The graduate certificate in data science is delivered online to provide access to working professionals and students located around the world. It is a credential that demonstrates that the recipient has focused expertise in data science.
Course instruction focuses first on fundamental data science skills such as data ingestion, wrangling, and engineering before moving on to the theoretical and applied study of statistical and machine learning models. Courses are taught in both R and Python and emphasize 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 data science 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.
- If required, TOEFL English language proficiency test scores should satisfy the requirements specified by the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies; see the Language Requirement section of the Moody School catalog.
The graduate certificate in data science follows the M.S.D.S. Academic Calendar, which can be found at https://s3.smu.edu/des/registrar/pdf/calendars/RSGS%202025-26_21125.pdf.