Data Analytics and Data Science Certificates
Data Analytics and Data Science certificates help students develop practical skills in programming, data analysis, data visualization, machine learning, and statistical modeling. These skills are increasingly valuable across industries such as business, healthcare, technology, finance, government, marketing, and education.
Students may choose from two certificate pathways.
- The stackable Data Analytics certificates are designed for students who are new to programming, mathematics, or data analytics and want to build skills incrementally through a series of credentials that can also build toward the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics.
- The standalone Data Science certificates provide focused training in machine learning, statistical methods, and data science for individuals who would like to increase their professional knowledge in specialized areas and already have some background in mathematics and coding.
Data Analytics Certificates (Stackable)
The Data Analytics certificates allow students to progressively build analytics skills through a series of stackable credentials. Students can complete the Foundations, Intermediate, and Advanced certificates in sequence, building knowledge from introductory concepts to advanced analytics techniques. Each certificate builds on the previous one, allowing students to earn credentials along the way and, for those who wish to continue, combine the certificates with an internship course and a capstone course to fulfill major requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics.
Foundations of Data Analytics
Build core skills in programming, data analysis, linear algebra, calculus, and statistics.
Credits: 18
Courses: DATA 115, DATA 121 or MATH 171, DATA 122 or CPT S 121, MATH/DATA 225, and STAT 212 or equivalent
Intermediate Data Analytics
Advance your skills in programming, data handling, data visualization, SQL, and statistical modeling.
Prerequisite: Foundations of Data Analytics Certificate
Credits: 15
Courses: DATA 219, 301, 302, 303, 319, 324, STAT/DATA 360
Advanced Data Analytics
Explore advanced analysis techniques, data visualization, ethics, and statistical modeling.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Data Analytics Certificate
Credits: 15
Courses: DATA 422, STAT/DATA 435, STAT/DATA 437, PHIL 450, approved elective (3 credits)
Please note that completion of the stackable certificates alone does not satisfy all requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics. Additional university and degree requirements apply.
Data Science Certificates (Standalone)
The Data Science certificates are designed for individuals with prior programming and mathematics experience who want focused training in machine learning, statistical methods, and data science. These certificates are ideal for professionals seeking specialized data science expertise without pursuing a full degree.
Foundations of Data Science
Develop skills in programming, machine learning, and statistical methods.
Admission Requirements: DATA 121 or MATH 171 or equivalent; and DATA 122 or CPT S 121, 131, or CS 121
Credits: 15
Courses: DATA 115, 219, 301, 302, DATA 303 or MIS 372, MATH/DATA 225, STAT/DATA 360
Intermediate Data Science
Build expertise in predictive modeling, data repositories, regression analysis, and data visualization.
Admission Requirements: DATA 121 or MATH 171 or equivalent; and DATA 122 or CPT S 121, 131, or CS 121
Credits: 15
Courses:
DATA 319: Prerequisites: CPT S 215 or DATA 219; MATH/DATA 220 or 225; STAT 360
DATA 324: Prerequisites: DATA 303; DATA 219, CPT_S 215, or CPT_S 223/233; MATH 220 or MATH/DATA 225; Admitted to the major in Data Analytics; junior standing
DATA 422: Prerequisites: DATA 219; STAT 360; DATA 324; STAT 435 or concurrent ; Admitted to the major; junior standing
DATA 435: Prerequisites: STAT 360 w/ a C or better
How to Add a Data Analytics Certificate to a Bachelor’s Program at WSU
Contact your academic advisor to indicate your intent to include a Data Analytics certificate in your degree program. Please note that students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics program are not eligible to earn these certificates.
How to Apply for a Certificate as a Non-Degree Student
Non-degree seeking students are individuals who want to complete a certificate, are not pursuing a degree, and are not currently enrolled at WSU. Visit the Global Campus Certificate & Enrichment Students page to learn how to apply. Questions about certificate options, prerequisites, course sequencing, and academic preparation can be directed to WSU Global Campus Admissions. If you need help, email online.admissions@wsu.edu, call 509-335-4450, or text 509-339-8092.
Course Rotation and Sequencing
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester, and some courses must be taken in sequence. Time to completion will vary based on previous coursework, academic preparation, and course availability.
Awarding of the Certificate
At the beginning of the student’s final semester of coursework, the student should apply for the certificate through myWSU. This will notify the Registrar’s Office to confer the certificate. Here’s how: From the myWSU Student Homepage, select Academic Advising, then Apply to Graduate. The certificate should display as an option to select to Apply for Graduation. Certificates require a separate graduation application and are mailed separately from diplomas.