Digital data is being generated at such a rapid pace, resulting in ‘Big Data’ and requiring new techniques for processing and analysis. Whether it’s called big data analytics, predictive analytics, or advanced analytics, Data Science is a growing, evolving field—and nearly every industry is in need of professionals who have the skills required to guide decision-making processes. The Graduate Certificate in Data Science provides an advanced introduction to this field, while also providing a strong foundation to develop further expertise in the future. Get a degree that provides you with the skills required to compete in this exciting career. The program is offered through the Department of Computer Science in the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences.
The Graduate Certificate in Data Science provides a broad introduction to the field—including how to extract and clean data, store and manage large volumes of data, and analyze such data and extract insights from it. The program involves interdisciplinary activities that create data-centered products, applications or programs that help to answer scientific, socio-political or business questions. It requires the ability to integrate data, operate on data at scale, and analyze data to make predictions, find patterns and form and test hypotheses. Practices from a variety of fields are incorporated, including in computer science disciplines such as Machine Learning, Statistics, Databases, and Visualization.
This is a 12-credit graduate program designed to accommodate working professionals while minimally disrupting personal and professional life. Instruction is provided by UMD faculty and experts in the field. The program features face-to-face instructional delivery; classes meet at the UMD College Park campus, mostly in the evenings.
Application Deadline
Fall 2025
Domestic: May 30, 2025
Any student applying for admission to a graduate program at the University of Maryland must meet the following minimum admission criteria as established by the Graduate School.
- Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution.
- Applicants must have earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Applicants must provide an official copy of a transcript for all of their post-secondary work.
General Requirements:
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcript(s)
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
Program-Specific Requirements:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
- CV/Resume
- Description of research/work experience
- Prior coursework establishing quantitative ability (including calculus II, linear algebra, statistics, etc.)
- Proficiency in programming languages, demonstrated either through prior programming coursework or substantial software development experience
The Graduate Certificate in Data Science is a 12-credit (four 3-credit courses) program that provides a broad introduction to the field—including how to extract and clean data, store and manage large volumes of data, and analyze such data and extract insights from it.
Sample Plan of Study
Semester 1 (Fall): DATA601 Probability and Statistics & DATA602 Principles of Data Science
Semester 2 (Spring): DATA604 Data Representation and Modeling & Elective
Elective Options include:
DATA 603: Principles of Machine Learning
DATA 605: Big Data Systems
DATA 606: Algorithms for Data Science
Find up to date tuition and fee information here for the Graduate Certificate in Data Science.
