Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Data Science
Purdue's Foundation of Data Science Graduate Certificate gives students the opportunity to learn in-demand data science skills in less time than a traditional master’s degree – making fast career advancement accessible and affordable.
Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Data Science
Purdue’s Foundation of Data Science Graduate Certificate gives students the opportunity to learn in-demand data science skills in less time than a traditional master’s degree – making fast career advancement accessible and affordable.
Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Data Science Overview
Purdue’s Foundations of Data Science Graduate Certificate teaches data science competencies in less time than a traditional master’s degree. By taking a handful of 100% online courses, you can add a valuable credential to your resume or plan of study and build foundational skills that will help you stay ahead of this revolutionary trend.
Fast Track Your Way to Becoming a Data Science Expert
- Build in-demand data science skills in less time and for less money than a traditional graduate degree.
- Gain expertise in in-demand areas like machine learning, data visualization, data mining, project management and more.
- Fast-track your career in data science by earning a credential on an accelerated timeline.
- Take classes in the areas that interest you and stack skills for career advancement
Accelerated Learning for Career Advancement
Complete your graduate certificate in just 9 credit hours, with only three courses, allowing you to quickly gain valuable data science skills and boost your career trajectory in less time than a traditional degree.
Online Flexible Learning with Purdue’s Expertise
Study at your own pace through asynchronous courses, with opportunities for live engagement via office hours and seminars. Learn from the well-renowned faculty of Purdue while balancing your career and personal life.
Save time and money with a Purdue graduate certificate. A graduate certificate is a specialized credential that provides advanced knowledge in a specific field. Available to those with a bachelor’s degree, Purdue’s 100% online graduate certificates take less time than a full master’s degree program. They are valuable for individuals looking to quickly advance their careers or pivot to a new industry. Graduate certificates also can serve as a stepping stone toward a master’s degree since they allow students to earn academic credits that may apply to a future graduate program. Ask your enrollment counselor for details or learn more about graduate certificates here.
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Plan Your Path
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Required Course:
- GRAD 50500 – Foundations in Data Science (3 credits)
Core Courses (choose one of the following):
- GRAD 50600 – Big Data Tools and Technologies (3 credits)
- GRAD 50700 – Cross Domain Data Communication and Visualization (3 credits)
- GRAD 50800 – Data Analytics (3 credits)
- GRAD 50900 – Applied Machine Learning: From Foundations to Latest Advances (3 credits)
Elective Courses:
- Students select three credits from the elective course list or any course listed within the Industry Aligned Concentrations
The Foundations of Data Science Graduate Certificate has the following admission requirements:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Professional resume
- Official transcripts from all universities attended, including transfer credits.
- The GRE or GMAT exam is not required for admission.
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Foundations of data science prepares students for a wide range of analytical and technical roles across data-driven industries. These include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, and Machine Learning Engineer, each focused on building and deploying data-powered solutions. Additionally, Research Scientist, Data Analyst, and Quantitative Analyst play key roles in analyzing complex data, developing models, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities for professionals with a foundation in data science. These include Technology, Government, Finance, and Automotive, all of which rely on data-driven insights to guide innovation and operational efficiency. Additionally, Retail, Healthcare, Education, and Telecommunication depend on data science expertise to improve services, optimize performance, and support informed decision-making across complex systems.
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