The program is delivered online to provide access to working professionals and students located around the world. This graduate certificate is a credential that demonstrates the recipient has expertise in data analysis for decision making.
Course instruction focuses on the theoretical and applied study of fundamental statistical and machine learning models (including time series models) and their application to real-world problems and high-stakes decision making. Emphasis is on the study of machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as communication and storytelling to clients, technical audiences, and the C-suite.
All courses can be applied toward the Master of Science in data science (M.S.D.S.) degree. The website www.datascience.smu.edu has additional information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the graduate certificate in decision analytics must hold a bachelor’s degree in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering or other quantitative discipline. An application fee is required. Additional requirements are as follows:
- A basic understanding of a programming language (R, JAVA, C++, Python or similar programming language).
- Calculus I and II. Business calculus does not meet this requirement.
- A completed online application, with the following:
- One letter of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose.
- All official academic transcripts.
- An official GRE graduate school admission test score, which may be waived if a prospective student has five or more years of industry-related experience or has earned a master’s degree in a related field.
4. A satisfactory TOEFL English language proficiency test score (minimum 90) is required for an applicant whose native language is not English.
The graduate certificate in decision analytics follows the M.S.D.S. Academic Calendar, which can be found here.
Certificate Requirements
Students entering the graduate certificate in decision analytics must either have proficiency in Python or have taken the Bridge to R and Python course offered by the M.S.D.S program. The bridge course is free to those who have registered for the program and is designed to be completed in one week.