About the Online Data Analytics Certificate
We live in a data-centered world, and the ability to make data-driven decisions and craft strategy informed by an effective analysis of data are key elements of successful leadership in any industry. The online Certificate in Data Analytics is a 4-course, 4 c.u.* sequence designed to provide a point of entry for individuals to gain expertise in data analytics. The certificate’s four data analytics classes take place online with flexible scheduling to accommodate working adults, so that you can develop your data literacy while working on your career. Courses are taught by experts and experienced practitioners, including members of the Penn faculty from the Penn Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies. You don’t need prior training in math, statistics, or programming to succeed in the data analytics program. The only prerequisites are a familiarity with using a computer, basic math skills, and a willingness to learn.
Prior to the start of the term, students in DATA 1010 are required to complete an online, pre-course module that takes approximately 3-5 hours. Read more about this module on the DATA 1010 course page.
Data Analytics Certificate Requirements
- The Certificate in Data Analytics is a 4-course, 4 c.u.* credit program of study taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty.
- To earn a certificate, students complete the four courses offered, beginning with DATA 1010: Introduction to Data Analytics. See courses below.
Flexible Course Schedule and Tuition
Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Data Analytics are offered on an accelerated (8-week) schedule. Courses in this online certificate program include a weekly synchronous session. All Penn LPS Online courses are taught at the undergraduate level by Penn instructors.
Although courses in this certificate must be taken sequentially to build your expertise in data analytics, you have the option to enroll in one or more online data analytics courses without committing to the entire online certificate. Visit the Cost of Attendance page for course tuition and fee rates.
Watch a video of a recent virtual information session to hear from the program team and instructors about the Certificate in Data Analytics.
If you are having trouble viewing this video, watch it on YouTube.
*Academic credit is defined by the University of Pennsylvania as a course unit (c.u.). A course unit (c.u.) is a general measure of academic work over a period of time, typically a term (semester or summer). A c.u. (or a fraction of a c.u.) represents different types of academic work across different types of academic programs and is the basic unit of progress toward a degree. One c.u. is usually converted to a four-semester-hour course.
Student Voices
“Data science is applicable to just about anything that I would want to do. The certificate encouraged creative thinking, especially the higher-level classes. When you’re guided down a narrow path, it’s hard to do things that are outside of that path. Having flexibility in how you approach data lets you extrapolate more, makes it applicable.”
Peter Lewis
Energy Efficiency Analyst, Philadelphia Gas Works
Certificate in Data Analytics
The Certificate in Data Analytics prepares you to:
- Implement and interpret basic regression models
- Understand advanced predictive modeling and machine learning
- Implement and analyze surveys
- Design experiments and A/B tests to test solutions and address problems
- Develop skills in statistical programming and data analysis in R
- Apply skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems
- Manage and analyze big data sets
Meet the Faculty
- Robert A. Fox Leadership Professor, Faculty Director of the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program, University of Pennsylvania
- Faculty Director of Penn’s Program for Opinion Research and Election Studies
- Director of the Elections Unit, NBC News
- Director of Operations for Penn's Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies and the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program
- Professor, Department of Political Science
- Stephen & Mary Baran Chair in the Institutions of Democracy, Annenberg Public Policy Center
- Penny & Robert Fox Director of the Fels Institute of Government
Careers related to Data Analytics
The Certificate in Data Analytics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to analyze data and make data-informed decisions. The certificate is not designed to train you to be a data scientist but to provide a foundation and confidence in data analysis techniques. Career options may include:
- Business analyst
- Policy analyst
- Market researcher
- Digital marketer
- Product manager
- Performance management professional
- Quality assurance professional
Online Data Analytics Courses
Courses in the Certificate in Data Analytics must be completed sequentially, beginning with DATA 1010: Introduction to Data Analytics. Students must complete all four online data analytics courses in order to earn the Certificate in Data Analytics.
- DATA 1010: Introduction to Data Analytics
- DATA 2100: Intermediate Data Analytics
- DATA 3100: Introduction to Statistical Methods
- DATA 4010: Advanced Topics in Data Analytics
Courses are subject to change.
