About this Program
In today’s job market, big data is hot — and so are data engineers, the professionals who have the knowledge and skills to tame it. Organizations have a growing need for specialists who know how to design and build platforms that can handle the gigantic amount of data available today.
In this three-course certificate program, we’ll explore distributed computing and the practical tools used to store and process data before it can be analyzed. You’ll work with typical data stacks and gain experience with the kinds of data flow situations commonly used to inform key business decisions. Complete this program and engineer your career in the world of big data technologies.
▸ Related Article : How to Become a Data Engineer
Designed for
Professionals with programming, database and system administration experience who are looking to expand their careers into big data.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must have:
At least one year of professional experience using a programming language such as Java, Scala, Python or C#. Those who need help meeting this requirement should consider enrolling in our Certificate in Python Programming .
System management and configuration skills, including command-line proficiency. Those who need help meeting this requirement should consider enrolling in our Network & System Administration course.
Completed the Big Data Technologies assessment quiz to evaluate your knowledge of system administration and programming concepts.
Also Recommended
Knowledge of SQL
Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure or Google Compute Engine
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about eight to 10 hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
Technology Requirements
Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam
Dual monitors (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
▸ Explore More: Want to compare our data programs? Find the right data program for you .
Certificate in Big Data Technologies
Instructor David Patton of the Certificate in Big Data Technologies discusses the program and the high demand for professionals with these kinds of skills and knowledge.
Duration: 01:01
Play
What You'll Learn
The fundamentals of big data stacks, their uses, advantages and limitations
Key background in distributed systems, cloud computing, relational databases and key-value stores
The foundations of the Hadoop big data ecosystem and beyond (MapReduce, Hive, Spark, SQL, non-relational processing)
The pros and cons of batch processing and stream processing
The uses and limitations of NoSQL stores (HBase, Redis, Elasticsearch, Cassandra, etc.)
Get Hands-on Experience
Write code for big data processing
Configure and deploy frameworks and libraries to run big data software
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
EARN DIGITAL BADGES
You can earn a digital achievement badge for successfully completing this certificate program, as well as a separate badge for each course. These badges can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges .
Career Stats
79%
Alumni working in field
Sample Employers
Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Meta, CBRE, FedEx
31.6%
Projected job growth for software developers in Washington state (2024–2034)
$162,386
Average salary for software developers in Washington state (2023)
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options .