Turn Data into Decisions. Build a Career That Shapes the Future – with a Graduate Certificate in Data Science.
Degree Type: Graduate Certificate | Format: Online or EU Flex | Department: Computer Science and Information Systems | Time to Degree: 1 Year
Big data is transforming every industry—from healthcare and finance to sports, education and AI development. The Master’s in Data Science and Analytics at Elmhurst University equips you with in-demand skills to lead this transformation through advanced training in machine learning, predictive modeling, AI tools, programming and data storytelling.
Whether you’re seeking a career change, skill advancement, or a leadership role, our online and EU Flex formats, and industry-aligned curriculum prepare you to thrive in today’s most data-driven roles.
Learn Data Science in a Program Built Around You
Elmhurst University’s Graduate Certificate in Data Science program is designed around you at every stage, from admission to program completion. From the flexible format to the variety in coursework, here’s what you can expect from the Data Science and Analytics certificate program at Elmhurst:
- STEM-designated. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes master’s in data science programs for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.
- EU Flex Format: Balance work, school and life while you earn your data science graduate certificate either online or EU Flex. Our program is delivered in eight-week sessions over the course of two years to help you thrive while you juggle responsibilities outside of school.
- Top-tier data science faculty. Learn data science under faculty who’ve worked in business, infrastructure and programming. Well-versed in the most current data science concepts, our graduate data science program faculty will work closely with you to help you succeed in your coursework and apply the concepts you learn to real-world business scenarios.
- Seemingly endless opportunities. Learn data science concepts and skills you can apply in almost any industry. In Elmhurst’s graduate certificate in data science and analytics, you’ll develop a portfolio of projects to help you gain employment.
What Can You Do with a Data Science Graduate Certificate?
A data science graduate certificate from Elmhurst University empowers you to achieve a wide range of goals. Many students choose a data science certificate online to gain graduate-level knowledge and skills without committing to a master’s degree. Others enroll in a certificate in data science program to learn more about the field and decide if it’s right for them.
Elmhurst University’s graduate certificate in data science helps pave the way to advanced education, as it features courses from the core curriculum of the M.S. in Data Science and Analytics degree. It can also be the first step toward a career in data science.
Data Science Graduate Certificate Careers
- Data analyst
- Data engineer
- Data science consultant
- Operations manager
Is a Data Science Graduate Certificate Worth It?
Because it’s not a master’s degree, you may wonder, “Is a data science graduate certificate worth it?” We say yes. The job market for data scientists has grown exponentially—and so has the need for related skills. Plus, we work to keep our data science certificate affordable, so you can decide if data science is for you without a large investment of time or money.
While many employers look for bachelor’s or master’s degrees in data science, a data science graduate certificate provides the foundational knowledge you’ll need to enter the field. It can also show you have data literacy skills — skills many businesses need to make smarter decisions. And, if you decide this field is for you, you can enroll in our Master of Data Science and Analytics program and finish it with just five more courses. If you’re wondering, “Is a data science certificate worth it?” we’re sure you’ll find that it is when you start your journey at Elmhurst.
Data Science Graduate Certificate Courses
In Elmhurst University’s online data science certificate program, you’ll take courses in data analysis, programming languages, business intelligence and more.
Five courses are required.
Online Data Science Graduate Certificate Courses
- MDS 523 Data Warehousing
- MDS 534 Introduction to Business Intelligence, Data Mining, and Predictive Modeling
- MDS 546 Quantitative Methods
- Students will complete two additional elective courses from the MDSA curriculum.
If a student chooses to complete the master’s in data science and analytics, additional coursework will include MDS 535, MDS 556, MDS 564, MDS 576 and one additional graduate elective at Elmhurst.
The program director reserves the right to allow students to substitute required data science courses based upon an admission interview.
Programs Related to the Data Science Graduate Certificate at Elmhurst University
Interested in other graduate programs related to what you’d study in our Data Science Graduate Certificate program? Explore these offerings in technology and information systems: