DSC Tutors

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General Information

The Data Science undergraduate program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to experience an introduction to practical teaching under the supervision of course instructors through the DSC Tutor program. Becoming a DSC Tutor can help deepen your understanding of course material and build your professional skills. Tutoring is also a great way to prepare for jobs and internships post-graduation, and DSC Tutors often form connections with course instructors, TAs, and other tutors, which can lead to further opportunities.

Tutors will receive a fixed hourly appointment in their contract. Tutors are expected to work this many hours per week, on average, throughout the quarter, including finals week. Hourly appointments typically range between 5 and 10 hours per week, depending on course needs and instructor discretion.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a registered UCSD student with all fees paid
  • Have completed at least two quarters at UCSD by the application quarter
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Enroll in DSC 95, the training course for first-time Tutors
    • If your first quarter of tutoring is in the Summer, you will need to enroll in DSC 95 the next time you are a Tutor during the academic year
  • Be on campus to work from the start of the quarter to when grades are finalized

Note: Students cannot be a Tutor for a course that they are currently enrolled in. Most applicants are former students of the course(s) to which they apply to tutor. Students do not need to be a DSC major or minor to be a DSC Tutor.

Application Information

The application form will ask for your resume, teaching experience, and an explanation of why you’d like to be a Tutor. It is optional but strongly recommended that you submit a link to a video of a short teaching demonstration along with your application. Application timelines vary per quarter.

Note: While you might make informal arrangements with a course instructor, only DSC Student Affairs – NOT the course instructor – can send official job offers.

Tips for Applicants

When selecting Tutors, instructors are looking for applicants who:

  • Were active participants as students
  • Have strong grades, though this is not the only factor
  • Are enthusiastic about the course material
  • Convey a passion for teaching in their application 

There are many more applicants than available Tutor positions. If you don’t get a position the first time you apply, please keep trying!

Please contact us through the Virtual Advising Center if you have any questions or concerns.