How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the online qualifications assessment quiz
Take the online data science qualifications assessment quiz. Once you start the assessment, you must complete it within 90 minutes.
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. After you submit your quiz, you’ll be able to see your total point score (section scores are not available).
Please use the same email address on both your assessment and application.
Step 2: Gather the following materials
- A typed letter of application (250-word maximum) describing relevant work and volunteer experience as well as transferable skills, knowledge of the field and commitment to professional growth
- A resume listing education and applicable experience
Step 3: Apply
Complete your application and submit the materials listed in step 2, along with your $50 nonrefundable application fee.
Application Deadline
We’re currently accepting applications and will be reviewing them in the order they’re received. We’ll accept applications until two weeks before the first class meeting or until the program fills, whichever comes first.
About the Application Process
We’ll contact you within seven business days of receiving your complete application materials to let you know if you’ve been accepted to the program.
If you’re accepted, we’ll send you details about your first course, including information on paying your course fee. Note: You have six weeks to register for your first course after being accepted. After that, you'll need to reapply to the program before you can register.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
You may qualify for an income-based scholarship for this program. To learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the UWPCE Certificate Scholarship page.
Related Resources
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must take 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.
Applicants should also have some background in statistics, programming, and SQL including:
- At least one year of recent experience using a programming language, preferably Python, Java, R or C#
- Fundamental understanding of databases and SQL
- Basic conceptual knowledge and familiarity with statistics and linear algebra 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 may consider enrolling in the course Foundations of Statistics.
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 that can run VMware or VirtualBox, with at least 4 GB and preferably 8 GB of RAM. (Classroom students must bring a laptop or an equivalent device that has remote access to a computer.)
- High-speed internet connection
- Current web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome
You may also need to pay a subscription fee to access virtual labs.
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.