Certificate
Part-Time Only
Fall I
Online
About the Introduction to Data Science Certificate at Loyola
Data and data science impacts every professional discipline and has a very real effect on the success of organizations across the broad spectrum of business and industry. As a result, there is a continuing need for professionals with a strong foundational knowledge of, and practical skill set for data analytics and problem solving.
The online Introduction to Data Science Certificate offers an introductory to intermediary exploration of analyzing data using statistical tests in the programming language Python.
The program is designed to be approachable and achievable for a wide range of students, including those who don't consider themselves “math-minded.” Students who might find other statistics programs too heavy on math theory and working through formulas appreciate this certificate's more hands-on approach. The Data Science Certificate distills information in a way that encourages thinking of statistical tests as tools in your skills toolbox, which you will have the confidence to use in your actual work after completing the program.
Students in this program work with real-world datasets, developing hands-on skills by taking part in every stage of the data analysis process - from data cleaning, to developing analytic programs, to visualizing the results, to reporting on those results to stakeholders. This leaves graduates of the program prepared to use data to answer pressing social questions as well as to address the needs of a variety of professional clients.
The certificate also includes topics like data ethics and digital ethics, preparing you for many aspects of a challenging, dynamic career in data analytic work.
Program Structure
The Introduction to Data Science Certificate is a three-course, nine-credit-hour program. An optional fourth course is an option if you want additional experience applying theory to practice as you solve a real-world data science problem for a nonprofit organization, under the guidance of faculty.
You will thrive in the program if you have some prior programming or tech experience, or work in a field that exposes you to data but have only done very basic work with it.
The program is completed fully online and asynchronous, making it an excellent fit for working adult learners. You will take one course in three consecutive eight-week sessions, and you can complete the program of study in an accelerated seven to 12 months.
Why Choose Loyola for the Introduction to Data Science Certificate?
- A real-world approach to data science and problem solving
- A credential that can be applied to a broad range of fields
- A convenient online delivery model
- A project-based, hands-on approach to learning
- A small and collaborative learning community
- A supportive faculty of accomplished professionals
The certificate program will enable you to apply the statistical techniques you learn in class to datasets you're working with at your full-time job, helping you develop the skills necessary to solve problems that arise in your professional work.
With data playing a significant role across the broad spectrum of business and industry, the certificate program offers the theoretical foundation and practical skills that can be applied in fields from nursing and IT to social sciences, management, and nonprofits.
You will complete the program's coursework entirely online, taking one course in three consecutive eight-week sessions, positioning you to finalize the program and earn your certificate in seven to 12 months.
The program offers a distinctive project-based approach, offering you introductory statistics content in an applied, practical way while simultaneously teaching coding in Python.
Students who complete this program will walk away with a rich portfolio of programming and data analytic work that they can present to future consulting clients or potential employers. Current students who are already employed in a field that frequently handles data may use course assignments to address their real-life professional projects.
We keep class sizes small as a way to foster a more effective hands-on approach. You'll engage in a highly collaborative learning environment, trading resources, tips, tricks, and useful discoveries with your fellow students via the course's Slack channel.
As a student in the certificate program, you will be guided by a faculty of instructors who are successful statistical consultants and programmers, bringing with them the most current, relevant topic areas and hands-on projects that reflect real-world practice.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Continuing and Professional Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Certificate: Introduction to Data Science program.
Faculty and StaffIntroduction to Data Science Certificate: Career Connections
As a graduate of the Introduction to Data Science Certificate program you will be prepared to grow in your existing career, transition to a career within the data science field, or explore data science as a potential career before committing to a degree program or advanced study.
Graduates of the program have worked in IT, management, nonprofit organizations, evaluation, nursing, medical research, and other data-heavy fields. Many others have gone on to pursue a graduate degree in a variety of fields.
Specific job options include:
- Data engineer
- Data analyst
- Business analyst
- Statistician
- Database administrator
- Data architect
- Statistical consultant
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Certificate: Introduction to Data Science program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Certificate: Introduction to Data Science learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogIntroduction to Data Science Certificate Results and Skills
The Introduction to Data Science Certificate program will support you in developing the skills to:
- Design, implement, test, and debug a program using basic computation, variables, expression, I/O, standard conditional and iterative structures (loops), the definition of functions, parameter passing, and recursion
- Apply the relational model to solving real-world problems and implement those models using SQL on standard DBMS platforms and to use a declarative query language (SQL) to elicit information from a database
- Evaluate, clean, and prepare datasets for analysis, and report the results of analyses using clear, accessible language and appropriate visualizations
- Work with data using a standard industry language (Python and SQL)
- Understand and apply ethical considerations relevant to data analysis and reporting
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your return to school a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Certificate: Introduction to Data Science totals $6840.00, or 9 credit hours at a cost of $760.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Certificate: Introduction to Data Science Scholarships
For detailed information about tuition, costs, and aid, please visit the SCPS Tuition & Financial Aid page.
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Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Certificate: Introduction to Data Science are listed below. We encourage you to apply early for priority review. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Rolling applications, recommended deadlines are:
Fall I 2023: August 9, 2023
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Certificate: Introduction to Data Science include:
Completed Application
International Student Requirements
Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.
Additional Details
For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page. There is no fee to apply to graduate programs at Loyola.
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