Data science is one of the hottest careers in the nation today. It's common to see it rated as the number one career in the nation on major employment websites such as CareerCast and Glassdoor. The SDSU Graduate Certificate in data science provides training in a wide range of powerful data science analysis and computation methodologies that have proven to be extremely valuable in today's data rich businesses and organizations. Even better, it is completely online, making it a great option for working professionals wishing to enhance their skills in this critical area.
Program structure
The SDSU Certificate in Data Science is an online program consisting of four 3-credit, online classes.
| Class | Semester | Prerequisite(s) |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 541 Statistical Methods II | Spring or Summer | STAT 281 or Equivalent |
| STAT 600 Statistical Programming | Summer only | STAT 515 or CSC 150 or Equivalent |
| STAT 601 Modern Applied Stat I | Fall only | STAT 541 and STAT 600 |
| STAT 602 Modern Applied Stat II | Spring only | STAT 601 |
Additional information, including admissions criteria, course descriptions, topic lists, program plans of study and cost to attend is available at data science certificate information.
Who should apply?
If you want to use your quantitative talents to make a difference by solving important and challenging problems, this program could be right for you. You don't have to have an undergraduate major in mathematics or statistics to succeed; this program is accessible to people from a wide variety of other undergraduate backgrounds as well, including economics, engineering, computer science, the physical sciences and many others. Of course, a certain level of background is necessary. Additional information, including admissions criteria, course descriptions, topic lists, program plans of study and cost to attend is available at data science certificate information.
Relation to the M.S. in Data Science Program
For those who want to develop additional data science expertise, the Certificate program flows naturally into the M.S. in data science program. STAT 600, 601 and 602 are the core courses in the M.S. in data science, therefore those who complete the certificate already have a good start on getting their masters degree!