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Students in the Mount St. Mary's University data science certificate program.

Data Science Certificate

Make better decisions by making sense of data.

Data Science relies on a variety of skills from data intuition to computer programming to communication through story telling. As more organizations search for ways to take advantage of data in their decision-making process, the need for those with a background in data science is becoming more important than ever. Understanding how to read, use and apply your organization's data is critical to making the right choices and staying ahead of your competitors.

Making it easy for you

The Division of Graduate, Professional and Continuing Education strives to make it easy for you to go back to school on a part-time basis to help you advance your career. We hold classes in the evening one to two nights per week at our convenient Frederick campus in 8-week sessions so you can move through the program quickly and see results sooner.

Our faculty and advisors work one-on-one with you to develop your degree plan, keep you on track, and ensure you gain knowledge you need to make a difference. It's important to us that you feel supported, can maintain your work-life balance, and have access to all of the resources you need to be a successful student. You will have all of the traditional college resources available to aid in your success, such as our award winning Career Center, Writing Center, Library and Learning Services, just to name a few.

Start your free application
  • Undergraduate Major
  • Undergraduate Minor
  • Certificate
  • Graduate Program
  • Accelerated Undergraduate
  • Adult Undergraduate
  • Special Program

Coursework and Format

The data science post-baccalaureate certificate is designed for individuals with non-technical bachelor’s degrees who have the desire to transition into data science careers. The certificate curriculum builds on the skills you have developed without expectations of pre-existing expertise in computer science or statistics. We meet you where you are, and help you bridge the gap to move toward your desired career goal by providing you with the needed pre-requisite skills. 

Course delivery is designed to be flexible for the working adult with heavy reliance on online elements. At the same time, the curriculum is designed to provide a support structure to build your confidence in technical material that may be new to you. Each course is sequenced to build on your knowledge and skills from the preceding course. The delivery approach is also sequenced to move from an initial in-person structure with the first course, to a fully online curriculum with the applications and capstone courses.

Topics include statistics, data engineering and data model applications, among others, providing you with actionable skills for your current role.

Courses include:

  • Introduction to Data Science and the Data Science Lifecycle
  • Data Engineering and Data Munging
  • Predictive Modeling Algorithms and Data Products
  • Data Science Applications
  • Data Science Capstone

Some students find that combining this certificate with the risk management and cybersecurity certificate provides critical skills desired by both career paths.

Combine with an MBA

Learn more about the course sequence for combining the data science post-baccalaureate certificate with the Master of Business Administration degree.

See the sequence

Combine with a Master of Science in Biotechnology and Management

Learn more about the course sequence for combining the data science post-baccalaureate certificate with the Master of Science in Biotechnology and Management degree.

See the Sequence

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Virtual Open Houses

Learn more about the Division of Continuing Studies programs at our virtual open house series! Gain more information about our programs from our admissions team and program directors.

Register for an Upcoming Event

Designed to fit your lifestyle

As a student in the Mount's data science certificate program we make it easy for you to:

  • Attend convenient classes. Classes meet one night per week (6-10 p.m.) and many are available online through our distance education software. Our Frederick campus is minutes from I-70 and I-270, near the FSK Mall.
  • Finish in as few as 10 months. Five courses are offered sequentially, allowing you to focus on one class at a time. Courses are offered in accelerated 8-week sessions with courses beginning in January and August.
  • Support from classmates and faculty. Up to 24 students begin and end the program together, allowing you to connect with classmates.

This program is available to be completed fully online asynchronous and/or synchronous.

Want to see a full descriptions of all data science certificate courses?

See course catalog

Affordability & Financial Aid

Graduate level programs are designed to be taken one course at a time, providing you the flexibility you need to complete the 8-week classes at your own pace; with that the program pricing is set by credit hours instead of by the year like traditional undergraduate programs.

  • $10,500 = Total cost of program tuition.* No additional fees.
  • Cost is based on 15 credits (five classes) at $700 per credit.

*Tuition represents 2023-24 rates, effective July 1, 2023. Tuition is subject to change without notice.

Financial Aid

Students enrolled on at least half-time basis (6-credits per semester) may qualify for financial aid. You may seek financial assistance through federal and state-funded programs, private loan providers, or deferment of undergraduate loans. The Mount also has a variety of employer tuition remission or reimbursement agreements with local businesses and community colleges, so you may just get a discount from your employer or previous college.

Visit our Graduate Student Financial Aid webpage for more details.

Not sure if you qualify for financial aid? Learn more from our financial aid office.

Graduate Student Financial Aid

Admissions & Application

Classes for the certificate begin in January and August, and submitting your application six weeks before your expected start date ensures a priority application decision. There is no application fee.

  • Admissions Deadline: Two weeks prior to the session start date
  • Classes Begin: January and August
  • Priority Application Deadline: Six weeks prior to the start of the first course
  • No application fee

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the requirements of the certificate program to be considered for admission.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution.
  • Students must demonstrate one of the following:
    • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher or;
    • Five full years of relevant work experience.

Application Materials

  • Free online application
  • Official undergraduate transcript(s) from all accredited four-year institutions attended after high school
  • Résumé detailing professional experience
  • GRE score (if required based on GPA or work experience)

Free Application

Graduate Science Programs 301-682-8315 frederickadmissions@msmary.edu

Free Application