Data Science Foundations Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science Foundations recognizes competency in data science techniques, including predictive modeling, data mining, information management, and data analytics.

Course Work Summary

It is expected that students seeking enrollment in this program will have sufficient foundational skills and aptitude in computer programming, statistical analysis, information systems, and databases. The required foundational skills may have been obtained through formal academic qualifications, work experience, or a combination of the two.

Current Students

Required Course

The required course must be completed.

UN 5550 - Introduction to Data Science

Introduces concepts and skills fundamental to Data Science including: getting data, data wrangling, exploratory data analysis, basic statistics, data visualization, data modeling, and learning. The course introduces data science from different perspectives: computer science, mathematics, business, engineering, and more.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Data Science

Elective Courses

Two courses from the list of three courses must be selected:

BA 5200 - Information Systems Management and Data Analytics

Focuses on management of IS/IT within the business environment. Topics include IT infrastructure and architecture, organizational impact of innovation, change management, human-machine interaction, and contemporary management issues involving data analytics. Class format includes lecture, group discussion, and integrative case studies.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Accounting, Data Science, Engineering Management, Applied Natural Resource Econ., Health Informatics, Accounting and Analytics, Business Administration

CS 5831 - Advanced Data Mining

Data mining focuses on extracting knowledge from large data sources. The course covers data mining concepts, methodology (measurement, evaluation, visualization), algorithms (classification/regression, clustering, association rules) and applications (web mining, recommender systems, bioinformatics).

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): (CS 3425 or MIS 3100 or SAT 3210) and (MA 2330 or MA 2320 or MA 2321) and (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710)

MA 5790 - Predictive Modeling

Application, construction, and evaluation of statistical models used for prediction and classification. Topics include data pre-processing, over-fitting and model tuning, linear and nonlinear regression models and linear and nonlinear classification models.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 3740 or MA 4710 or MA 4720 or MA 4780 or (MA 4700 and MA 5701)

Certificate Overview
Item	Details
Department	Computer Science
Admissions requirement	BS in Computer Science or a related field.
Program Director	Laura Brown
Program Assistant	Sherry Wyeth
Length	3 courses in 2-3 semesters
Effort	3 hours per credit per week
Each Course	3 credits
Total Credits	9 credits
Already enrolled?	Speak with your advisor.

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to the Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
GMAT/GRE: Not required
Prerequisites: Any bachelor's degree which includes some coursework in introductory programming and statistics

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of 95 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 7.0

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Certificate Admissions

Prospective Students

Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan Tech (less than two years).
The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted.

Current Graduate Students

Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Michigan Tech — Founded in 1885.

Michigan Technological University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and widely respected by fast-paced industries, including automotive development, infrastructure, manufacturing, and aerospace. Michigan Tech graduates deliver on rapid innovation and front-line research, leaning into any challenge with confidence.

Tomorrow won’t wait. Neither will we.

Computing is for everyone, everywhere. Artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and other forms of digital connectivity are ingrained in nearly every aspect of life. Cybersecurity has never been more important. These transformational technologies require intrepid problem solvers, bold leaders, and fearless visionaries. You can be one of them.

Founded in 2019, we’re one of the first colleges in the nation and one of the few institutions of its kind to focus solely on computing. Digital transformation has morphed every discipline into a computing discipline, reinventing industries like manufacturing, criminal justice, marketing, and health care. The College of Computing is making sure that employers have the computing talent they need to thrive—and that our students are equipped for fulfilling careers now and for tomorrows to come.

The world needs Computing[MTU]. The world needs you.

Supercharge your future.

Study, do research, and build a future-forward career at a flagship R1 public research university powered by STEM. Get the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to succeed in a high-tech world.

Our students work alongside faculty on meaningful research, like helping to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier and making machine learning more user-friendly. They connect at the intersection of engineering and computing in our mechatronics playground. They teach middle school kids coding and cybersecurity basics, assist older generations with digital literacy essentials, and help each other persist through academic and life challenges through SAM, our unique peer mentoring program. Computing Huskies also partner with national entities like the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as well as local businesses to analyze security and safeguard sensitive data. And, from robotics to Red Team, Huskies train, run, and win national competitions.

Whether competing in Esports, joining an Enterprise team, or working with a group of Huskies to build a robot in three days is your jam, you’ll find opportunities to connect with what clicks. And when it’s time to blow off steam, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s trails, forests, and Lake Superior beaches await, along with Michigan Tech’s Mont Ripley Ski Hill.

When it comes to preparing for life after graduation, our Career Fair offers more than a one-day event—it’s a series of workshops and meetups that leads to coops, internships, and full-time, well-paying positions. If you want to be ready for what tomorrow needs, your future starts now, in the Michigan Tech College of Computing.