Graduate Certificate Programs in Data Science

Ramapo College’s DMC offers three specialized graduate certificate programs designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in data science, analytics, and machine learning. Each certificate consists of just three graduate courses and can be completed in as little as one year.

Why Pursue a Graduate Certificate?

Fast-Track Your Career

Our certificate programs provide focused, practical skills that are immediately applicable in today’s data-driven workplace. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new field, advance in your current role, or stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry, these certificates offer the specialized knowledge employers are seeking.

Pathway to a Master’s Degree

The certificate programs are designed as a strategic pathway to a Master of Science degree. Students who complete all three certificates will have completed the majority of coursework required for the MS in Data Science, needing only two additional courses to earn their full master’s degree. Additionally, certificate coursework can be applied toward other master’s programs, allowing you to build credentials incrementally while managing work and personal commitments.

Flexible and Accessible

Our certificate programs are delivered in a hybrid format combining online asynchronous learning with one evening per week on campus, making them ideal for working professionals. Courses utilize the same curriculum as our highly-ranked graduate programs, taught by dedicated full-time faculty.

The Three Certificate Programs

Certificate #1: Data Analyst

The Data Analyst certificate is designed for professionals interested in data and business analytics skills, with a focus on the interpretation and presentation of data. This certificate prepares you to extract meaningful insights from data and communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.

Required Courses

• DATA 601 – Introduction to Data Science
  Foundation course covering programming, data analysis, data visualization, ethics, and security/privacy concerns. Includes a seminar component featuring industry professionals currently working in data science.
• DATA 670 – Data Visualization
  Learn techniques and algorithms for creating effective visualizations based on principles from graphic design, visual art, perceptual psychology, and cognitive science. Gain hands-on experience with modern visualization tools and best practices for communicating visual analysis.

Elective (Choose One)

• CMPS 530 – Python for Data Science
• DATA 690 – Topics: Data Communication
• Other approved electives

Certificate #2: Data Modeler

The Data Modeler certificate provides advanced skills in statistics and the underlying methods of synthesizing raw data into actionable information. This certificate is ideal for professionals who want to understand the mathematical foundations of data analysis and predictive modeling.

Required Courses

• MATH 570 – Applied Statistics
  Introduction to statistical methods used in data science with emphasis on applications. Topics include probability foundations, random variables and distributions, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, Bayesian analysis, and model building.
• MATH 680 – Advanced Mathematical Modeling
  Develop, use, and assess models to solve real-world problems using the mathematical modeling process. Study models from various disciplines including linear programming, network science, decision theory, and machine learning.

Elective (Choose One)

• CMPS 620 – Machine Learning
• MATH 562 – Applied Linear Algebra
• DATA 670 – Data Visualization
• DATA 687 – Time Series Data

Certificate #3: Machine Learning Engineer

The Machine Learning Engineer certificate is designed for students seeking to develop the software and programming skills, along with the mathematical underpinnings, necessary to work with machine learning and big data systems. This certificate prepares you to build and deploy machine learning solutions in production environments.

Required Courses

• CMPS 530 – Python for Data Science
  Introduces fundamental programming concepts and skills utilized by data scientists, including parallel computing, input/output, and visualization through Python and associated libraries (numpy, pandas, etc.). Prepares students for advanced computing courses in databases, big data analytics, and machine learning.
• CMPS 620 – Machine Learning
  Provides the mathematical underpinnings of machine learning along with software development skills to develop models and integrate machine learning into practical applications. Topics include linear and logistic regression, deep learning, and state-of-the-art techniques, with emphasis on both capabilities and limitations of machine learning.

Elective (Choose One)

• CMPS 664 – Advanced Database and Big Data Systems
• MATH 562 – Applied Linear Algebra
• DATA 670 – Data Visualization
• DATA 687 – Time Series Data

Preparation and Prerequisites

We understand that students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Before beginning your certificate program, you’ll schedule an interview with the Program Director to assess whether any transitional coursework is needed to prepare for your three-course sequence.

Transitional coursework typically consists of one or two undergraduate courses in computer programming and statistics, which can be completed as a non-matriculated student. These courses are regularly offered in Spring, Fall, and Summer sessions, allowing you to begin your certificate program quickly.

In some cases, certain elective courses have prerequisites that may be waived by the Program Director based on your work experience and demonstrated skills. This flexibility recognizes that returning working professionals often possess the necessary competencies through their professional experience.

Building Toward Your Master’s Degree

The certificate programs are strategically designed to stack toward graduate degrees. Students who complete all three certificates will have completed 27 of the 30 credits required for the MS in Data Science. Only two additional courses would be needed to earn the full master’s degree:

• DATA 620 – Ethics in Data and Computing
• DATA 750 – Data Science Thesis

Additionally, courses completed in the certificate programs can be applied toward other master’s programs offered by the DMC, allowing you to build credentials that align with your evolving career goals. This modular approach lets you earn stackable credentials while minimizing financial and time commitments.

Program Details

• Format: Hybrid delivery – online asynchronous plus one evening per week on campus
• Duration: Complete each certificate in one semester or spread across multiple terms
• Class Size: Small classes with dedicated full-time faculty
• Accreditation: Courses are part of Ramapo’s nationally-ranked graduate programs

Who Should Apply?

Our graduate certificate programs are ideal for:

• Working professionals seeking to transition into data science, analytics, or machine learning roles
• Current analysts or developers looking to formalize and expand their skills
• Managers and business professionals who need to understand data science capabilities
• Recent graduates who want specialized training before pursuing a full master’s degree
• Anyone looking to stay competitive in an increasingly data-driven economy

Next Steps

Ready to advance your career with a graduate certificate in data science? Contact our Program Director to schedule an advising session and discuss which certificate program aligns with your goals.

Program Director:
Dr. Scott Frees
Email: sfrees@ramapo.edu

Visit our website to learn more about the DMC and our graduate programs: www.ramapo.edu/dmc