Data Science Certification – Guide to Choosing a Certificate Program
If you’re looking to learn targeted data science skills without taking on the course load of an advanced degree program, data science certification programs could be the perfect choice for you.
Maybe it’s because you’re just looking to develop a single area of proficiency, such as learning a particular programming language. It could also be because you already hold a Master’s in Data Science and are simply looking to build up new competencies or stay up to date on technological innovations within the quickly-evolving field. There’s a variety of situations in which a certification program is the most efficient and useful option to build your abilities quickly, fast-tracking you for the next stage of your career.
Data science certification programs can be tremendously helpful, but it’s important to know how to use them to your advantage.
This article provides an overview of everything you need to know about data science certification programs to help you figure out what you can get out of them. Different programs are suited to different people, so making a decision that suits your specific ambitions and professional history will ensure that you get the most out of your program.
If you think a data science certification program can help you level up professionally, take a look at our comprehensive guide below.
In this Guide
- What is a Data Science Certificate?
- Are they offered online?
- Who are they designed for?
- Typical Outcomes
- Career Building
- Admissions Requirements
- School Listings
What is a Data Science Certificate?
A graduate certificate in data science, sometimes called a “professional certificate,” is designed as a way for professionals to leverage previous education and job experience to sharpen skills or build a more current portfolio.
Students earning a data science certificate will be able to demonstrate a proficiency of basic data science skills — and an understanding of backend technologies, such as the ability to use the industry standard computer programming language Python.
The upside is that certificate programs usually take less time to complete than traditional academic programs.
That’s not to say that a data science certification can replace a data science graduate degree. A master’s degree comes from a recognized, accredited institution that shows a candidate has achieved mastery in a particular field of study.
A data science certificate shows proficiency and a basic understanding of data science concepts, and is usually geared toward professionals that already have some kind of business intelligence or computer science experience.
Understanding the difference, and understanding the level of rigor, preparation, and opportunities for each path is an important part of making a well-informed decision about educational paths.
Professionals seek a graduate certificate to build skills in the data science industry or gain skills to transition to a new position. The biggest reasons professionals choose a graduate certificate rather than a master’s degree typically come down to time and budget requirements. It should be noted that the certificate courses are not easier than master’s degree courses — often data science certificate participants are taking the same classes that data science master’s degree students are taking, they are just taking fewer of them.
Can You Get a Data Science Certificate Online?
Absolutely! One of the most attractive advantages of getting a data science certificate is that the manageable workload makes it entirely possible to pursue your coursework without interrupting your existing schedule. Indeed, many certification programs are designed specifically to accommodate working professionals for whom an online option is the only feasible way to pursue building new skills. Since data science work is by nature highly computer-driven, these programs are able to make use of remote opportunities without losing any of their educational value for students.
In the below list you will find over 25 schools offering a data science certification online. There are top notch universities such as Harvard, Syracuse, and Duke all offering online certificate programs.
Who are Data Science Certificates Designed For?
Professional certifications exist across a wide range of technical fields for people looking to retool their skills and get some verifiable experience. Data science certifications are no different.
They are primarily designed for people who already have some kind of computer coding skills or work in businesses or organizations that handle data. Typical certificate enrollees might come from a computer science, database administration, research, statistics, or marketing background.
A certification might be used to train on some of the latest tools or techniques of data management, or might be used to gain the specific expertise required to advance careers or increase earning potential.
Some key data science certificate features that working professionals find attractive:
- More compact and self-paced. Certification programs are more compact and can be completed on more of a self-paced schedule. Depending on the data science certificate and coursework, the program can be completed in anywhere from two weeks to two years.
- Can be less expensive. Data science certificates can be less expensive than a master’s degree, which can be appealing to participants looking to self-fund the program, or employers who are sending members of their company or organization to get additional training.
- Designed around a specific topic or skillset. Data science certifications can be designed around a specific topic area or skillset. Unlike a master’s degree, which requires more breadth, a certificate program can be used to fill-in an underdeveloped professional area, or be used to train on the latest software or data techniques.
Typical Outcomes of a Data Science Certification Program
All levels of data science education are in a dynamic state of change right now. Data science curriculum is constantly being updated and revised to keep up with some of the latest industry trends and to best prepare students for emerging opportunities.
Nevertheless, there are some key benchmarks that define a worthwhile data science certification program. Some of the key concepts that make up professional-level certification programs include:
- Complete data lifecycle. Understanding, at a high level, the complete data lifecycle, which includes data investigation, data wrangling or organization, cleaning, sampling, and verifying data accuracy, exploratory analysis, regression and classification, and data communication or visualization.
- Massive data sets with fine-grained results. Data science certification programs teach students how to use computation to work with massive data sets and find fine-grained results including the use of data structures, algorithms, parallel computing, data simulation and analysis. Specific top areas of data science that can be part of data certification programs include game theory, quality control, predictive modeling, trend analysis, and data visualization.
- Hands-on experience. Other key components of data science certification programs include that opportunity to work with academics and professionals in the data science field, and to gain hands-on experience through coursework and projects.
- Ethical considerations. Some certificate programs will also expose students to the ethical considerations when working with data, including issues related to permissions and privacy.
When picking a data science certification program, be sure that it meets the above criteria to be sure you’re making an investment that will truly help you advance your career.
Career Building Data Science Certification Programs for Working Professionals
Data science certification programs are designed for working professionals to obtain the skills they need to make the next career move.
The data science field continues to expand rapidly, both in terms of numbers of positions, as well as the types of skills and technologies needed to be successful.
Right now, data science certifications can be platform-specific such as gaining business intelligence on Microsoft’s Certified Solutions Expert platform, or becoming an Oracle Business Intelligence Implementation Specialist, or a Cloudera Certified Professional, etc.
There are also some certifications that are designed to teach specific computer programming or data skills such as statistical methods for data science, R, Python, SQL, data mining, machine learning, information visualization, or database management systems. If you are already working in the field of data science and seek to expand your professional options or enhance your abilities within your existing role, these programs are an excellent way to take on these new skills with focus and ease.
Admission Requirements
Admission to data science certification programs operated by academic institutions will feel familiar to applying for an undergraduate program. When applying to an accredited institution, applicants will need to demonstrate previous academic experience, usually including some level of exposure in an analytical discipline including statistics, chemistry, physics, math, or computer science.
Additionally, application materials for data science certification programs usually require some combination of college transcripts, letters of recommendations, a resume, and a personal essay outlining interest in the program and future goals.
How to Use our Data Science Certificate Listing of Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
Discoverdatascience.org compiled the list below of certificate programs, in purely data science, to easily compare different programs and schools. While graduate certificate are more common, undergraduate certificates are rapidly expanding they are included as well.
Each listing includes a link providing a comprehensive program overview, details about program length (listed in terms of credits needed), tuition information for the 2023-2024 year, and a link to each program’s complete course offerings.
Graduate Data Science Certification Programs
Or Jump to Undergraduate Certificate Listings
American University – Washington, D.C.
Certificate in Data Science
American University’s Data Science Certificate program places a heavy emphasis on the R programming language and other leading-edge technologies to visualize, analyze, categorize, and build prediction models for data.
Coursework focuses on data science, statistical programming, statistical machine learning, and regression.
AU’s knowledgeable faculty in Washington, D.C. make it an excellent starting point for anyone looking to further their Data Science education.
Program Length: 12 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $1866 per credit
Austin Peay State University – Clarksville, Tennessee
Data Science Certificate
The data science certificate at Austin Peay State University requires 18 hours, not counting a prerequisite of probabilistic and statistical reasoning. Students then take 3 required courses in database management, data mining, and regression analysis, and finally choose 3 upper level statistical courses.
Program Length: 18 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $8,226 per year (Tennessee Resident), $13,212 per year (Non-resident)
California State University Fullerton – Fullerton, California
Certificate in Data Science
This data science certificate is taught completely online, and is meant for professional engineers, scientists, and analysts. Students are thus expected to have basic data analysis tools already, and are required either to have a B.S. in fields such as computer science, applied statistics, math, engineering, or a natural science and/or 3 years work experience in a professional field related to data science.
The 5 courses required for the certificate include foundational data science I and II, statistical analysis, modeling, and data mining, computational data science and machine learning, and a final capstone project in applied data science.
Program Length: 5 courses
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $7,176 total (California Resident), $16,680 total (Non-resident)
Columbia University – New York, New York
Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences
Students are eligible for the graduate certification in data sciences with any undergraduate degree, and previous coursework in computer programming and quantitative classes such as calculus or linear algebra.
Students complete the certificate by taking 4 courses either on campus or online; these include algorithms for data science, probability and statistics, machine learning for data science, and exploratory data analysis and visualization. 3 of these may be used toward the master’s in data science, if students wish to pursue further studies at Columbia.
Program Length: 5 courses
Delivery Method: Online and Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $50,496 per year
Elmhurst College – Elmhurst, Illinois
Graduate Certificate in Data Science, Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Optimization
Elmhurst College offers two online five-course data science programs leading to graduate certificates in data science.
In addition to the general data science certificate program, the Certificate in Enterprise Optimization prepares students to apply data science in business settings to create enterprise value.
Students spend one year taking two courses per term including quantitative methods, data mining, business intelligence, an elective, and a final capstone project.
Students can also choose to complete five additional courses in data science to obtain a master’s.
Program Length: 5 courses
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $33,000 total
George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia
Certificate in Data Analytics Engineering
The online Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics Engineering from George Mason University readies you to use technology to create informed strategies and smart systems.
Take four courses in roughly 12 months to learn how to deliver a process that transforms raw data and places it into a decision-making context.
George Mason’s Volgenau School of Engineering has worked with Big Data and cybersecurity for more than 25 years. It’s led by faculty with rich industry experience and connections who draw upon both to teach a proven, career-focused curriculum.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $13,426 total (Virginia Resident), $35,377 total (Non-resident)
George Washington University – Washington, D.C.
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
The graduate certificate in data science at George Washington University requires 4 courses: introduction to data science, data warehousing, and introduction to data mining, as well as an elective in statistics.
Students who complete this certificate can apply their 12 credits of study toward a master’s in data science.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $32,850 per year
Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Data Science Certificate
Harvard’s graduate data science certificate requires 4 courses, which can all be completed online, and must be completed within 3 years. These courses include one statistics course, two electives, and a data science course.
Students must have prior knowledge in statistics and computer programming; they can choose to fulfill this requirement through 2 courses at Harvard in quantitative methods, and introduction to programming with Python.
Program Length: 4 courses
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $32,850 per year
Husson University – Bangor, Maine
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Big data is at the core of contemporary business and career advancement. Husson University’s Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics advances understanding of key elements in data modeling and processing, as well as career opportunities.
Tailored for graduates of data bachelor’s programs and able to be completed online in 12 months, holding a business analytics certificate raises your hiring potential within a wide range of industries. Equipped to process analysis with advanced consideration and principles, learning from industry-specific experts, with flexibility that allows maintaining full-time job responsibilities.
Program Length: 12-24 Months
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $17,220 per year
Indiana University Bloomington – Bloomington, Indiana
Certificate in Data Science
Indiana University Bloomington offers an online graduate certificate in data science comprised of 12 credit hours.
The program is flexible in that students can choose any 4 courses from an approved list to fulfill the requirements; courses cover topics such as health and medicine, cloud computing, data mining and analysis, and high performance computing.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,033 total (in-state residents), $31,932 total (non-residents)
Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa
Data Science Certificate
Iowa State University prepares students to apply the technical fundamentals of data science to data analysis pipelines and develop the knowledge and skills to transform data into insights.
Students will also study the legal, economic, social and ethical impacts of data science.
Iowa State’s data science certificate is available to current undergraduates as well as students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree from Iowa State or elsewhere. The certificate prepares students with the technical and communication skills to launch careers with significant data science components.
Iowa State also offers a data science major and a data science minor.
Program Length: 21 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,572 total (in-state), $26,776 total (non-resident)
John Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland
Post Master’s Certificate in Data Science
Johns Hopkins offers both a master’s degree and post-master’s certificate in data science.
Students can choose to complete coursework online or in a combination of online and on campus.
The master’s degree requires ten courses, eight of which are required and two advanced electives, while the certificate requires six courses. Topics include algorithms, principles of database systems, machine learning, data science, data visualization, optimization, statistical models and regression, and computational statistics.
Applicants must have taken discrete math and multivariate calculus, know Java, C++, or Python, and have coursework in data structures.
Program Length: 6 courses
Delivery Method: Campus or Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $60,480 per year
Lewis University – Romeoville, Illinois
Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Lewis offers an online graduate certificate in data science that students may complete in as little as 1 year.
Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and some undergraduate work in calculus.
Students complete 18 hours of credits in the courses of mathematics for data science, data mining and analysis, statistical programming, data visualization, large-scale data storage, and machine learning. These credit hours can also be applied to Lewis University’s master’s in data science.
Program Length: 18 credit hours
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $14,760 total
Marquette University – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Data Science Certificate
Marquette University’s Data Science Certificate program and its curriculum is designed to connect data analytics and data science skills and knowledge with the needs evident in a host of fields.
This certificate program can be taken online or on-campus and seeks to meet a significant need for data analytics experts, targeting a human-centered approach.
Program Length: 15 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus or online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $22,410 per year
Metropolitan State University – Denver, Colorado
Health Data Science Certificate
Metropolitan State University in Denver offers a unique program in data science as it relates to the healthcare field.
This certificate is geared toward professionals in the healthcare field or information technology, such as nurses and physicians, health professionals, or computer programmers and IT specialists. 18 credits are required; the 6 courses include health care organization, health information systems, analytical and statistical methods in health data, database systems in health care, and health care business intelligence. These tools are meant to improve patient care and effectiveness of health operations, decrease costs and risk in health care, and manage public health.
Program Length: 18 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $9,169 per year (Colorado Resident), $11,642 per year (Non-resident)
Michigan Technological University – Houghton, Michigan
Certificate in Data Science
This graduate certificate in data science is designed for Michigan Tech students in engineering, business, and science who want to increase their skills in managing and analyzing data.
Foundational skills in computer programming, statistical analysis, information systems, and databases are necessary for the certificate, which students may have obtained through education or work experience.
The 5 core courses required for the certificate include an introduction to data science, predictive modeling, data mining, information systems management, and one final elective course from an approved list.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $23,607 per year
Missouri University of Science & Technology – Rolla, Missouri
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics and Data Science
Missouri S&T offers graduate certificates in business analytics and data science, big data and security, and big data management and analytics.
To achieve the certificate in business analytics and data science, students complete 4 courses. These include 2 required courses in information visualization and big data analytics and 2 electives choosing from data science and machine learning with Python, use of business intelligence, cloud computing, machine learning, regression analysis, database marketing, supply chain and project management, and customer relationship management.
Upon completion of the certificate, students may apply these 12 credits toward a master’s in Information Science & Technology or MBA.
Program Length: 4 courses (12 credits)
Delivery Method: Campus or online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,992 per year (Missouri Resident), $30,480 per year (Non-resident)
Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Certificate Data Analytics Online
Northeastern’s graduate certificate in data analytics is offered online, and includes 4 courses: introduction to computational statistics; collecting, storing, and retrieving data; introduction to data mining/machine learning; and information design and visual analytics.
Upon completion of the certificate, students may apply these 16 credits toward a master’s in bioinformatics, game science and design, health informatics, or urban informatics.
Program Length: 16 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $26,715 per year
Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, Arizona
Certificate in Data Science
Program Length: 18 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $26,715 per year
Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois
Advanced Data Science Certificate Program
The advanced data science certificate is designed for students who have already completed a predictive analytics or data science graduate degree.
The certificate allows students to pursue applied data science that they may not have covered in their graduate degree through courses in analysis of marketing, sports performance, risk, web, and text. Students complete 4 courses in these special topics to achieve the certificate at Northwestern, credits which are not applicable to any other graduate degree.
Program Length: 4 courses
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $51,869 total (on average)
Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) – California, Pennsylvania
SAS Data Science Certificate Program – Graduate
The SAS data science certificate program at California University of Pennsylvania is offered online, giving flexibility to students as they train in SAS software.
The certificate is available to those who have completed an undergraduate degree in any major with a 2.8 GPA minimum.
Upon attaining the certificate, students are eligible to sit for SAS exams and achieve a title of SAS certified big data professional.
The 5 necessary courses include data preparation, data visualization, big data tools, big data analytics, and big data capstone project. Students can complete these courses in three terms, or in an intensive 10-week summer.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $9,288 per year (Pennsylvania Resident), $12,630 per year (Non-resident)
Regis University – Denver, Colorado
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Applicants to Regis University’s graduate certificate in data science must have a bachelor’s degree from the past 2 years in computer science or 3 years of relevant work experience.
The certificate consists of 12 credit hours divided between 4 courses that students complete online: introduction to data science, data engineering, data analytics, and data science practicum.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $14,261 total
Rockhurst University – Kansas City, Missouri
Data Science Certificate
Rockhurst’s Helzberg School of Management offers a unique approach to the data science certificate. Students are presented with new datasets every week and tools to analyze them, building predictive models, dynamic dashboards, and the ability to present conclusions to a non-technical audience.
This certificate requires 5 credit hours of prerequisites, 6 credit hours of core courses in business intelligence, applied data mining, and data visualization.
Students then choose either the data science and business analytics track or the business intelligence track, and complete an additional 6 credit hours in that track.
Program Length: 18 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $17,028 per year
Saint Mary’s University – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Artificial Intelligence Certificate
The online Artificial Intelligence graduate certificate at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a hands-on exploration of deep learning, data engineering, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Designed to position students for career advancement in the emerging field of AI, the certificate program credits can be applied to the school’s M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.
Program Length: 15 credit hours
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $29,231 total
South Dakota State University – Brookings, South Dakota
Data Science Certificate
The data science certificate at South Dakota State University is offered completely online, and consists of 12 credit hours. This amounts to 4 courses in statistical methods, statistical programming, and modern applied statistics.
Though the certificate is focused on statistics, applicants may have an undergraduate degree in a wide range of majors, such as economics, engineering, computer science, and physical sciences.
Program Length: 4 courses
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $8,164 per year (in-state), $15,697 (out-of-state)
Stockton University – Galloway, New Jersey
Data Science Graduation Certificate
Stockton University’s full- or part-time master’s in data science and strategic requires 10 courses, which can be taken completely online.
Students take courses in data exploration, gathering, warehousing, visualization, analysis, and research, as well as machine learning, communicating data stories, and case studies in analytics.
Stockton also offers a certificate in data science wherein students complete just 6 of those courses.
Program Length: 18 credits
Delivery Method: Campus/hybrid
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $14,346 total (New Jersey resident), $20,916 total (Non-resident)
Syracuse University – Syracuse, New York
Certificate of Advanced Study in Data Science
Syracuse University offers a flexible certificate program that students can complete online or on campus, either full- or half-time.
Applicants should have a strong background in science, research, statistics and/or computer science, as well as an interest in managing data in interdisciplinary fields.
Students complete the certificate by taking 2 initial courses in data administration concepts and data management and applied data science, then choosing 3 electives from an approved list such as data mining, metadata, text mining, and natural language processing.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $43,428 per year
Truman State University – Kirksville, Missouri
Data Science Certificate
Truman State University’s certificate in data science is meant for computer science graduates, or those who have significant professional experience in computer science.
Students complete 5 courses: introduction to data science, data visualization, data mining and machine learning, big data analytics, and an application course such as healthcare analytics.
Students should be able to complete the program in 1 year, or even faster for those with a great deal of prior knowledge.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $9,960 per year
UC Berkeley Extension – Berkeley, California
Certificate Program in Data Science
Students who wish to obtain the certificate in data science from UC Berkeley must first have a knowledge of statistics and an upper-level computer programming language.
Students complete 5 courses: a required course in data science principles and practice, one course in machine learning and one course in programming, and two electives such as databases and introduction to SQL.
Students must complete the program in 3 years, but are encouraged to complete it more quickly as the field is constantly changing.
Program Length: 5 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $5,100 for program
University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Little Rock, Arkansas
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
The online graduate certificate in data science at University of Arkansas – Little Rock is comprised of 12 credit hours.
Students take the following 4 courses for completion: database systems or database design, data science and technologies, information visualization, and data protection and privacy.
Anyone with an undergraduate degree may apply for this certificate program, though those most suited have a background in computer programming, database concepts, and applied statistics, or have professional experience in information analysis.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $5,760 (Arkansas resident), $13,050 (non-resident)
University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
The University of Cincinnati offers graduate certificates in both data analytics and data science.
The data science certificate requires 15 credit hours, including courses in data visualization, statistical computing, intelligent data analysis, data analytics, data mining and warehousing, and big data integration.
Applicants must have experience in database design and management, statistics, and programming.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $13,224 per year (Ohio residents), $24,966 (non-residents)
University of Colorado Denver – Denver, Colorado
Biomedical Data Science Graduate Certificate Program
University of Colorado – Denver offers a unique graduate certificate program in biomedical data science that provides students with the training to advance scientific research and discovery.
Students complete 15 credits of core classes over the course of one year. Required courses include bioinformatics and biomedical scientific concepts, intro to biocomputing, and practical bioinformatics in both genomics and clinical informatics, the credits from which can be counted towards a master’s.
Students complete a summer internship for credit as well.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $55,260 total
University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
The online graduate certificate in data science through the University of Louisville consists of 18 credits hours. These are split between the 3 core courses of databases, data mining, and data mining with linear models, and 3 electives in such topics as artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, evaluation of computer systems, and legal issues in data mining.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a technically related field, college algebra and statistics, and experience with advanced computing such as Matlab or SQL.
Program Length: 18 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $13,944 per year (in-state), $28,340 per year (out-of-state)
University of Maryland Baltimore County – Catonsville, Maryland
Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Data Science
The data science graduate certificate at the University of Maryland–Baltimore County consists of 4 courses. These are: introduction to data science, introduction to data analysis and machine learning, platforms for big data processing, and data management. All 4 of these courses can be counted toward an M.P.S. in data science.
Generally, the certificate is recommended for students in technical master’s degree programs such as cybersecurity and engineering management.
Program Length: 4 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $12,582 per year (Maryland resident), $21,618 per year (Non-resident)
University of Massachusetts Amherst – Amherst, Massachusetts
Certificate in Statistical and Computational Data Science
The 5 courses required for the certificate in statistical and computational data science are a combination of statistics and computer science courses—at least 2 of each.
This certificate is meant for professionals looking to add tools in data analysis, or current graduate students in related fields.
Students without strong computer programming skills may choose to take a bridge course in numerical computing with Python.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $14,364 per year (Massachusetts Resident), $31,489 per year (Non-resident)
University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Students pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Memphis can elect to add on this graduate certificate in data science through the completion of 4 courses: fundamentals of data science, machine learning, and 2 electives such as data mining, neural networks, Bayesian inference and advanced database systems.
Prospective students not already enrolled in graduate studies must have significant educational or work experience related to data science, such as a bachelor’s in computer science or proficiency with Java or the statistical package of R.
Program Length: 12 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $9,378 per year (Memphis Resident), $13,194 per year (Non-resident)
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Graduate Data Science (DS) Certificate Program
The graduate certificate in data science at University of Michigan–Ann Arbor requires 9 credit hours of courses and 3 credit hours of experiential training such as an internship or professional project, during which students will create a written report on data analytics.
Graduate students in any field are eligible to enroll in this certificate; however, students should have quantitative training and coding experience.
To obtain the certificate, students must prove competency in the areas of algorithms and applications, data management, and analysis methods.
The courses for the certificate are primarily delivered on campus with online components utilized via Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
Program Length: 9 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $25,894 per year (Michigan residents); $52,124 per year (Non-residents)
University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science
The University of Minnesota’s post-baccalaureate certificate in data science is comprised of 4 courses totaling 12 credits.
Students choose 1 course in statistics, 1 in algorithmics, 1 in infrastructure, and an additional class in any of those 3 tracks as agreed upon with the student’s advisor.
Students generally complete the coursework in 2 semesters, though can take up to 4, and can either take classes on campus or online.
An undergraduate degree in a STEM field is required for admission, and credits in the certificate can be applied toward a data science master’s degree.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $18,468 per year (Minnesota Resident), $28,578 per year (Non-resident)
University of New Hampshire – Durham, New Hampshire
Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science
University of New Hampshire’s graduate certificate in data science is taught solely online, and can be completed in as little as 5 months.
4 courses are required: applied analytic statistics, programming for data science, data architecture, and data mining and predictive modeling. Professionals who want to increase their earning potential, advance their careers, and make a greater impact within their business or organization with advanced data analytic and coding skills.
This certificate is beneficial to those in the fields of: business analytics, data analytics, financial analytics, computer science, programming, database administration, research, statistics, and marketing.
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree (no specific field of study is required) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants should have demonstrated quantitative aptitude in undergraduate coursework or similar work experience in an analytic field.
Program Length: 4 courses
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $14,170 total (NH resident), $27,810 total (Out-of-State Resident)
University of North Carolina Charlotte – Charlotte, North Carolina
Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics
The graduate certificate in data science and business analytics at University of North Carolina–Charlotte is designed for working professionals, offering evening courses and the ability to complete the program at full- or part-time.
The certificate requires 15 credit hours, including 3 core courses—big data analytics, database systems, and business intelligence—and 1 elective each in advanced data science and business analytics electives.
Students can choose to apply to transition into the master’s program at any time.
Program Length: 15 credit hours
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $4,337 per year (North Carolina Resident), $18,482 per year (Non-resident)
University of West Florida – Pensacola, Florida
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
The University of West Florida offers a graduate certificate in data science which students complete by taking 5 required courses. These courses are: Java programming, database systems, data mining, statistical modeling, and advanced probability and inferences. This amounts to a total of 15 semester hours.
Program Length: 5 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $7,088 per year (Florida Resident), $22,166 per year (Non-resident)
University of Kansas – Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
The data science certificate at the University of Kansas requires 4 graduate-level courses.
The program begins with a core course of an introduction to data science, and then 3 elective courses, such as machine learning, database systems, data visualization, data mining, and statistical theory.
The program is targeted toward graduate students already at the university who are pursuing degrees requiring research related to data science such as computational chemistry, environmental modeling, or quantitative genetics.
Program Length: 4 courses
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $9,989 per year (Kansas resident), $23,951 per year (Non-resident)
University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Data Science
The data science graduate certificate at the University of Maryland is for working professionals.
Courses are offered in the evenings, and students generally complete the 12 credits necessary for the certificate by taking 2 courses in the fall and spring semester. These courses include machine learning, statistics, databases, and visualization.
Applicants must prove proficiency in programming languages and quantitative ability.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $16,238 total (Resident), $35,388 total (Non-resident)
University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston, Texas
Certificate in Data Science
The certificate in data science at the University of Texas’s Health Science Center is specifically meant for professionals working in the healthcare industry, public health research, and biostatistics.
Applicants must have previous knowledge of linear regression, linear algebra, and basic computer programming.
The coursework includes 14 credit hours to be completed in 1 year; required courses include foundations of biostatistics, intermediate biostatistics, introduction to data science, and fundamentals of data analytics and predictions.
Program Length: 4 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $8,524 per year (Texas residents), $36,273 (Non-residents)
Valparaiso University – Valparaiso, Indiana
Certificate in Applied Econometric and Data Science Foundations using SAS
Valparaiso offers a certificate in applied econometric and data science foundations using SAS statistical software.
Students take a total of 12 credit hours, which include the required courses of introduction to data science and applied econometrics, and 2 electives such as time series analysis, introduction to SAS, and data mining.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $11,700 total
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester, Massachusetts
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a 6-course graduate certificate in data science.
Students must choose 1 course in each of the following 5 areas: data analytics and data management, integrative data science, mathematical analytics, data access and management, business intelligence and case studies. Students then specialize their certificate by choosing a sixth elective course in their area of interest.
Credits toward the certificate can later be applied toward a master’s.
Program Length: 6 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $28,980 per year
Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Brigham Young University-Idaho – Rexburg, Idaho
Data Science Certificate
The BYUI data science certificate program provides students with a combination of applied statistics, core programming languages, as well as collaborative and communication skills.
Students earning this 15-credit data science certificate will be able to demonstrate a proficiency of basic data science skills, as well as an understanding of technologies and the industry’s computer programs.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $21,120
California University of Pennsylvania – California, Pennsylvania
SAS Data Science Certificate Program – Undergraduate
Students complete 5 online courses to receive the undergraduate certificate in SAS data science. These courses include data preparation and cleaning, data visualization, big data tools, big data analytics, and a data analytics capstone project.
Students can complete the coursework in one academic year, or in an intensive summer term.
This certificate prepares students to sit for an official SAS exam to become a certified big data professional.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $29,268 per year (Pennsylvania resident), $33,940 per year (out-of-state)
College of DuPage – Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Foundations of Data Science Certificate
The certificate in data science at the College of DuPage is offered through the sociology department.
The 13 required credit hours include courses in an introduction to data science, introduction to research methods, statistics for the social and behavioral sciences, and either an introduction to anthropological methods or an introduction to behavioral research.
Program Length: 13 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $22,044 total (in-district), $27,654 (in-state), $29,754 (out-of-state)
Duke University – Durham, North Carolina
Big Data and Data Science Certificate
Duke University offers an online certificate in big data and data science designed for working adults.
There are 4 required courses: Data Science with Python, Big Data Hadoop and Spark Developer, Tableau desktop 10, and machine learning.
There are also multiple elective courses available to students Data Science with R, Big Data Hadoop Administrator Course, Python Basics, Apache Cassandra, Apache Kafka, Apache Spark and Scala, MongoDB Developer and Administrator, and Business Analytics with Excel.
Students should be comfortable with computer programming and statistic and math concepts.
Tests and project submissions are required for each course within the program.
The 300 hours of coursework must be completed within 1 year, and no credits can be applied from this certificate toward another degree.
Program Length: 1 course
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $60,220 per year
eCornell – Ithaca, NY
Data Science Certificate in Data Analysis
Foundations of Data Science Certificate
Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business offers online data science certificates in data analysis and data-driven marketing.
The data analytics program consists of 3 courses: understanding and visualizing data, implementing scientific decision making, and using predictive data analysis.
Students complete the program in 11 weeks and earn a signed certificate.
Program Length: 3 courses
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $3,600 for program
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Great Bay Community College – Portmouth, New Hampshire
Certificate in Practical Data Science
Great Bay’s certificate in practical data science is meant to complement undergraduate majors in administrative, journalistic, and technical subjects to provide marketable skills.
Students take a total of 22 credits to obtain this certificate, which include courses in statistics, math, data science, and visual language.
The certificate is completed with a capstone project in data analytics.
Program Length: 22 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $7,200 per year (New Hampshire resident) $15,450 (non-resident)
University of California Irvine – Irvine, California
Data Science Certificate
University of California–Irvine offers an online data science certificate professionals who want to gain skills in leveraging large amounts of data.
Students complete 15 credit units, spread between 6 required courses and 9 electives.
Required courses include introduction to data science and data exploration, analytics and visualization.
There are numerous appropriate electives including courses in specific software, cloud computing, data modeling and management, and business intelligence.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $13,939 total (in-state), $44,011 (out-of-state)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois
Certificate in Data Science
Undergraduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can choose to receive a certificate in data science for completing 4 approved courses.
Students must choose 2 courses in fundamentals of data, sampling, statistics, and machine learning; 1 course in data structures, programing and visualization; and 1 course in interdisciplinary data science. Meant to correspond to the student’s interests and major, these interdisciplinary courses range from applied econometrics to computing in molecular biology to social research methods.
Program Length: 3-4 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $15,714 for program (Illinois resident), $33,686 for program (Non-resident)
University of Washington in Seattle – Seattle, Washington
Certificate in Data Science
The University of Washington’s certificate in data science is meant for professionals who work with data; students should have experience in statistics, SQL, and computer programming before applying.
All courses are online to allow for flexibility, though students can also choose to take classes on campus in Seattle.
Students complete 3 noncredit courses to obtain the certificate: data science—process and tools, methods for data analysis, and machine learning techniques.
Program Length: 3 courses
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $12,242 total (in-state), $40,740 total (out-of-state)
Wesleyan University – Middletown, Connecticut
Applied Data Science Certificate
Undergraduate students at Wesleyan University must complete 8 courses to obtain the applied data science certificate.
Students choose 1 course in basic knowledge, such as elementary statistics or applied data analysis. They must choose 2 courses spread across 3 areas of mathematical, statistical, and computing foundations. 2 courses in data science, and 2 elective courses must be completed as well.
Students may not obtain both a minor and certificate in data science.
Program Length: 8 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $64,322 per year
Continuing Education Certificate Programs
Georgetown University – Washington, D.C.
Certificate in Data Science
Georgetown’s continuing education certificate in data science is designed for mid-level professionals, and takes place on Friday evenings and Saturdays over the course of 6 months.
As the program focuses on tools built with the Python programming language, students either must have familiarity with Python, or take a preliminary course in Python basics and SQL fundamentals.
Students complete 8 courses to achieve the certificate, including topics such as software engineering for data, data analysis, visual analytics, and applied data science.
Program Length: 8 courses
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $7,486 for program (8 courses)
