Data Science Certificate

Data Science at Marquette

View all our data science academic programs. 

The data science certificate program and its curriculum are designed to connect data analytics and data science skills and knowledge with the needs evident in a host of fields. This certificate program can be taken online or on campus and seeks to meet a significant need for data analytics experts, targeting a human-centered approach. 

 

12

Program Credits

1

Year to Complete*

online program delivery

Online Program Delivery

 

 

 

 

 

#3 Data Science Career Ranking, LinkedIn Jobs Report 2022; Glassdoor list of best jobs 2022

*Year to complete based on full-time student

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Learning Outcomes

Students completing this certificate program will be able to:

  • Identify and articulate problems, issues and decisions that can be informed by data analytics approaches and the ethical and social issues surrounding them
  • Design and implement advanced strategies for analyzing big data
  • Create and present actionable information
  • Develop an understanding of data analytics in the context of an organization in their own industry
  • Create an understanding of forecasting, supervised and unsupervised data mining techniques
  • Tackle big data problems in the new data-driven world
  • Understand common data types, structures and database solutions that power organizations across the world

Career Opportunities

Analyzing and interpreting data is becoming increasingly vital for businesses across all industries. Organizations around the world are seeking individuals with a data science skillset to turn their data into actionable insights. Our program will help you gain a competitive edge in your career by teaching you how to unlock the power of data.

Industries hiring for data science related professions:

  • Retail 
  • Medicine 
  • Banking  
  • Finance 
  • Construction 
  • Transportation
  • Communications 
  • Media 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Government 
  • Energy 

Students can pursue the following careers:

  • Data Scientist 
  • Data Analyst 
  • Computer and Information System Manager 
  • Computer and Information Research scientist 
  • Software Developer 
  • Systems Software 
  • Data Warehousing specialist 
  • Business Intelligence Analyst 
  • Search Marketing Strategist 
  • Business Analyst 

Median annual salaries in 2021 for the following professions:

Salery chart: Data Scientist = $100,910; Software Developer = $109,020; Computer and Information Research Scientist = $131,490; Computer and Information Research Manager = $159,010
*Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Projected growth in job openings from 2021-2031 in the following professions:

Growth Chart: Average Projected Growth = 5%; Data Scientist = 36%; Software Developer = 25%; Computer and Information Research Scientist = 21%; Computer and Information Research Manager = 16%
*Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Course Work

COSC 6510 - Data Intelligence

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of business intelligence and its growing necessity in professional spaces. This includes learning techniques such as data management, data integration and data munging while applying this knowledge in unique ways based off the student’s personal professional pursuits. Throughout the course, students will also understand the benefits of business intelligence in practical applications and the methodology for the development of business intelligence related solutions. 

COSC 6520 – Data Analytics

Students are presented foundational topics in the analysis of data. This includes methodology for the development of data analytics systems, examining technology employed for data analytics in a variety of industry segments and the insights derived from data analytics. Students will also be introduced to foundations of text and data mining techniques commonly used for classification, clustering, and prediction. Throughout the duration of the class, students will also be presented with techniques for developing a business case, evaluating predictive performance, and managing data. This includes exercises using analytic technology and a project to apply analytics to a customer application. Students without programming experience are advised to complete COSC 6510 Data Intelligence before attempting COSC 6520.

COSC 6570 – Data at Scale

Students will participate in an exploration of data types, structures, and database solutions. Relevant techniques and technologies will be taught throughout the course on how to analyze big data at a large scale. This course will also address many topics regarding data at scale. Some examples include applied SQL programming, covering “big data” related problems and a high-level overview of MapReduce, Hadoop, and Apache Spark.

COSC 6820 – Data Ethics

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the current ethical and social implications of our data-driven society. A sociotechnical approach is used to unpack issues of privacy and surveillance, algorithmic biases, fairness, transparency, and accountability across various contexts.”

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Ready to learn more about Marquette's data science certificate? Request more information now or schedule a campus visit.

Graduate Program Recruiter

Tim Carter

(414) 288-7139

tim.carter@marquette.edu

Prerequisites for Admission

  • An earned baccalaureate degree in any field with a GPA of at least 3.00
  • Basic computational thinking competency as demonstrated by completion of an introductory course (e.g., COSC 1010 Introduction to Software Development or equivalent). Alternatively, proof of successful completion of a recommended introductory online Python programming course as recommended by the program director.)
  • A foundational statistics course (e.g., PSYC 2001 Psychological Measurements and Statistics, SOCI 2060 Social Statistics or equivalent) with familiarity in programs such as R, MATLAB, SAS, Stata, etc. Alternatively, proof of successful completion of a recommended introductory online foundational statistics course as recommended by the program director.

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and admitted students may begin their program in summer, fall or spring.

Application Requirements

  • Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.
  • A completed online application form and fee.
  • Copies of all college/university transcripts except Marquette*
  • For international applicants who have not attended an English-speaking university only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
  • (optional; recommended) A statement of purpose essay outlining relevant work experience or education, career goals, possible areas of interest and reasons for seeking admission to this program.
  • (optional; recommended) Three letters of recommendation

*Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not in English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student's record.