Key Features

Admission Requirements

The only recommended prerequisite is a completed post-secondary degree in a field outside of computer science or statistics. No previous data science experience is required.

For learners who already have a background in computer science, please visit the DCS Technology Upskilling Program.

Flexibility: full Certificate or individual courses

You can take individual courses or take 6 courses to receive the Data Science Certificate.

Range of topics available

You can take courses based on your interest and need. There are 8 courses to choose from:

  • Data Science Foundations (Introduction to Unix Shell, Git, and GitHub)
  • Introduction to R
  • Introduction to Python
  • Data Storage and Access (Introduction to SQL)
  • Sampling
  • Estimation, Testing, and Learning
  • Visualization
  • Causal Inference

Course hours & length (week)

Each course is 3 weeks with each week 7 hours (in total 21 hours). You can take as short as 18 weeks (around 5 months) to complete the certificate (6 courses).

Certificate Requirements

Complete Data Science Foundations, plus 5 others from the remaining 7 courses/ You have 2 years to complete the courses towards the Certificate.

Flexible format

Online synchronous format

Part-time (weekday nights and weekend mornings), intense model to accommodate professionals.

Support for homework and assignments

Each course includes both an instructor and an assistant instructor, ensuring in-class support for learners.

Below is the schedule for tutorial sessions with the TA; during the tutorial sessions, you can drop in online for support

  • 5-6 pm ET on Mondays & Thursdays*
  • 8:30-9 am ET and noon-12:30 pm on Saturdays*
  • *The tutorial schedule is adjusted for the Sampling course in Winter 2023, to Tuesday & Wednesday nights, and Saturday afternoons

Case Studies

The Data Science Certificate includes the opportunity to learn from private sector experts through case studies. The case study component provides learners with important insights into the professional world of data science analytics.

Costs

  • $950 CAD
  • $5,700 CAD for the Certificate based on a minimum of 6 courses

Tax receipt

We can issue T2202 Tuition and Education Certificate (Canada Revenue Agency).

Discount

We offer a 10% discount to UofT faculty, staff, students and alumni and individuals appointed at DSI member institutions.

OSAP

All the DSI Certificate courses are eligible for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). If you are registering for our courses, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 towards your Certificate or courses.

For details, please check the Financial Assistance page.