2026
Data Ethics – All iTREDS students
3 Credit Hours
PHIL 20412: Data Ethics
Instructor: Don Howard
This course is a philosophical examination of the ethical issues involved in data science. The course is conducted online, and the names of all students are provided to the instructor to facilitate registration.
Data Science – CSE students
3 Credit Hours
CSE 40647: Data Science
Section 01, CRN 31512
Or Other CSE Approved elective from the list below:
Neural Networks; AI and Social Good (or AI & Society); Computer Vision: Natural Language Processing; Human interaction; Machine Learning; Data visualization; Biometrics class; Network science
Introduction to Data Science – MDSC students
3 Credit Hours
MDSC 20009: Introduction to Data Science
Section 01, CRN 25694
Prerequisite: CDT 30010/CSE 10101: Elements of Computing I
Data Science – Saint Mary’s students
3 Credit Hours
Please contact the Program Manager for the list of iTREDS-approved Data Science electives.
Summer 2026
iTREDS Internship: – All students
0 Credit Hours
During the summer, all scholars must participate in a summer internship with the public or private sector before their senior year. Notre Dame students have the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development as a valuable resource to explore internship opportunities. Similarly, Saint Mary’s students have access to opportunities through the Career Crossings Office.
Fall 2026
iTREDS Capstone Experience – All students
1 Credit Hour
iTREDS Capstone Experience
All scholars will register up for classes listed below.
- CSE 48901: Undergraduate Research, Section 05, CRN 10082 – Prof. Nitesh Chawla
- MDSC 48009: iTREDS Capstone Experience, Section 01, CRN 15542 – Prof. Tom Mustillo
- MATH 497: Independent Study – Prof. Chris Wedrychowicz
Spring 2027
iTREDS Capstone Experience – All students
2 Credit Hours
iTREDS Capstone Experience
All scholars will register up for classes listed below.
- CSE 48901: Undergraduate Research, Section 05, CRN 10082 – Prof. Nitesh Chawla
- MDSC 48009: iTREDS Capstone Experience, Section 01, CRN 15542 – Prof. Tom Mustillo
- MATH 497: Independent Study – Prof. Chris Wedrychowicz
iTREDS Workshop/Presentation – All students
iTREDS Workshop/Presentation
This is part of traineeship completion and is mandatory for all students.
Cohort 5: 2024 – 2026 Curricular Pathways to Traineeship Completion
Fall 2024
iTREDS Capstone Experience
1 Credit Hour
Project Exploration that involves Design Thinking
This biweekly 90-minute session is structured as a seminar / discussion / hands-on work. The goal is to create a cohort-like experience for all iTREDS scholars, instill team building, engage with stakeholders and faculty mentors for their projects, and learn about using design thinking principles. Prof. Valya Kuskova is the designated faculty for this exercise.
The time and date will be set according to the student’s schedule. Students from CSE, MDSC, and Saint Mary’s should register for classes using the courses below.
- CSE 48901: Undergraduate Research, Section 05, CRN 10082 – Prof. Nitesh Chawla
- MDSC 48009: iTREDS Capstone Experience, Section 01, CRN 15542 – Prof. Tom Mustillo
- MATH 497: Independent Study – Prof. Chris Wedrychowicz
Note: For CSE students, the iTREDS Capstone Experience (CSE 48901: Undergraduate Research) may count either as a technical elective or a CSE elective, but not as both.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – CSE students
3 Credit Hours
CSE 30124: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Section 01, CRN 18244
This course is a prerequisite for any data science, AI / ML courses in CSE.
All CSE students’ names have been provided to Prof. Ramzi Bualuan to facilitate registration.
Elements of Computing I – MDSC students
3 Credit Hours
CDT 30010: Elements of Computing I
Section 01, CRN 13225
Also, cross-listed as
CSE 10101: Elements of Computing I
Introduction to Data Mining – Saint Mary’s students
3 Credit Hours
CPSC 390: Introduction to Data Mining*
Currently listed as CPSC: Special Topics
The availability of this course may vary each term. Students at Saint Mary’s should verify its offering for Fall 2024 with Sugana Chawla prior to scheduling their classes.
Spring 2025
Data Ethics – All iTREDS students
3 Credit Hours
PHIL 20412: Data Ethics
Instructor: Don Howard
This course is a philosophical examination of the ethical issues involved in data science. The course is conducted online, and the names of all students are provided to the instructor to facilitate registration.
Data Science – CSE students
3 Credit Hours
CSE 40647: Data Science
Section 01, CRN 31512
Or Other CSE Approved elective from the list below:
Neural Networks; AI and Social Good (or AI & Society); Computer Vision: Natural Language Processing; Human interaction; Machine Learning; Data visualization; Biometrics class; Network science
Introduction to Data Science – MDSC students
3 Credit Hours
MDSC 20009: Introduction to Data Science
Section 01, CRN 25694
Prerequisite: CDT 30010/CSE 10101: Elements of Computing I
Data Science – Saint Mary’s students
3 Credit Hours
Please contact the Program Manager for the list of iTREDS-approved Data Science electives.
Summer 2025
iTREDS Internship: – All students
0 Credit Hours
During the summer, all scholars must participate in a summer internship with the public or private sector before their senior year. Notre Dame students have the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development as a valuable resource to explore internship opportunities. Similarly, Saint Mary’s students have access to opportunities through the Career Crossings Office.
Fall 2025
iTREDS Capstone Experience – All students
1 Credit Hour
iTREDS Capstone Experience
All scholars will register up for classes listed below.
- CSE 48901: Undergraduate Research, Section 05, CRN 10082 – Prof. Nitesh Chawla
- MDSC 48009: iTREDS Capstone Experience, Section 01, CRN 15542 – Prof. Tom Mustillo
- MATH 497: Independent Study – Prof. Chris Wedrychowicz
Spring 2026
iTREDS Capstone Experience – All students
2 Credit Hours
iTREDS Capstone Experience
All scholars will register up for classes listed below.
- CSE 48901: Undergraduate Research, Section 05, CRN 10082 – Prof. Nitesh Chawla
- MDSC 48009: iTREDS Capstone Experience, Section 01, CRN 15542 – Prof. Tom Mustillo
- MATH 497: Independent Study – Prof. Chris Wedrychowicz
iTREDS Workshop/Presentation – All students
iTREDS Workshop/Presentation
This is part of traineeship completion and is mandatory for all students.
Additional Notes:
iTREDS Capstone: Each student must implement a capstone project, collaborating closely with a stakeholder organization. The process of launching the capstone idea begins in the Design Thinking Seminar. This process continues into the fall and spring semesters, seamlessly integrating data science, social responsibility, and community engagement.
In recognition of their capstone project research, iTREDS scholars are awarded a stipend of $5,000, which will be distributed in the first semester of joining iTREDS. It’s a payment in recognition of their capstone project research and teaching fellowship work.
Please note that students who have taken any of these courses before acceptance into iTREDS (for example, if students take them in their sophomore year) can count them towards the iTREDS curriculum.
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