Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate
Unlock the possibilities of data science to enhance organizational decision-making.
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Request InfoAdvanced Data Science Graduate Certificate Overview
Develop cutting-edge skills for pursuing data careers or advancing in your current organization with the Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate program from the University of West Florida. This fully online program immerses you in machine learning, deep learning and big data concepts, preparing you to unlock new possibilities through data science.
The Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate program goes beyond theory with hands-on projects that enable you to gather and analyze complex data to enhance decision-making. The courses delve into neural networks, data analytics, model evaluation and more, with a practical focus that connects concepts to real-world scenarios. You’ll also gain valuable experience using Python, Scala and other technologies as you prepare for in-demand roles across the public and private sectors.
UWF offers the Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate in a convenient online format that lets you continue working while completing the coursework. There are three start dates per year, and you can finish in nine months.
Candidates for the Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate Program Include:
- Non-degree seeking graduate students and those ready to build on a previously earned master’s education
- Business professionals who want to develop innovative abilities for career advancement
- Engineers, investors, mathematicians and researchers who use scientific computing or data analytics in their work
- Other professionals interested in advanced data science skills and techniques
You Will Be Able To:
- Gain the practical know-how to apply machine learning and deep learning tools quickly and powerfully to challenging real-world problems via hands-on projects
- Gain practical experience developing popular big data platforms using Python, Java, or Scala
- Make prudent decisions when confronted with data challenges, technologies, trends, infrastructure, and management
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
Courses and Requirements
You will complete nine credit hours to earn your Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate online with UWF. The program includes the three courses listed below.
- IDC 6210 - Machine Learning for Data Science
3 Credit Hours
Machine Learning for Data Science
This course provides a broad introduction to modern machine learning, including supervised learning (multiple linear regression, logistic regression and decision trees), unsupervised learning (clustering, dimensionality reduction and anomaly detection), model evaluation (k-fold cross-validation and performance evaluation metrics) and hyper-parameter tuning. The goal of the course is for the students to master the key theoretical concepts and gain the practical know-how to quickly and powerfully apply machine learning to challenging real-world problems via hands-on projects.
- IDC 6146 - Deep Learning for Data Science
3 Credit Hours
Deep Learning for Data Science
This course is an introduction to deep learning, a branch of machine learning focusing on the development and application of neural networks. Applications of deep learning play a significant role in recent advances in technology, such as automated hearing and speech translation, automated driving, fraud detection and various aspects of healthcare. This course covers a range of topics in deep learning, including biophysical background, mathematical preparation, basic neural networks, convolutional and recurrent network models, optimization methods and applications to real-life problems. Through hands-on projects, students will learn how to implement deep learning algorithms and formulate their analysis into a report. In the final project, students will apply the techniques they learn in the course to real-world scenarios with a problem of their choice.
- IDC 6145 - Big Data Analytics for Data Science
3 Credit Hours
Big Data Analytics for Data Science
A new approach to effectively analyzing, understanding, learning and managing data is necessary for the data that originates from instruments, sensors, Internet transactions, emails, click streams, and/or all other digital sources. Analytics has drawn more attention and has emerged as some of the most important, cutting-edge fields in a variety of fields, from corporate intelligence to scientific research. This course will examine essential big data technologies, trends, infrastructure and management challenges, enabling students to make prudent decisions when confronted with extensive data sets. In addition, students will gain practical experience developing for popular big data platforms using Python, Java or Scala.
- IDC 6210 - Machine Learning for Data Science
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into the University of West Florida’s online Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate program, you must be admitted into the University as a non-degree seeking graduate student. Other requirements include:
- B.S. or B.A. degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Prior knowledge of statistics and basic programming is recommended for this certificate. If you do not have a strong background, please start with the Data Science Certificate program.
How to Apply
Once accepted as a non-degree seeking graduate student, prospective students for this certificate must contact the graduate advisor from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to start the Declaration of Certificate process before the drop/add period of the semester of completion. Students must also complete the online Graduate Certificate Declaration Form on MyUWF.
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at admissions@uwf.edu. If you are a current UWF student, please reach out to the department’s academic advisor.
Costs & Financial Aid
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
The Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate program prepares you to capture data insights for organizations in nearly every field. Careers to consider after completing this online program include:
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET OnLine and Payscale.
Statistician
Follow this career path to apply your data science abilities toward gathering, analyzing and reporting data to inform organizational policies and strategies. Statisticians play central roles with governmental agencies, consulting and market research firms, research institutes and other organizations. Demand for statisticians is projected to rise by 33% from 2021 to 2031, and the median salary is $95,570 per year.
Data Analyst
As a data analyst, you will develop techniques for connecting the dots within complex data to illuminate trends and anticipate change. Data analysts work in many sectors, including telecommunications, manufacturing and construction. The median salary for these roles is $103,500 per year, with employment projected to grow by 11% from 2021 to 2031.
Big Data Engineer
These professionals harness innovative tools to analyze and manage data from an array of digital sources, finding insights for enhancing organizational decision-making. Employers of big data engineers include tech firms, entertainment companies, retailers and more. On average, big data engineers earn $89,838, with the top 10% of salaries exceeding $130,000.