Whether you aspire to pursue a new career in the booming data science field or want to upskill your knowledge and gain a competitive edge, the online Data Science Certificate program at UM-Flint College of Innovation & Technology can help you achieve your goals!
The Data Science online graduate certificate empowers you to investigate, manage, analyze, and visualize data to drive business decisions. You can learn R, SQL, and Python, leverage the latest technologies in data computation, and build hands-on experience in solving business problems with big data.
Why Get a Data Science Certificate at UM-Flint?
Study at Your Own Pace—100% Online Learning
Designed for working professionals, the Data Science certificate program is delivered online through Cyber-classrooms at your fingertips. With our flexible online learning format, the certificate program allows you to work from anywhere with computer access. You can access the program content and course recording through our online Mediasite viewer.
Beginner Friendly – Courses for Students without CS Background
The University of Michigan-Flint’s online Data Science Graduate Certificate program is not only suitable for those who have previous experience in computer science and related fields, but it also welcomes those without any technical background.
If you are a beginner in data science and have no previous technical experience, you can take the Fast Track option. It helps you quickly embrace the core competencies of networking, architecture, algorithms, databases, and programming. All of the Fast Track pre-requisite courses are taught online.
Apply Credits to the CSIS Master’s Degree
All 12 graduate credits gained from the Data Science certificate can be transferred into UM-Flint’s Master of Science degree in Computer Science & Information Systems. This transfer arrangement allows you to accelerate your master’s degree completion, and you can achieve two credentials at a lower cost.
Data Science Online Certificate Curriculum & Courses
The graduate certificate in Data Science at UM-Flint provides a highly concentrated set of classes that deliver technical training in data warehousing, security, business intelligence, information storage and retrieval, and data mining. The program curriculum includes a total of 12 credits—four required courses.
Average Program Completion: 8 Months
If you possess an undergraduate degree in liberal arts or business fields, you may be required to take some additional math and programming courses.
See detailed Data Science Certificate course plan.
Academic Advising
At UM-Flint, we are proud to have many dedicated advisors to guide your path to success. You can reach out to your academic advisor if you have questions about the certificate curriculum or need help with your course planning. Book an appointment today.
Career Outlook – What Can You Do with an Online Data Science Certificate?
The technological world lives and depends on data. Whereas sophisticated use of data analytics used to be a competitive advantage, the employment of information scientists is now becoming an industry standard. Data mining, investigation, analysis, management, and forecasting are all crucial areas that industries must employ to remain competitive on a local and global scale.
Accordingly, the demand for competent data scientists is rapidly increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of data scientists will grow 36% through 2031, seven times faster than the average for all occupations. With this positive career outlook, the graduates of our online Data Science certificate program can kick-start their careers in many industries, such as consulting, financial services, healthcare, and technology.
If you are currently working in data science related roles, completing the certification can help you advance your career to the next level and increase your earning potential. You may also continue your education to pursue a master’s degree in computer science.
The median salary of Data Scientists is $100,910 per year.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in their bachelor’s degree.
Applicants without a computer science-related bachelor’s degree may enter the program while they complete the Fast Track coursework to allow them to quickly attain the required background knowledge.
State Authorization for Online Students
In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in the online Data Science Graduate Certificate program, please visit the State Authorization page to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.
How to Apply to the Data Science Certificate Program
To be considered for admission, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.
- Application for Graduate Admission
- $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- For International students official transcripts must be submitted for credential review to an approved credentialing agency. You must submit your transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation. Once the evaluation is completed, the transcript course-by-course evaluation report must be submitted to the University of Michigan-Flint. This document must be submitted directly from the transcript evaluation company.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly and/or professional ability (This requirement is waived for all University of Michigan Alumni.)
- Statement of Purpose describing your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program
- International Students: Submit additional documentation.
This program is a certificate program. Students admitted to this program are not eligible to obtain a student visa (F visa). - International students may complete this certificate online in their home country.
Application Deadlines
The Data Science Certificate program admits new students on a rolling basis. Please submit your application by the following deadlines. You should be notified of admission within two to four weeks.
- Fall Early Deadline: May 1
- Fall Final Deadline: August 1
- Winter entry: December 1
- Spring entry: March 15
- Summer entry: May 15
International students must apply before May 1 for Fall entry and September 1 for Winter entry.
Estimated Tuition and Cost
The University of Michigan-Flint takes education affordability seriously. Our certificate program cost is as low as $707.75 per credit (2022-23 tuition rate). For the 12-credit Data Science certificate, the estimated total tuition is $8,493.
Review detailed tuition information.
Apply to the Online Data Science Certificate Program!
The University of Michigan-Flint’s online Data Science Graduate Certificate program helps you increase your technical competencies while ensuring the flexibility you need in course scheduling. Learn to leverage the power of big data and take the next step to pursue your career success in data science!
Request information today or start your application.