ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Our students are a diverse group of professionals that include statisticians, applied mathematicians, data scientists and experienced programmers. Applicants are evaluated on their skills and background, and everyone is required to take a programming test (see exceptions below).
Admission requirements vary depending on your field. Review the requirements that pertain to you below.
If you are a programmer, software engineer or another kind of engineer:
- Three years of recent professional programming experience in a high-level language such as C, C++, Java or Python or equivalent personal projects such as in Kaggle
- Undergraduate mathematics courses covering linear algebra, calculus and probability
- Undergraduate courses in statistics (or completion of the Foundations of Statistics course)
If you are a statistician, applied mathematician or data scientist, or have a Ph.D. in another quantitative field:
- Two years of experience as a statistician, data scientist or applied mathematician OR a Ph.D. in a quantitative field (ABDs — All But Dissertation people — welcome)
- Familiarity with programming in a high-level language as demonstrated by the programming assessment
If you don't meet the requirements above, you might consider enrolling in the Certificate in Data Science first. Or you may go ahead and apply to the Certificate in Machine Learning, and you may be given options for fulfilling the requirements before the program begins.
Exceptions to the Requirements Above
If you are a graduate of the Certificate in Data Science program, or you have successfully completed either the Data Science: Methods for Data Analysis or Data Science: Machine Learning Techniques course, you'll be automatically accepted into the program after you submit your application form and fee. You do not have to take the programming test or submit any additional application materials.
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 9 to 11 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 web browser
- Administrator privileges on the computer to install software
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset and webcam (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.