Associate Degree Program in Data Science (ADP-DS)
Associate Degree Program in Data Science (ADP-DS)
Introduction
The Associate Degree in Data Science (ADP-DS) is a future-focused, 2-years academic program structured under the latest NCEAC Associated Degree Program 2023. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in data-driven industries or further study in BS Data Science or related fields. This program emphasizes fundamental knowledge in computing, mathematics, statistics, and essential data science tools like Python, SQL, data visualization, data mining, and machine learning.
This program is ideal for learners who wish to develop early-career technical skills in DS while keeping open the option to upgrade into the 5th semester of a BS (AI), BS (DS), BS (SE) or BS (CS) program without any credit loss.
Objectives of the Program
- Build foundational knowledge in data analysis, statistics, and computing.
- Develop hands-on skills in data wrangling, visualization, and machine learning using
Python. - Instill analytical thinking and problem-solving for real-world datasets.
- Prepare students for industry certifications and data science roles.
- Enable smooth transition to BS in Data Science (5th semester) or other BS Computing
programs.
Scope of the Program
This program provides a dual pathway:
- Direct workforce entry into junior DS and IT roles.
- Lateral academic entry into 4-year NCEAC-accredited BS in DS or AI programs.
It offers a robust academic core designed to stay relevant with the rapid evolution of DS and AI
technologies, tools, and applications.
Career Opportunities for Students
The Associate Degree in Data Science opens doors to a variety of entry-level roles in the rapidly
growing field of data and technology. Graduates can begin working immediately or pursue further
education in BS Data Science, Computer Science, AI, or related domains.
- Junior Data Analyst
- Data Science Associate
- Data Entry Specialist (with analytical responsibilities)
- Business Intelligence Intern
- Research Assistant (Data Projects)
- Data Visualization Assistant
- Junior Python Developer
- Data Cleaning/Processing Technician
- AI & ML Intern
- Database Assistant
- IT Support with Data Focus
On transition to a full BS-DS program, career options expand to include Data Analyst, ML
Engineer, Data Scientist, Data Technician, and Business Intelligence Analyst.
Learning Outcomes of BS Computer Science Program
Graduates of ADP-DS will be able to:
- Graduates will be able to formulate, analyze, and solve complex problems using advanced
data science methodologies, applying statistical reasoning, machine learning, and
computational tools for evidence-based decision-making. - They will demonstrate ethical responsibility in data handling, with a strong understanding
of data privacy, security, and bias mitigation to ensure the socially responsible use of data. - They will design and implement scalable, innovative algorithms and analytics models to
solve real-time, large-scale challenges using modern technologies. - Graduates will integrate knowledge from statistics, computer science, and domain-specific
areas to develop holistic solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. - They will communicate analytical findings effectively through impactful storytelling and
data visualizations tailored to diverse audiences. - Graduates will engage in applied research, remain current with emerging trends, and pursue
lifelong learning to lead innovation in the evolving field of data science.
Teaching Pedagogy
- Lectures + Applied Lab Sessions
- Hands-on Programming with C++, Python, SQL, R, ReactJS
- Project-Based Learning & Assignments
- DS based projects
- Software Support & Development
- Critical Thinking & Presentation Development
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 50% marks in Intermediate/12 years schooling/A- Level (HSSC) or Equivalent with Mathematics are required for admission in BS Computer Science & BS Software Engineering.
- Equivalency certificate by IBCC will be required in case of education from some other country or system
- The students who have not studied Mathematics at intermediate level have to pass deficiency courses of Mathematics (06 credits) in first two semesters.
- At minimum 72 credit hours are required for award of BS degrees in any computing discipline mentioned in this document.
- The minimum duration for completion of BS Computing degrees is four years. The HEC allows maximum period of seven years to complete BS degree requirements.
- A minimum 2.0 CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) on a scale of 4.0 is required for award of BS Computing Degree.
Selection Criteria:
Merit, HSSC-I Result
Note: Those students who have passed Additional Math and those students who have passed one of the following courses (Statistics, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Commerce) are also eligible to take admission.
-Students with a deficiency of additional Math or awaiting results are eligible to take admission. Classes of Additional Mathematics (6 Credits) shall be scheduled during Summer Semester as a zero Semester Registration.
-Pre-BSCS-Mathematics (Deficiency) courses have 2 months duration (90 Contact Hour) as per HEC NCEAC 2023 policy. Primarily this course will be equivalent to Mathematics of HSSC-I + Mathematics of HSSC-II
Duration
2 Years (4 Semesters)
Program Structure
Two Years ADP DS Degree Program: Total Credit Hours: – 72
Tentative Study Plan – ADP DS
| Code | Course Title | CrHrs* |
| Semester 1 | ||
| CCS101 | Functional English | 3-0-0 |
| MTH101 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry | 3-0-0 |
| CCS100 | Applications of Information and Communication Technologies | 3-0-0 |
| CCS101 | Programming Fundamentals (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| HSS101 | Islamic Studies / Ethics | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| HHS108 | Expository Writing | 3-0-0 |
| MTH103 | Linear Algebra | 3-0-0 |
| CCS102 | Object-Oriented Programming (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS103 | Digital Logic Design (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS403 | Information Security | 3-0-0 |
| CCS203 | Discrete Structures | 3-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 19 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CCS201 | Data Structures & Algorithms (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS205 | Database Systems (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS301 | Software Engineering | 3-0-0 |
| CCS306 | Computer Networks | 3-0-0 |
| CCS303 | Artificial Intelligence | 3-0-0 |
| MGT202 | Entrepreneurship | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 19 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CDS361 | Introduction to Data Science | 3-0-0 |
| CCS202 | Computer Organization & Assembly Language | 3-0-0 |
| CCS311 | Machine Learning | 3-0-0 |
| MTH362 | Advance Statistics (Data Analysis using Software) | 3-0-0 |
| CDS407 | Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence | 3-0-0 |
| HSDS104 | Ideology & Constitution of Pakistan | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 20 | |
| Total | 72 |
| Code | Course Title | CrHrs* |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| CCS101 | Functional English | 3-0-0 |
| MTH101 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry | 3-0-0 |
| CCS100 | Applications of Information and Communication Technologies | 3-0-0 |
| CCS101 | Programming Fundamentals (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| HSS101 | Islamic Studies / Ethics | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| HHS108 | Expository Writing | 3-0-0 |
| MTH103 | Linear Algebra | 3-0-0 |
| CCS102 | Object-Oriented Programming (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS103 | Digital Logic Design (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS403 | Information Security | 3-0-0 |
| CCS203 | Discrete Structures | 3-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 19 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CCS201 | Data Structures & Algorithms (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS205 | Database Systems (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS301 | Software Engineering | 3-0-0 |
| CCS306 | Computer Networks | 3-0-0 |
| CCS303 | Artificial Intelligence | 3-0-0 |
| MGT202 | Entrepreneurship | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 19 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CDS361 | Introduction to Data Science | 3-0-0 |
| CCS202 | Computer Organization & Assembly Language | 3-0-0 |
| CCS311 | Machine Learning | 3-0-0 |
| MTH362 | Advance Statistics (Data Analysis using Software) | 3-0-0 |
| CDS407 | Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence | 3-0-0 |
| HSDS104 | Ideology & Constitution of Pakistan | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 20 | |
| Total | 72 | |