Professional Certificate in Data Science and Analytics

Advance your analytics career with cutting-edge tools and techniques

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

April 26, 2023

Course Duration

DURATION

6 months, online
15–20 hours per week

Course Fee

PROGRAM FEE

US$7,450 US$6,631 or get US$745 off with a referral

Course Information Flexible payment available
Course Fee

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Emeritus is collaborating with MIT xPRO to help you build future-ready skills. Enroll before and get up to 11% tuition assistance to set yourself up for professional success.​

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Prerequisites: Familiarity with Excel datasets, data visualization, and basic knowledge of Python coding are recommended.

Drive Decision-Making With Data

With the advent of big data, executives are turning to data scientists and analysts for actionable insights that help chart a path to success. Data professionals have become information champions, leveraging their expertise to unearth hidden opportunities for higher profit and long-term growth.

Therefore, it’s easy to understand why data science holds the number three spot among best professions in the U.S. and why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 13,500 job openings in the field every year through 2031.

If you are ready to level up your data science skills for modern-day decision-making, the Professional Certificate in Data Science and Analytics from MIT xPRO will give you the expertise you need to navigate a future shaped by data and help you advance in an in-demand field.

23%

increase in the number of job openings for analysts between 2021 and 2031

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$120,000

Median base salary for data scientists in the U.S.

Source: Glassdoor

Who Is This Program For?

  • Data professionals in engineering, finance, insurance, IT, or operations with coding experience who wish to develop a suite of advanced data analysis skills they can apply in their day-to-day work to make sound business decisions
  • Business professionals in sales, marketing, IT, or operations looking to sharpen their decision-making by learning to model, execute, and analyze data and use their expertise to advance their career
  • Recent graduates with a STEM background who wish to build practical experience in data science to prepare for a role as an analyst and start down a career path in the field
Prerequisites: Familiarity with Excel datasets, data visualization, and basic knowledge of Python coding are recommended.

Key Takeaways

  • Leverage data in order to optimize or improve decision-making within an organization
  • Use Python and Google Colab to train, organize, run, and analyze datasets and models that yield meaningful results
  • Analyze and translate technical results into actionable insights for executives
  • Develop a portfolio of modeling tools that showcases hands-on application of the skills required to use data for prediction, classification, and optimization in practical business contexts

Program Highlights

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Earn an MIT xPRO certificate and 36 continuing education units (CEUs)

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Gain insights from MIT faculty — experts in the field who bring industry experience to the classroom

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Learn from real-world case studies solved by faculty using applications of data science and applied analytics

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Demonstrate your knowledge in a final capstone project by developing a portfolio of application-based assignments completed throughout the program

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Receive one-on-one career support from Emeritus and introductions to hiring partners for eligible participants

Program Topics

    Survey the fundamentals of data science and understand its potential. Explore how data science can be used to learn more about your customers and master key analytical frameworks.

    • Module 1: Introduction to Data Science
    • Module 2: Thinking about Risk and Uncertainty through Probability and Distributions
    • Module 3: Correlation
    • Module 4: Clustering
    • Module 5: Linear Regression Part 1
    • Module 6: Linear Regression Part 2
    • Module 7: Logistic Regression


    Examine the role of optimization and how it can be used for the good of humanity. Dive deeper into model design and learn how to build, interpret, and assess models.

    • Module 8: Collaborative Filtering
    • Module 9: Optimization Part 1
    • Module 10: Optimization Part 2
    • Module 11: Optimization Part 3
    • Module 12: Optimization Part 4
    • Module 13: Optimization Part 5

    Take an in-depth look at regression and classification, ensemble learning, and bias in model-based, data-driven decision-making.

    • Module 14: Regression and Classification
    • Module 15: Ensemble Models
    • Module 16: Fairness and Bias Issues in Data-Driven Predictions

    Explore advanced applications of data science including deep learning, neural networks, and natural language processing.

    • Module 17: Neural Networks Part 1
    • Module 18: Neural Networks Part 2
    • Module 19: Neural Networks Part 3
    • Module 20: Natural Language Processing (NLP) Part 1
    • Module 21: Natural Language Processing (NLP) Part 2
    • Module 22: Interpretability and Causality in Models

    Discover real-world applications of AI/ML and new applications of digital transformation.

    • Module 23: Data, Models, and Decisions
    • Module 24: Leading Digital Transformations

Career Preparation and Guidance

Both hard and soft skills are needed to succeed as a data analytics professional. This program offers you guidance for navigating your career path, from crafting your elevator pitch to perfecting your interview skills. These services are provided by Emeritus, our learning collaborator for this program. The program support team includes program leaders who help you reach your learning goals. The primary goal is to give you the skills necessary to be prepared for a job in this field; however, job placement is not guaranteed.

Career guidance with this program includes:

  • Navigating your job search
  • Preparing for interviews
  • Negotiating salary
  • Crafting your elevator pitch
  • Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
  • Writing resumes and cover letters

Exercises specific to building your data science career include:

  • Building your personal brand and promoting your skills
  • Understanding the roles and workflow of data science
  • Job searching and interviewing for positions in data science
  • Communicating data science concepts through a capstone project
  • Reflecting on your skills to determine how to solve problems and become an efficient leader

Case Studies

Throughout the program, each faculty member will present case studies they have personally helped solve using the principles and tools of data science, including:

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Retail Management

Analyze how a Boston MA retailer handled their response to the Covid-19 pandemic using the systems approach.

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Filatoi Riuniti

Solve an optimization problem by developing a model and making recommendations on how this Italian yarn manufacturer should outsource production in order to maximize profits.

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Facial Analysis Algorithms

Examine the ramifications of poorly designed models, and discover how to detect, diagnose, and mitigate biases that can arise in model-based, data-driven decision-making.

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BlueBike

See how BlueBike used regression to predict demand. Then build your own models with regression and use R2 to pick the optimal model.

Program Faculty

Profile picture of program faculty, Vivek Farias

Vivek Farias

Patrick J. McGovern (1959) Professor, Professor of Operations Management, MIT Sloan School of Management

Vivek is affiliated with the Operations Management group and the Operations Research Center (ORC) at MIT Sloan School of Management... More info

Profile picture of program faculty, Robert Freund

Robert Freund

Theresa Seley Professor in Management Science, Professor of Operations Research, MIT Sloan School of Management

Robert’s primary research interests are in convex optimization, computational complexity and related computational science, convex geometry, large-scale nonlinear optimization, and related mathematical systems... More info

Profile image of the program faculty, Retsef Levi

Retsef Levi

J. Spencer Standish (1945) Professor of Operations Management, Faculty Leader, MIT Leaders for Global Operations (LGO), MIT Sloan School of Management

Retsef’s research focuses on the design of analytical data-driven decision support models and tools addressing complex business and system design decisions under uncertainty in areas such as health and healthcare management, supply chain, procurement and inventory management, revenue management, pricing optimization, and logistics... More info

Profile image of the program faculty, Rama Ramakrishnan

Rama Ramakrishnan

Professor of the Practice, MIT Sloan School of Management

Rama’s research and teaching interests focus on the application of data science and machine learning techniques to problems in industry and the creation of intelligent products and services created by the algorithmic use of data... More info

Certificate

Certificate

Get recognized! Upon successful completion of this program, MIT xPRO grants a certificate of completion to participants and 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This program is graded pass or fail; participants must receive 75% to pass and obtain the certificate of completion.

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FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.

  • Time of Refund Request

    • Within 21 days after course commencement
    • 22 to 45 days after course commencement
    • More than 45 days after course commencement

    Amount Refunded

    • Full refund of course fee (assuming no prior course deferral)
    • 50% of course fee (assuming no prior course deferral)
    • No refund of course fee

Financing Options

Climb Credit*

We offer financing options with our partner, Climb Credit*. Click here to learn more.
*Applicable for US Residents

Sallie Mae*

Fixed repayment, interest-only repayment, and deferred payment options are available. Click here to know more.
Sallie Mae* - At the time of loan application, please select 'Student and Career Training School' when prompted.

Flexible Payment Options For All

Flexible payment options allow you to pay the program fee in installments. Click here to see payment schedule.

Didn't find what you were looking for?
Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org
or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors
or call us at +1 401 443 9591 (US) / + 44 189 236 2347 (UK) / +65 3129 7174 (SG)  
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Flexible payment options available. Learn more.