What You'll Learn
- Master key facets of data investigation, including data wrangling, cleaning, sampling, management, exploratory analysis, regression and classification, prediction, and data communication.
- Implement foundational concepts of data computation, such as data structure, algorithms, parallel computing, simulation, and analysis.
- Leverage your knowledge of key subject areas, such as game theory, statistical quality control, exponential smoothing, seasonally adjusted trend analysis, or data visualization.
Certificate Courses
The Data Science Graduate Certificate requires four courses from the following course topic areas:
Statistics (1 Course)
Statistics course options include:
- CSCI 106 Data Modeling
- STAT 109 Introduction to Statistical Modeling
Electives (2 Courses)
Elective course options include:
- CSCI 83 Fundamentals of Data Science
- CSCI 101 Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
Data Science (1 Course)
Taken as the third or final course, your data science course options include:
- CSCI 63C Elements of Data Science and Statistical Learning with R
- CSCI 109A Introduction to Data Science
Course Search
You can browse available courses by term — fall, spring, or summer — in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Course Preview: Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
Who Should Enroll: Prerequisites
Knowledge of statistics and basic programming is recommended for this certificate. If you do not have a strong background in statistics, start with an introductory statistics course, such as STAT E-100 before beginning this certificate.
The Data Science Certificate will be difficult for students with no knowledge of Python. If you do not have a background in programming, you should consider first taking CSCI E-7. You may wish to consider our Programming Certificate.
A Faculty of Data Science Experts
Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world's best. Our faculty are at the forefront of innovations in Data Science.
Our Community at a Glance
Students learn the latest in data analysis, innovation, and research with hands-on learning and top-tier instructors.
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35
Average Age
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76%
Working Full Time
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22%
Students Outside the U.S.
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30%
Complete in Under the Average of 3 Years
Earning Your Certificate
Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a certificate.
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Build a Stackable Credential Pathway
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn a micro or graduate certificate. Once completed, those courses may count toward a master’s degree.
You can:
- Stack the Data Modeling and Ethics Microcertificate into the Data Science Graduate Certificate.
- Stack the Data Science Graduate Certificate into a Data Science Master’s Degree.
Stackable pathways offer an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,360 |