Bachelor of International Liberal Arts: Interdisciplinary Data Science
Kofu, Japan
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
14 Apr 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
JPY 1,596,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
iCLA’s Interdisciplinary Data Science major aims to equip students with skills that will be increasingly essential in our 21st century. Within the context of a liberal arts education, Data Science transcends technicalities, nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. The study of Data Science acts as a unifying force, bridging diverse disciplines and offering an interdisciplinary lens to approach real-world challenges.
The curriculum of iCLA’s Interdisciplinary Data Science major has been carefully crafted to address the growing demand for professionals well-versed in data analytics while emphasizing ethical considerations in data utilization. We integrate Data Analytics techniques with Domain Knowledge, offering distinct pathways in Data Science for Finance, Data Science for Psychology, and Data Science for Political Economy.
Why study Interdisciplinary Data Science?
Delving into Interdisciplinary Data Science at iCLA will provide you with a holistic education. We go beyond technical proficiency by offering specialized pathways in Data Science for Finance, Political Economy and Psychology. You will gain insights into human behavior, societal structures, and political dynamics, enriching your analytical skills. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you for careers where navigating data and its implications in diverse contexts is essential. It is a unique blend of data expertise and a broader understanding of the complexities that shape our world.
iCLA is holding it's next Virtual Online Open Campus on November 16th. You can register to attend here.
Curriculum
What Will I Study?
As you progress through the curriculum, you will have a clear roadmap to guide your academic journey. The curriculum is structured into three main levels: Introductory Courses, Core Courses, and Advanced Courses. The major culminates with you undertaking the Seminar and Graduate Research Project. Each section encompasses Data Science courses, which delve into Programming, Mathematics, and Statistics, and area studies courses, which determine the specific study path, focusing on Finance, Political Economy, or Psychology. In your final Graduate Research Project, you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to an area of research you choose.
Common Curriculum
- Academic Reading Across Disciplines
- Composition 1
- Composition 2
- Expository Research Writing
- Foundation for College Success
- Modern World History
- Japanese Language 1
- Japanese Language 2
- Internship (optional)
Data Science Core Courses
- Coding Bootcamp: Python
- College Algebra
- Data Visualization Techniques in Python
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Introduction to Data Science
- Introduction to Python Programming
- Machine Learning
- Mathematics for Data Science
- Science, Society & Self
- Statistics
- The Art & Science of Decision-Making in an Era of Accelerating Change
- Graduate Research Project
Finance Pathway Courses
- Accounting
- Econometrics
- Financial Management
- Investment
- Introduction to Fintech: Reshaping the Financial World
- Portfolio Management
- Risk Management
Political Economy Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Political Science
- Microeconomics
- Political Economy of Development
- Political Economy of Trade and Industrial Policy
Psychology Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Economic Psychology
- Cyberpsychology
- Consumer Psychology
- Research Design
Recommended Electives
- Methods of Social Research
- Marketing
- Fundamentals of Sound and Music
- Introduction to Language Concepts
- Sociolinguistics
- Macroeconomics
- Non-profit/Social Enterprise Management
Each student should complete the compulsory courses of the common curriculum within their first year and a half of studies and can take major courses simultaneously. In addition to the courses listed above, iCLA students can choose from a wide variety of electives from the other majors, or our courses in Data Science, Quantitative Reasoning, Japanese Language, and Health and Physical Education. Students will need to pass Japanese Language 2 or pass an exemption test demonstrating equivalent Japanese language ability to graduate.
Career Opportunities
What can I do next?
After completing our Interdisciplinary Data Science with Finance, Political Economy, or Psychology major, you will be equipped with an adaptable skill set that opens doors to various opportunities. The interdisciplinary background opens diverse career pathways, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to various sectors. Some examples of career pathways include:
- Work as a data analyst or scientist, applying analytical skills to solve problems in financial, political, or psychological contexts
- Pursue a Masters or Ph.D. in Data Science, Finance, Political Economy, Psychology, or related fields for in-depth expertise
- Engage in research projects that explore the intersection of Data Science with Finance, Political Economy, or Psychology
- Contribute to policy analysis using data-driven insights in the political landscape
- Provide consultancy services, offering data-driven solutions to businesses or governmental organizations
- Collaborate with nonprofits, leveraging data for social impact and change
- Share knowledge by becoming educators, teaching Data Science or related subjects
- Start ventures focusing on data-driven solutions for financial, political, or psychological challenges
- Apply data insights in public relations to understand public sentiment or political trends
- Combine writing skills with data expertise to work in data journalism, explaining complex issues through data visualizations.
Program Leaders
Student Testimonials
Why study at International College of Liberal Arts - Yamanashi Gakuin University
Delving into Interdisciplinary Data Science at UCLA will provide you with a holistic education. We go beyond technical proficiency by offering specialized pathways in Data Science for Finance, Political Economy, and Psychology. You will gain insights into human behavior, societal structures, and political dynamics, enriching your analytical skills. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you for careers where navigating data and its implications in diverse contexts is essential. It is a unique blend of data expertise and a broader understanding of the complexities that shape our world.