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The School of Information directly engages issues at the intersection of technology, people, and information. Through transdisciplinary curriculum, the 9-credit hour Foundations of Data Science graduate certificate aims to train graduate students who wish for a focused amount of foundational data science training as a gateway into a full graduate degree, as an augmenting experience to combine with other graduate degree endeavors, or as a stand-alone training to aid them in their professional lives. This certificate encompasses foundational work in data science.
The ever-increasing pace of technological innovation requires a more information-savvy workforce that understands not only the how, what, where, when, and why of technology and data but how to apply that knowledge. At the University of Arizona’s School of Information, we have faculty and students engaged in research and education around all aspects of the information sciences without regard for disciplinary boundaries. We do research in: artificial intelligence; data management and curation; computer vision; computer-mediated communication and learning; natural language processing; social networking; human computer interfaces; dark networks; computational art creation; eCommerce, eGovernment, and eHealth; computational music; library sciences; educational and entertainment technologies; and much more.
We are preparing our graduates to be the doers, thinkers, solvers, and game-changers, not only of the problems and opportunities we see now, but also of the myriad scenarios we can’t yet imagine but are sure to arise during our students’ lifetimes.
**The Masters of Information degree has undergone a name change effective Spring 2023. Interested future students should search for the Masters of Science in Information Science, with sub-plans in either Machine Learning or Human-Centered Computing**
School of Information
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Arizona Online - Online
Applicants are expected to have completed undergraduate coursework or have professional experience in programming and statistics. Coursework in calculus is preferred but not required. Applicants should be able to speak to their experience in quantitative and analytical reasoning abilities, as well as experience with math and programming including data structures, analysis of algorithms, and linear algebra.
Applications to our certificate programs are reviewed by our Certificate Coordinator. To be admitted, you must meet the minimum requirements of the UA Graduate College, which include:
You are required to submit the following materials as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed until all required information is received.
Write a 750-1000 word written statement of introduction and interest in the program. The Statement of Purpose should be uploaded in your online application in the ‘Supplemental Questions’ section.
Upload unofficial transcripts from ALL higher education institutions attended as part of the online application under ‘Supplemental Questions’ section.
Official e-transcripts can be sent to transcripts@grad.arizona.edu directly from the institution. Official transcripts can be requested after the graduate college has provided requirements in their letter once admittance has occurred.
Provide email addresses and contact information for two recommenders in the ‘Letters of Recommendation’ section of the online application.
Upload a current resumé or curriculum vitae (CV) as part of the online application in the ‘Supplemental Questions’ section.
A Graduate College admission application is needed if you are:
Please complete the following:
The GRE is not required for admissions.
Students should visit the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid for information on available aid for certificates.
Domestic Applicants:
International Applicants:
International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.
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The Foundations of Data Science certificate requires 9 units (3 courses) in core informational areas. These courses can overlap entirely with the MS INFO degree if students are dual enrolled. Students can complete the certificate in 1-2 semesters. Certificates must be completed within 4 years of the first course.
Required Courses
INFO 520 Ethical Issues in Information
INFO 523 Data Mining and Discovery
INFO 526 Data Visualization
Students will complete 3 required core courses for this certificate. No electives are required.
Transfer Units
You can transfer up to 3 units from other accredited institutions with the approval of the certificate advisor.
Any course substitutions must be approved in advance by the certificate advisor.
Up to 9 units can be shared between the certificate and Master's degree.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.