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What Can I Do with a Data Science Graduate Certificate?

Woman working at a whiteboardImagine having the power to turn raw data into useful insights that can shape the future of any industry. In a world where data is the new currency, if you can decipher its secrets, you can lead the charge. You can gain this superpower, starting  with a Data Science Graduate Certificate from UTSA Online. But what can you do with a data science certificate?

This isn’t just another credential to add to your resume – it’s your ticket to transforming how businesses operate. With data science skills in your arsenal, you’re not just another job-seeker; you’re a game-changer. You turn data into action, innovation, and success. Are you ready to discover what doors a Data Science Certificate can open? 

This certificate is perfect for gaining essential data science skills, even if you come from a different field. Data science certificate programs can give you the tools to boost your current career in data science or shift your career path entirely. And when you choose a program like UTSA’s 100% online Data Science Graduate Certificate, you can pursue your dreams without disrupting your current schedule.

But first things first. Let’s explore what a data science certificate offers, its career opportunities, and the benefits it provides.

What Is a Data Science Certificate?

A Data Science Graduate Certificate is a supplemental educational opportunity available if you already have  a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Pursuing a certificate is also a great idea if you have a background in statistics and want to expand your current skill set. You’ll be empowered with foundational knowledge in programming, machine learning, data analysis, and more. 

What You’ll Learn

Through the Data Science Graduate Certificate program from UTSA Online, you’ll gain a wide range of skills, including:

  • Understanding computational and statistical foundations of data science
  • Making assumptions and understanding the limitations of different data analytics techniques
  • Applying data science methodologies and tools to data-driven problems across disciplines
  • Extracting knowledge from big data to address real-world challenges
  • Retrieving, manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing data using Python, R, and other data science tools

You can earn a Data Science Graduate Certificate and start the path to your dream career with the support of our world-class faculty. They’ll teach you these skills, as well as how to apply them to real-world scenarios and challenges. When you finish, you’ll be set up for success in a career in data science.

Additionally, at UTSA Online, you can know you’re getting a great education. Our online programs are ranked among the best in the country, providing rigorous instruction and priceless flexibility so you can work the program into your schedule.

A graduate certificate teaches you similar foundational skills as a degree, but in less time.  Instead of returning to school for another bachelor’s degree, you’ll take just 15 credit hours.

At UTSA Online, you can gain all the above skills while pursuing a graduate certificate 100% online. You’ll never have to drive to campus or find parking. You won’t even have to carve out time on a specific day for online lectures. You’ll get to expand your knowledge with total flexibility. All UTSA Online classes provide due dates each week, but you’ll get to complete your coursework around YOUR schedule.

Demand for data science skills in the job market

Data science skills are valued across industries in today’s job market, and that isn’t going to change any time soon. There’s a constant demand for professionals with skills in machine learning, data analysis, and programming. In fact, data science jobs are some of the fastest-growing jobs in 2024. Positions projected to grow by 35% between 2022 and 2032. 

Man working with dataWith new advancements in technology happening daily, one report expects the demand for machine learning specialists to increase by 40% by 2027 and the demand for data scientists, analysts, and engineers to grow by between 30-35%. You’ll be well-equipped to rise to the occasion and contribute your new skills to one of the many new positions.

Potential Careers in Data Science

With a Data Science Certificate from UTSA Online, you can pursue a lot of different careers. Your graduate certificate,  combined with your previous educational experience, will give you a significant professional advantage when looking for positions.

With your newly acquired skills you can look at some of the following careers:

  • Business Intelligence Analyst – You’ll analyze data to guide business decisions and enhance strategic planning.
  • Clinical Data Manager – Your role will be managing and ensuring the accuracy of data from clinical trials.
  • Data Warehousing Specialist – You’ll get to design and manage data storage systems for efficient retrieval and analysis.
  • Data Engineer – You’ll be responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure for data collection and processing.
  • Statistical Analyst – Using statistical methods to analyze data, you’ll uncover trends and support decision-making.
  • Database Administrator – It will be your responsibility to secure, organize, and maintain databases for easy access by users.

As you can see, a Data Science Graduate Certificate from UTSA Online opens doors to diverse and exciting career paths. With your new skills from this credential, you’ll be prepared to make a significant impact across various industries. Each role offers unique opportunities to apply your data science expertise.

Advantages of a Data Science Certificate

Today, virtually every organization uses data in some capacity. Data is a necessary resource across industries, so you’ll have several advantages when you earn a Data Science Graduate Certificate

Expanded Career Opportunities

There’s a growing need for professionals like you who have experience in handling and analyzing data. The skills you gain from UTSA Online’s Data Science Graduate Certificate will make you a more marketable job candidate. You’ll be a valuable addition to any team.

A Data Science Certificate expands your potential for career opportunities across a wide range of industries, like:

  • Defense and Security
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Marketing
  • Education
  • Healthcare

With the vast number of industries that leverage data, you have nearly endless opportunities when you have data science skills. Our Data Science Graduate Certificate enables you to pursue your interests and find a career in your dream industry.

Increased Earning Potential

Earning a UTSA Online Data Science Certificate boosts your marketable skills and increases your earning potential.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists earned a median annual wage of about $108,020 in 2023. This is more than double the average for all careers at $48,060. With the advanced earning potential in data science, a graduate certificate can be a great stepping stone in any career path.

A Data Science Certificate enhances your value to employers, justifying higher earnings even in non-data-focused roles.

Skills Gained with Data Science Knowledge

As you gain data science knowledge, you’ll acquire important technical skills and an understanding of tools used in real-world roles. This knowledge will empower you to interact with data in a variety of ways. Through tools, visualize data insights that inform business decisions, and more, you’ll learn to interpret trends. 

You’ll learn the following technical skills: 

  • Programming through tools like Python and R, statistical analysis, 
  • Data management with tools like SQL
  • Data visualization with tools like Tableau, Microsoft Excel, and PowerBI
  • Machine learning 
  • Statistical analysis and probability

Woman working on a computer

Additionally, you’ll also learn soft skills that’ll help you navigate the daily responsibilities of a data science role. For example, you’ll get to practice critical thinking, problem solving, and paying attention to detail.. You’ll also develop helpful interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Our Data Science Graduate Certificate program at UTSA Online incorporates hands-on projects and real-world applications. In our program, you won’t only learn new concepts. You’ll build necessary skills and learn how to use them in context. 

How To Choose the Right Data Science Certificate Program

When pursuing a graduate Data Science Certificate in Texas, you have several options.  As you explore the different programs, you should consider which one is the best all-around fit for you. Weigh factors like accreditation, prestige of the program,  credit requirements, costs, and how well the classes will cater to your current lifestyle and schedule.

Include a note about the prestige talked about above.

Here’s how some of the other Data Science Certificate programs in the state stack up against each other:

University Area of Focus Offered Credits Needed Costs
University of Texas at San Antonio Generalized 100% Online and In-Person 15 credit hours Approximately $8,250 Total ($550/credit hour)
University of Houston Engineering In-Person 15 credit hours Approximately $8,750 Total
University of North Texas Generalized Hybrid 12 credit hours Approximately $5,800
University of Texas at Dallas Generalized In-Person 15 credit hours Approximately $10,486 total
University of Texas at Houston Health Classroom and Online 15 credit hours Approximately $3,900 Total

Keep in mind that the costs above are approximate and may not include additional mandatory fees, like extra course or program fees – at UTSA, our $550 per credit hour rate is all-inclusive. In addition to the above information, don’t forget to consider factors like financial aid opportunities and available support services.

Make sure  to browse each program’s courses to see if they’ll give you the skills needed for your dream job. Then, consider your current lifestyle and how the course format will fit your schedule.

UTSA Online is excellent if you work full-time, support a family, or simply aren’t able to attend in-person classes.  Your courses will be 100% online. Weekly deadlines will help keep you on track, but you complete your assignments when it works best for you. You’ll have the flexibility you need to fit your coursework around your already busy schedule.

Pursue a Data Science Certificate at UTSA Online

Earning a Data Science Certificate provides foundational skills for a fulfilling career in a rapidly growing, diverse field.. Whether you have a prior background in data science or are new to the field, a Data Science Certificate can be a great option for expanding your career options and professional growth.

Contact us today to learn more about our Data Science Graduate Certificate program. If you are interested in pursuing a Data Science Certificate, contact the UTSA Online Graduate Enrollment team at 210-458-4400 or OnlineGrad@utsa.edu.