What You'll Learn
Through the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science, you’ll learn to:
- Master key facets of data investigation, including data wrangling, cleaning, sampling, management, exploratory analysis, regression and classification, prediction, and data communication.
- Implement foundational concepts of data computation, such as data structure, algorithms, parallel computing, simulation, and analysis.
- Leverage your knowledge of key subject areas, such as game theory, statistical quality control, exponential smoothing, seasonally adjusted trend analysis, or data visualization.
Courses
The Data Science Graduate Certificate requires four online courses from the following course topic areas.
Statistics (1 Course)
Example courses:
- CSCI 106 Data Modeling
- STAT 109 Introduction to Statistical Modeling
Electives (2 Courses)
Example courses:
- CSCI 83 Fundamentals of Data Science
- CSCI 101 Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
Data Science (1 Course)
This course is taken as the third or final course.
Example courses:
- CSCI 63C Elements of Data Science and Statistical Learning with R
- CSCI 109A Introduction to Data Science
Searching and Registering for Courses
Available course options vary by term. You can browse course options for fall, spring, or summer in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Course Preview: Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
Who Should Enroll: Prerequisites
Knowledge of statistics and basic programming is recommended for this certificate. If you do not have a strong background in statistics, start with an introductory statistics course, such as STAT 100 before beginning this certificate.
The data science certificate will be difficult for students with no knowledge of Python. If you do not have a background in programming, you should consider first taking CSCI 7. You may wish to consider our Programming Certificate.
A Faculty of Data Science Experts
Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world's best. Our faculty are at the forefront of innovations in data science.
Our Community at a Glance
Students learn the latest in data analysis, innovation, and research with hands-on learning and top-tier instructors.
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35
Average Age
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76%
Working Full Time
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22%
Students Outside the U.S.
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30%
Complete in Under the Average of 3 Years
Earning Your Certificate
Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a certificate.
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Build a Stackable Credential Pathway
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn a micro or graduate certificate. Once completed, those courses may count toward a master’s degree.
You may stack one of the following microcertificates into the Data Science Graduate Certificate:
The Data Science Graduate Certificate can be stacked into a data science master’s degree.
Stackable pathways offer an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2025–26 rate) | $3,440 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,760 |
FAQs
Will the graduate certificate in data science help me advance in my career?
Pursuing this online graduate certificate will give you the latest skills in data analysis, innovation, and research. Students who have earned the Data Science Graduate Certificate have secured roles such as consultant, data analyst, data engineer, and data scientist at top companies, including Apple, Amazon, Bank of America, Cognizant, Google, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Oracle, and Verizon.
What is the difference between a data science certificate and a data science master’s degree?
The Data Science Graduate Certificate consists of four courses (16 credits) and provides foundational expertise in machine learning, predictive modeling, and data analytics. This program equips students with essential skills in handling, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive decision-making. For those looking to deepen their knowledge, the Data Science Master’s Degree offers an advanced curriculum, covering data engineering, deep learning, LLM models, big data analytics, and the ethical and legal dimensions of data applications. In addition to coursework, the Data Science Master’s Degree program emphasizes data visualization, hands-on problem-solving through a team-based capstone project, and collaborative proposal development during an immersive on-campus experience, where students engage in research-driven discussions and apply their skills to real-world challenges. With a flexible format—11 online courses and 1 required on-campus session—students can balance their education with professional commitments.
How long will it take to complete the data science certificate?
This online graduate certificate program is designed with flexibility in mind. You are required to complete four courses (16 credits), but you can spread these courses out, up to three years, depending on your schedule. Most students complete the certificate within 18–24 months.
Does the program cover artificial intelligence?
Yes, this graduate certificate program includes elective course options in artificial intelligence. If you are looking to specialize even further, you could also explore the Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate.
What is the typical weekly time commitment for each course?
Each course usually requires a commitment of 8 to 12 hours per week. This time includes the online course, assignments, and participating in hands-on projects.
How do I get started on the certificate?
To get started on your Data Science Graduate Certificate, you simply register for your first course. We offer courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. There is no application.
