Data Science Foundations Certificate

Laura brown pointing to a large screen with data point graphs.

Fast Track Your Career

Build focused expertise with an MTU graduate certificate.

Programs Offered
- Certificate
Delivery Options
- On-Campus
- Accelerated
Credits
- 9 credits
Timeline
- One–three semesters

Transform Big Data Into Insight

What can thousands of sensor readings, customer transactions, research results, or other data points tell you that individual observations cannot? A lot if you have the right set of tools. Data science brings together statistics, computing, and specialized knowledge to uncover patterns, answer questions, make predictions, and turn large or complex datasets into useful information.

Organizations across industries use these insights to improve processes, guide strategy, solve problems, and develop new products and services. Michigan Tech’s on-campus Data Science Foundations Graduate Certificate helps you build the core computational and analytical skills needed to work with data and apply data science methods across research, industry, and technology.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate is designed for professionals from a variety of disciplines who want to strengthen their knowledge of data science, computing, and statistical analysis. It's also a good fit for those seeking to develop a concentration in data science or build a foundation for further graduate study.

What You Need to Know

You'll study fundamental data science techniques, including predictive modeling, data mining, information management, data analytics, and data visualization. Through collaborative projects, you'll apply these methods to practical problems while strengthening your teamwork and communication skills. You'll also develop the ability to analyze data, interpret findings, and communicate results in research and industry settings.

Admissions

Only open to students enrolled in a graduate program and applicants who are not currently enrolled in any graduate program at Michigan Tech. See complete admissions requirements.

Accelerated Option

Michigan Tech Bachelor's + 1 Semester = Accelerated Graduate Certificate

Current Michigan Tech undergraduates or recent alumni, get started right away. Our accelerated graduate certificates are a fast, affordable way to add graduate credentials to your bachelor's degree in as little as one semester. Be more marketable in your industry or prepare for your master's degree. Explore accelerated certificate options.

Credits

This graduate certificate requires a minimum of 9 total credits. Students may apply the credits earned for this certificate toward a graduate degree at Michigan Tech.

Contact

Graduate Director

Laura Brown

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Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Using a holistic approach, our graduate admissions team reviews applications on an individual and ongoing basis. 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, but you will need to upload them later.

Graduate Admissions Process

Applying to your graduate program 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 Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to your program as either 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 scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 4.5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 95 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 7.0

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 4.5 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. We offer over 125 graduate certificates, master's degrees, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.