About this Program
With so much information available at our fingertips, extracting meaningful connections and context from data is more important than ever. That’s where data scientists come in. Part mathematician, part computer scientist, part trend-spotter, data scientists turn their organization’s information stockpiles into relevant and actionable insights, which can help companies stay ahead of their competition.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll discover how to apply standard tools and processes to extract correlations from data. Use statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms to analyze data sets and help make informed decisions. Take your data analytics abilities, and your career, to the next level.
▸ Related Article: How to Become a Data Scientist
▸ Related Article: Find the Right Data Program for You
DESIGNED FOR
Technical professionals with data analysis and programming experience who want to learn how to apply statistical techniques and machine learning in their areas of expertise. This program is also good for managers with a technical background who want to effectively lead a team of data scientists.
This program is taught using Python, and students should be comfortable working in this programming language. Those looking for an introductory course should consider taking Foundations of Programming (Python) .
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have:
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING SKILLS
A score of 8/15 on the programming section of the data science assessment quiz
This quiz will help you assess your readiness for the program. If you score very near the cutoff, contact our Enrollment Services team to discuss options for independent study or additional coursework you can do before starting the program.
A high level of applied computer programming ability as demonstrated by one of the following:
Successful completion of three or more quarters of increasingly advanced college-level coursework in the same computer programming language (preferably Python, R, Java or C#)
Equivalent work experience in computer programming, including tasks requiring application of numerical and logical reasoning, control structures and complex procedures (preferably in Python, R, Java or C#)
Successful completion of Foundations of Programming (Python) , Programming in Python and Advanced Programming in Python
QUANTITATIVE SKILLS
A score of at least 8/15 in the quantitative section of the data science assessment quiz
A high level of applied quantitative ability as demonstrated by one of the following:
Successful completion of college-level coursework in calculus, statistics and linear algebra
Equivalent work experience in quantitative methods, including tasks requiring calculus, statistics and linear algebra
Also Recommended
Strong written communication skills to be able to articulate problems, rationalize approach and comment code
Ability to debug code, including the willingness to find and apply information found in Python documentation
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 10 to 12 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 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 a current web browser such as Edge, Safari, Firefox or Chrome
At least 4GB and preferably 8GB of RAM
Administrator privileges to install software
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)
Dual monitors (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by adhering to the program's attendance policy and successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
Video Overview
Certificate in Data Science instructor Mohamed Mneimneh explains how the certificate enables students to boost their skills and leverage data to drive high value to their organizations.
Duration: 02:25
Play
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
What the data science process looks like for business, scientific research and other fields
How to apply the data science process to various industry challenges and real-world scenarios
How to use statistics and visualization to explore data sets
How to weigh the pros and cons of the most common machine learning algorithms
GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Use the Python programming language to summarize and visualize data
Use the Python programming language to pre-process data and to train and evaluate machine learning algorithms
Solve end-to-end data science problems, from ideation to cloud deployment, using the Python programming language
Complete quizzes as well as both structured and open-ended assignments to demonstrate your data science skills
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.
Career Stats
72%
Alumni working in field
Top Employers
Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, Facebook, Expedia Group
36%
Projected job growth for data scientists in Washington state (2020–2030)
$129,560
Average salary for data scientists in Washington state (2021)
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 .