About ACBSS
How do I know if Applied Computing for Behavioral and Social Science courses are right for me?
First, let’s define “Behavioral and Social Sciences”:
Behavioral and Social Sciences are fields of study focused on society and the behavior and interactions of individuals within a society. Here at SJSU, our College of Social Sciences encompasses twelve departments (find the full list here), including: Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, and Communications. So, if you’re a student majoring in any of these fields, then ACBSS courses will be a great fit!
Next, let’s tackle the “Applied Computing” side of things:
Applied computing is the practical application of computer principles, concepts, and technologies to address real-world problems. ACBSS courses are designed to provide social science students a foundation in applied computing to prepare you for a successful career in Silicon Valley.
Do I need programming experience to minor in ACBSS?
No experience needed! We know that your main interest is in the social sciences, and thus we expect students taking the first ACBSS course (ENGR 120) to have little or no experience with computer programming.
Students attend a class on the SJSU campus.
Courses in the ACBSS Minor
The ACBSS minor consists of four courses that introduce students to the programming languages Python and R, culminating with a project course. Students not minoring in ACBSS are welcome to take any of the ACBSS courses so long as prerequisites are met.
ENGR 120 Programming Concepts for Behavioral and Social Science Applications
- Course Description: This course covers the application of Python programming to the fields of behavioral and social sciences, as well as basic building blocks of computers and the Web. This course also covers how programming is used in various careers.
- Offered both Fall and Spring
- Prerequisites: STAT 095, or MATH 30, or MATH 71
- Units: 3
- Examples of projects
ENGR 121: Data Structures and Algorithms for Behavioral and Social Science Applications
- Course Description: Represent and analyze behavioral and social science data using Python and data structures such as data frames, classes, trees, and graphs; use related algorithms to solve behavioral and social science problems.
- Offered only in the Fall
- Prerequisites: ENGR 120 with C- or instructor consent
- Units: 3
ENGR 122: Data Technology for Behavioral and Social Science Applications
- Course Description: Use R programming language to collect, analyze, and present data sets from behavioral and social science applications.
- Offered only in the Spring
- Prerequisites: ENGR 120 with C- or instructor consent
- Units: 3
ENGR 195E: Interdisciplinary Computing Project
- Course Description: A culminating experience for students to use programming to solve problems or generate insights in the domain of social and behavioral sciences.
- Offered only in the Spring (with possible alternatives for students graduating in the fall)
- Prerequisites: ENGR 120, or instructor consent
- Units: 3
