Program Overview

Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Data Science Program

Overview

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Data Science offered by the Syracuse University School of Information Studies is a 15-credit program that combines core skills in database management and data science with electives like machine learning and data visualization.

Program Details

• Duration: 15 credits
• Delivery: On-campus
• Total Credit Hours: 15
• Courses: 5

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the on-campus Certificate of Advanced Study program at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Graduate Program Application – Submit your application through the Graduate Program Application portal.
2. Pay the Application Fee – A non-refundable fee of $75 is required.
3. Submit Academic Transcripts – Provide one copy of transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you’ve attended.
4. Write a Personal Statement – In approximately 500 words, discuss your academic and personal interests, relevant experiences, reasons for choosing this degree and Syracuse University, and your future plans post-graduation.
5. Obtain One Letter of Recommendation – Request one letter from individuals who can assess your qualifications.
6. Consider Exam Scores – Submitting GRE scores is optional.
7. Provide a Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include an up-to-date resume or CV with your application.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Certificate of Advanced Study in Data Science program at Syracuse University, students will be able to:

• Manage, query, and optimize databases effectively to support data-driven projects.
• Apply advanced data analysis techniques, including machine learning and natural language processing.
• Design and implement data visualization strategies to communicate insights clearly.
• Apply ethics in the development, use, and evaluation of data and predictive models (e.g., fairness, bias, transparency, privacy)

Courses & Curriculum

This certificate requires 15 graduate credits. All courses are 3 graduate credits unless specified otherwise.

Primary Core – 6 credits

• Data Administration Concepts and Database Management (IST 659 | 3 CREDITS)
• Introduction to Data Science (IST 687 | 3 CREDITS)

Electives – 9 credits

Students need to choose three classes from the list of electives below:

• Managing Data Science Projects (IST 644 | 3 CREDITS)
• Scripting for Data Analysis (IST 652 | 3 CREDITS)
• Natural Language Processing (IST 664 | 3 CREDITS)
• Metadata (IST 681 | 3 CREDITS)
• Quantitative Reasoning for Data Science (IST 686 | 3 CREDITS)
• Deep Learning in Practice (IST 691 | 3 CREDITS)
• Responsible AI (IST 692 | 3 CREDITS)
• Applied Machine Learning (IST 707 | 3 CREDITS)
• Big Data Analytics (IST 718 | 3 CREDITS)
• Information Visualization (IST 719 | 3 CREDITS)
• Data Warehouse (IST 722 | 3 CREDITS)
• Text Mining (IST 736 | 3 CREDITS)
• Visual Analytic Dashboards (IST 737 | 3 CREDITS)
• Advanced Big Data Management (IST 769 | 3 CREDITS)
• Data Analysis and Decision Making (MBC 638 | 3 CREDITS)
• Business Analytics (SCM 651 | 3 CREDITS)

Career Opportunities

A Certificate of Advanced Study in Data Science opens doors to diverse career opportunities by equipping students with in-demand data skills. Graduates of our program can pursue roles such as:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Data Engineer
• AI Specialist
• Analytics Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) a degree? No, a CAS is not a degree. It is a specialized credential that signifies advanced training in a specific field.
• Is an advanced certificate the same as a Master’s degree? No, an advanced certificate focuses on specific skills and is shorter than a full Master’s program.
• Can you become a data scientist with just a Certificate (CAS) in Data Science? Yes, a CAS in Data Science can help qualify you for entry-level roles, depending on your background.