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Data science certificates usually feature 4-10 courses focused on the field. They offer a relatively short and specialized education, ideal for mathematics or computer science graduates looking to advance their careers or develop knowledge of specific data science topics.
According to Deloitte, the demand for analysis skills like data science has outpaced more traditional abilities, such as engineering. The speed of growth in this field has also created a talent shortage. While this can present organizational difficulties, the expansion also creates an opportunity for data science specialists.
Explore what data science certificates have to offer and how to choose the right program with this helpful guide.
Featured Data Science Programs
Top 5 Data Science Certificate Programs
Data science certificate programs build your data knowledge and improve your marketability in the job market. Discover the top five data science certificates for 2023 to find the program that works best for you.
Why Get a Data Science Certificate?
While its roots date back to data analysis and computer science in the 1960s and 1970s, modern data science emerged around the beginning of the 21st century. In 2001, professor William S. Cleveland proposed a new data science academic discipline, along with training plans and approaches that would grow a generation of professionals dedicated to computing advances for data.
Today, data science touches many industries, including business, healthcare, and security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 115,000 data scientists worked in 2021. Major industries include computer systems design services, management, finance and insurance, and scientific research and development.
The demand for data scientists should continue to grow as organizations increasingly collect and use data. The BLS projects a 36% growth rate for data science employment from 2021-2031.
The demand for data science certificates should keep pace with the growth of the field. These programs allow mathematics, statistics, and computer science majors to specialize and hone their data science skills. Experienced professionals can update their abilities, learn new technologies, and advance their careers with these condensed and focused programs.
Industry-Focused and Career-Specific Training: Data science certificates offer specialized training in many fields, including finance and securities, marketing, and operations management. Professionals can use certificates to explore concentrations and pursue specialized positions and industries.
Professional Development: Experienced professionals can pursue data science certificates to advance their careers. Continued learning demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement. The advanced skills acquired in these programs can lead to higher earnings and more job opportunities.
Access to Emerging Technologies: Data science certificates may feature newly developed courses that cover emerging technologies and cutting-edge practices. Professionals can study this new material quickly without investing in a full degree.
Data Science Careers
Data science skills apply to many careers and industries. Organizations everywhere look for competitive advantages and applications for their data. According to the salary data reported by the BLS, it appears many organizations pay high wages to individuals with data science skills.
Some relevant positions with high median annual salaries include financial analysts at $95,270, database administrators and architects at $101,000, and mathematicians and statisticians at $96,280. Below, we showcase a few other careers for data science specialists.
Data Scientist
Data scientists collect, extract, and analyze information to gain insights for various purposes. They often develop models and algorithms to learn from the data and draw conclusions to present their findings to management.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2021-31): +36%
Median Annual Salary:$100,910
Actuary
Actuaries assign numbers and dollar values to risk. They use statistics and financial theory to help organizations identify and evaluate uncertainty, develop insurance policies, and forecast event probabilities.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2021-31): +21%
Median Annual Salary:$105,900
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists develop problem-solving technologies and systems for people, organizations, and industries. In the data science field, they may create and test new data collection or analysis systems. They often work with AI and machine learning to accomplish their tasks.
Required Education: Master's degree
Job Outlook (2021-31): +21%
Median Annual Salary:$131,490
What to Expect From a Data Science Certificate Program
Data science certificates offer entry-level, specialized, and graduate-level training. The programs may focus on introductory material or cover complex topics like predictive analytics, business decision-making, and artificial intelligence.
Like many computer science certificates, these programs typically feature a small number of focused courses. They usually have between 10-30 credits and take 3-12 months to complete.
Since computer science certificates run at colleges and universities, they follow a similar format and structure to degree programs. For example, certificate courses likely have the same schedule and per-credit tuition rates as other courses. Learners also have access to the school's facilities and resources, along with transfer credits.
Admissions Process
Many certificates for data science have the same admissions process as full degrees. For undergraduate programs, applicants usually need a high school diploma or GED certificate at a minimum. They may need to meet GPA minimums or have completed specific prerequisites for competitive programs.
A graduate applicant usually needs a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, plus a minimum GPA in some cases. While rarely mandatory, a strong portfolio or professional experience can improve the quality of an application. Schools may restrict certificate access to current students or alumni only.
Different Certificate Types
Data science certificates accommodate students and professionals with differing goals and study requirements. Along with entry-level or graduate studies, the programs may focus on a data science specialization or niche. Some certificates prepare graduates for computer science certifications — specialized industry credentials typically offered by professional organizations.
The programs occur through online, on-campus, or hybrid delivery. Online data science certificates may use asynchronous platforms, which offer flexible schedules, or synchronous delivery, which more closely resemble on-campus courses with set class times.
Popular Data Science Certificate Courses
The type of courses available in certificates for data science can vary by program type, level, and focus. The programs may feature all required courses or mix in some electives for more personalization. The list below highlights typical courses that students may encounter.
Data Analysis: This course explores the statistical tools and methods used to analyze data. Students learn to use analysis to draw conclusions and inform decision-making.
Advanced Machine Learning: Students in this course examine advanced machine learning topics like deep learning, meta-learning, and self-adaptive learning algorithms. The course may also cover data retrieval, recommender systems, and natural language processing.
Data Patterns: This course looks at various methods for identifying patterns in data, such as using regressions, machine learning, and spatial data science. The training may also explore the application and presentation of these findings.
How Much Do Data Science Certificates Cost?
Most data science certificates follow the per-credit prices of their home college or university. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition for undergraduate students was $9,400 in public four-year schools and $37,600 in private four-year schools in 2020-21. For graduate students, the average annual tuition was $19,749 across all schools.
Based on these averages, certificate students can expect to pay $300-$1,250 per credit. Compared to degrees or coding bootcamps, data science certificates usually have lower tuition rates. Certificate students may also qualify for financial aid, such as federal grants and loans, scholarships, and employee assistance programs. Enrollees should also note that out-of-state programs can have higher tuition rates.
Degree-seekers may also encounter additional school and facility fees. Consider all associated costs when exploring each school's affordability.
Choosing the Right Data Science Certificate
Students must conduct thorough research to pick the best data science certificate. They should also truly understand what they want and need from a program. The following list includes some considerations for prospective enrollees as they sift through available programs.
Institutional accreditation
Tuition and financial aid options
Curriculum quality and specialization opportunities
Program length and class schedule
Online or hybrid class delivery
Residency requirements and school location
Admission and graduation requirements
Program faculty, facilities, and resources
School facilities and support services
Class and school size
Student/teacher ratio
Professional network and alumni resources
Transfer credit policy
Access to student groups and extracurricular activities
Should You Get Your Certificate in Data Science Online?
Online studies open new avenues for students and professionals to develop skills and continue their learning. Schools across the country adopted online learning for added convenience and accessibility. With its reliance on computer technologies and software, the data science discipline lends itself particularly well to online learning.
An online data science certificate may not suit everyone — students need to consider how their personal learning styles and needs align with online learning. For example, on-campus data science certificates may offer more classroom engagement and networking opportunities than online programs.
Should You Go to a Certificate, Associate, or Bootcamp Program?
Even after reading the available certificate, degree, and bootcamp guides, it can be difficult to choose the right program. For the best results, students should stay true to themselves and their specific goals. Learners who identify what they want from a program can more easily find the option that meets their goals.
The table below highlights some major considerations and differences for each degree.
| Comparison Point | Data Science Certificates | Data Science Associate Degrees | Bootcamp Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
Credit Requirements | 10-30 credits | 60 credits | Varies |
Program Length | 3-12 months | 1-2 years | 13-24 weeks |
Class Schedule | Part-time and full-time options | Part-time and full-time options | Typically full-time and intensive |
Program Goal | Career specialization or graduate degree preparation | Entry-level jobs or bachelor's degree preparation | Entry-level jobs or field specialization |
Admission Requirements | High school diploma for the undergraduate level or bachelor's degree for the graduate level | High school diploma | Varies |
Explore other data science education paths
Questions About Certificates for Data Science
Which certificates are best for getting a job in data science?
While certificates can lead to entry-level positions, the best data science certificates for jobs likely come at the graduate level. These programs build on previous mathematics and computer science studies and experience and delve into more advanced and career-applicable concepts.
Can you get a job that pays well with a certificate in data science?
Yes. A data science certificate can lead to jobs, specifically if the certificate-holder has a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. For example, an individual with a bachelor's in computer science and a graduate certificate in data science may qualify for actuary or computer system analyst roles.
Can you become a data scientist with a certificate?
Yes. While a data science certificate may not lead to data scientist roles on its own, it can qualify professionals for jobs in combination with a degree in mathematics or statistics.
Is a certificate in data science worth it?
Yes. Since data science is not readily available as a full degree, a data science certificate can be one of the best ways to study and pursue a career in this field. The training can also lead to transfer credits if graduates wish to continue their studies.
