iTREDS Curriculum

iTREDSconcept

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 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 is distributed according to the schedule outlined below.
1st Installment: End of fall semester (before winter break)
2nd Installment: Spring semester (before spring break)

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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