Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete graduate application
2. Submit $40 non-refundable application free
3. Request official transcripts certifying an undergraduate degree earned from an accredited institution.*
   • Electronic (recommended):
     gradadm@louisville.edu
   • Physical Mail:
     University of Louisville,
     Graduate School
     2211 S Brook St, Houchens Bldg, Rm 105
     Louisville, KY 40292;
4. Check for Scholarships

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Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum GPA of 2.75 or above

Applicants are recommended to have successful completion of college algebra and introductory statistics, and experience/knowledge in computing, database and statistical software such as MatLab, SQL or other advanced packages. Students who have not met these criteria are encouraged to apply but may be asked to take pre-requisite courses.

*See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.

International Students – Additional Notes/Requirements

• Bachelor's degrees earned internationally must be assessed to ensure that entrance requirements are met. Bachelor's degrees earned internationally must be assessed to ensure that entrance requirements are met. All transcripts not in English must be certified as authentic and translated verbatim into English.
• If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students.
• A minimum total TOEFL score of 79 or an overall IELTS minimum score of 6.5 or Duolingo English Test minimum score of 105 for all foreign students from counties in which English is not the native language.
• International students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the online data science certificate program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.

The online graduate Data Science Certificate is an 18 credit hour program that requires 9 credit hours in core courses and 9 credit hours in electives. All courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length. You will have the option of choosing any three of the electives listed below, specializing your certificate to match your interests or career goals.

Core Courses

Electives Courses

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Course Descriptions

Learn from the best!

The faculty at the University of Louisville are leaders in the field of Data Science, Data Warehousing, and Data Analysis. Their expertise spans the use of text, web, numerical, and image databases. They have worked in application areas such as medical, e-commerce, security, military, institutional, and financial research. Our faculty have authored or contributed to textbooks and professional publications and have received research awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Department of Defense (DoD).

• What are the prerequisites for this program?

  The Graduate Certificate in Data Science requires prerequisite courses in the following areas: college algebra or a higher math, introduction to statistics AND a basic computer science course. If a student has not completed the required undergraduate prerequisite courses, they can work with a Speed School advisor to ensure they are taking the correct ones prior to enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. For more information contact, Leigh Ann Elles, Assistant Director of Engineering Graduate Programs at leigh.elles@louisville.edu to see if your previous educational and professional background matches the requirements needed for admittance or if additional prerequisites are required

• What counts as a bachelor’s degree in a “technically related field”?

  A student will need an undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or above (applicants with a lower GPA between 2.50-2.749 may obtain conditional admission). While an undergraduate degree in a technically related field like computer science, data science, statistics of computer information systems is encouraged, a student who has an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and meets all other admission requirements is welcome to apply.

• How do I demonstrate knowledge in computing software as required for admissions? Do I need to submit my resume?

  While a resume is not required for any certificate program in the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, they are highly recommended. A resume provides the opportunity for the admission staff to review all other credentials and employment history that may not be obvious on a student’s transcripts. The admission committee will also review a student’s degree(s) along with corresponding courses completed along with grades received from an accredited undergraduate university or college.

• What if I don’t have software experience in computing science?

  All students who are interested in the Graduate Certificate in Data Science are welcome to apply if they meet the admission requirements. However, some students may be required to take a basic computer science, statistics or algebra math course after their application is reviewed by the program director. This is where a resume is helpful if a student has been working in a computer science field after graduation.

• What if I have completed college algebra, but not statistics? Can introductory statistics courses be completed within the program?

  Yes, we offer several different options to complete the prerequisite courses and offer students the option to decide which one is best for them. Prerequisite courses for the Graduate Certificate in Data Science include college algebra or a higher math, introduction to statistics and a basic computer science course. An interested student can work with the program director to enroll in a prerequisite course at UofL online prior to starting the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. For more information on the admission and application process, please contact Leigh Ann Elles, Assistant Director of Engineering Graduate Programs at leigh.elles@louisville.edu .