About this Program
Businesses and organizations today have ready access to huge amounts of data, but they can be less adept at making sense of it. The role of the data scientist — turning data into meaningful, actionable insights — is increasingly crucial as companies strive to stay ahead of the competition.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll discover how to apply cutting-edge tools and processes to extract meaning from data sets. Use statistics, machine learning and algorithms, and other techniques to analyze real-life data scenarios and help make informed business decisions. Take your data analytics abilities, and your career, to the next level.
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DESIGNED FOR
Technical professionals with data and programming experience who want to learn how to apply advanced machine learning and predictive analytics techniques.
▸ Related Article: Find the Right Data Program For You
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have:
At least one year of recent hands-on experience in a programming language, preferably Python, Java, R or C#. Applicants who need help meeting this requirement might consider enrolling in the Certificate in Python Programming .
Fundamental understanding of databases and SQL. Applicants who need help meeting this requirement might consider enrolling in the Foundations of Databases course.
Recent coursework or professional experience in statistics and linear algebra, including familiarity with concepts such as vectors, matrices, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, simple matrix calculus (derivatives), distributions, quintiles, average and standard deviation as measures of distribution, and the concept of uncertain estimates of quantities as embodied by confidence limits or error bars. Applicants who need help meeting this requirement might consider enrolling in the Foundations of Statistics course.
Completed the data science qualifications assessment quiz . The assessment includes 30 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections: statistics and linear algebra, programming, and databases and SQL. Applicants must earn a total score of at least 18 out of 30, with a minimum score of 6 out of 10 in each section. Once you start the assessment, you must complete it within 90 minutes. After you submit your quiz, you’ll be able to see your total score (section scores are not available). Please use the same email address on both your assessment and your application.
English Proficiency
If you're not a native English speaker, you’ll need to have at least basic English language skills to enroll. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements .
International Students
International students are welcome to apply to an online offering of this program, which doesn’t require a visa. To enroll in a classroom offering, you must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need:
Access to a computer with at least 4 GB and preferably 8 GB of RAM. Classroom students must bring a laptop to class or an equivalent device that has remote access to a computer.
Administrative access to the computer and the ability to install software
High-speed internet connection
Current web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome
Anaconda Distribution with Python 3.7+ version
Earning the Certificate
You earn the certificate by adhering to the program's attendance policy and successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
Video Overview
Learn more about the UW Certificate in Data Science from instructor Stephen Elston, the managing director of Quantia Analytics.
Duration: 01:20
Play
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to build a data science pipeline
Data exploration and visualization with large data sets
Advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms
How to apply data science to business problems, scientific research, marketing and other fields
GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Use the Python programming language to manipulate and display data
Complete a capstone project to demonstrate your data science skills
Choose the Right Format for You
This certificate program is part of Career Accelerator , which offers a variety of flexible learning formats online and in the classroom. Learn more about our self-paced online option .
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UWPCE Certificate 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. See the scholarship page for eligibility information and application instructions.