Post-Bacc Certificate in Data Science
A Data Science Certificate for Career Changers
The Tufts online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to enter the growing field of data science or continue on to graduate-level study. As part of the Pathway to MS in Data Science, this flexible online program helps you build the analytical and technical foundation needed to pursue new opportunities or transition into the online Master of Science in Data Science.
Students complete advanced coursework in key areas such as data analysis, modeling, data structures, and systems. Upon completing the bridge courses, qualified students earn the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science and may continue seamlessly into the MS in Data Science program, completing both credentials in approximately 2.5 years.
What are the program benefits?
- Pathway to a Master’s Degree: Complete the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and continue directly into the online MS in Data Science program, with no need for a second application.
- Essential Data Science Skills: Gain experience with programming, algorithms, statistics, and data systems—skills that support both advanced coursework and career transitions.
- Flexible Online Format: Learn on your schedule with asynchronous and interactive online courses designed for working professionals and career changers.
- Accelerated Timeline: Earn the certificate in as little as one semester and begin the MS in Data Science shortly after, completing both programs in around 2.5 years.
- No GRE Required: Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution are not required to submit GRE scores.
Pathways to Data Science
Tufts School of Engineering offers two online pathways for students seeking to advance into the field of data science. Both options provide the same curriculum and lead to a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science.
After completing the program, qualified students can apply their new skills to pursue expanded career opportunities or continue directly into the Tufts online MS in Data Science program.
MS in Data Science Pathway
Gain the essential knowledge and skills in data structures, algorithms, hardware, and systems that will qualify you for our online MS in Data Science. As part of the Pathway to MS in Data Science, you will receive a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science upon completion of the bridge materials.
Post-Baccalaureate Data Science Certificate
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science provides a strong academic base in areas such as data analysis, modeling, statistics, and data systems. Whether you’re transitioning into a data-focused role or expanding your current skill set, this certificate from Tufts School of Engineering offers a valuable credential to support your career growth.
Data Science Courses
The online Pathway to MS in Data Science covers essential data science courses and is designed for students who aspire to jumpstart their technical careers. Students will earn the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science upon completion of the bridge materials in as little time as one semester and can then proceed to the MSDS program, earning their master’s degrees in just 2.5 years.
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4 Credits
An introduction to the theory of vector spaces and linear transformations over real or complex numbers. Topics include linear independence, dimension, matrix multiplication, similarity and change of basis, inner products, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and some applications.
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4 Credits
In this course, data structures and algorithms are studied through major programming projects in the C++ programming language. Topics covered include linked lists, trees, graphs, dynamic storage allocation, and recursion.
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4 Credits
The fundamentals of programming for data-intensive science. Examples are drawn from data preparation and transformation, statistical data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, and deep data science including recommendation systems and trend analysis.
- Data structures and algorithms for data manipulation, cleaning, and preparation.
- Design of data manipulation programs. Coding standards and practices.
- Use and creation of software libraries.
- Techniques for improving program performance.
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3 Credits
This course covers foundations of discrete mathematics and an introduction to proofs. Topics include propositional logic, sets, relations and functions, counting, logic and methods of proof, combinatorics, graphs and digraphs, probability, and number theory.
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3 Credits
Advanced analysis in probabilistic systems with strong emphasis on theoretical methods. Development of analytical tools for the modeling and analysis of random phenomena with application to problems across a range of engineering and applied science disciplines. Probability theory, sample and event spaces, discrete and continuous random variables, conditional probability, expectations and conditional expectations, and derived distributions. Sums of random variables, moment generating functions, central limit theorem, laws of large numbers. Statistical analysis methods, including hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and nonparametric methods. Undergraduates may not take both EE 0024 and EE 0104 for degree credit. Prerequisite: Math 0042 or equivalent. Recommendation: Senior or graduate standing or consent of instructor.
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3 Credits
This course provides an overview of methods by which computers can learn from data or experience and make decisions accordingly. Topics include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and knowledge extraction from large databases with applications to science, engineering, and medicine. You’ll learn to recognize a problem as being appropriate for a machine learning solution and take steps to solve that problem with an applicable technique.
The Tufts Master of Science in Data Science program focuses on innovation and discovery, preparing students to pursue better job opportunities and research projects, advance within their current organization, and increase their earning potential. Students learn data analysis techniques that are essential for entering a market that is seeking new and ambitious talent ready to set the standard for future data science careers.
Explore high-demand jobs you can pursue with an online data science master’s degree and the average salary you could earn:
| Job Title | Average Salary ³ |
|---|---|
| Data science manager | $146,695 |
| Database architect | $125,525 |
| Machine learning engineer | $119,197 |
| Analytics manager | $106,188 |
| Data scientist | $100,942 |
| Data engineer | $97,330 |
| Statistician | $90,144 |
| Database administrator | $79,454 |
³ Salaries shown above are based on average salaries reported to Payscale as of September 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The data speaks for itself. The demand for data science jobs is high, meaning compensation offers match the desire for new talent across industries. Many data scientists can earn over $100,000 a year within a few years, so the salary potential with a data science certificate credential is promising. Beyond monetary gain, earning a post-baccalaureate certificate in the Pathway to MS in Data Science program and subsequently earning your MS in Data Science can lead to greater, more diverse career opportunities in a field at the forefront of tech innovation.
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As a graduate of the Tufts online data science certificate program, you can choose from numerous career paths depending on your interests. From data analysis and architecture to modeling and visualization, you’ll have the technical skills to expand your career opportunities and move into management roles. Check out our deep dive into common data science jobs.
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No specific background experience is required to apply to the online Pathway to MS in Data Science program. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to enhance your existing skills, our program is designed to accommodate students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
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Yes, you can pursue the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) after completing the Pathway to MS in Data Science program.
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The application requirements for the Pathway to MS in Data Science (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science) program include:
- Application fee
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
For application help, schedule a one-on-one walkthrough with an enrollment advisor.
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Cost per credit for the Pathway to MS in Data Science (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science) program is $1,765 for graduate-level courses (numbered 100 and above) and $1,049 for undergraduate-level courses (numbered below 100).* Please review tuition and financial aid resources available.
*While most tuition rate changes are effective in the fall term each academic year, The Trustees of Tufts College reserve the right to change the tuition or to establish additional fees or charges for special features or services whenever such action is deemed advisable. We will provide the earliest possible notification of changes in tuition and other fees.
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Students enrolled in the Pathway to MS in Data Science are eligible for certain scholarships. These scholarships can only be used towards the MS in Data Science degree program. Our dedicated financial aid advisors can help you explore scholarship opportunities, grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance to make your education more affordable.
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As a student in the Tufts online Pathway to MS in Data Science program, you’ll have access to a comprehensive array of support services designed to enhance your learning experience and facilitate your academic success. These services include:
- Dedicated academic advisors
- Technical support resources
- Online tutoring
- Career counseling
- Networking opportunities
- Access to online library resources and research databases.
Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to excel in your studies and achieve your professional goals.
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No, the Tufts online Pathway to MS in Data Science program is 100 percent online, allowing you to complete your coursework from anywhere. Our flexible online format enables you to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments while still benefiting from the same high-quality education and resources available to on-campus students.
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To learn more about the Tufts online Pathway to MS in Data Science, schedule a one-on-one walkthrough with an enrollment advisor or request more information. Tufts University offers a flexible, 100 percent online program designed to help you advance your career.
Featured Data Science Faculty
Martin Allen
Brian Aull
Alva Couch
Department of Computer Science
Jivko Sinapov
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