About the Foundational Data Science Advanced Certificate Program
Fall Quarter Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
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Offered by UC San Diego's Halicioğlu Data Science Institute
100% Online
Transferable Graduate Degree Credits
Advance Your Career with Certificate in Foundational Data Science
In today’s data-driven world, organizations across every industry are seeking professionals who can turn raw information into actionable insights. UC San Diego’s Advanced Certificate in Foundational Data Science is designed to meet this demand by equipping professionals with critical skills in programming, statistics, and machine learning—all delivered through a fully online, flexible format.This advanced certificate program blends theory and application, helping students build a solid foundation in the tools and techniques of modern data science. Through a hands-on curriculum, you’ll learn to:
- Collect, clean, and transform raw data into structured formats for analysis
- Apply statistical and machine learning methods to uncover patterns and support data-driven decisions
- Use Python to develop analytical workflows and predictive models
Program Design
The Advanced Certificate in Foundational Data Science curriculum is designed to provide a rigorous yet accessible pathway into the core areas of data science. Through a sequence of three graduate-level courses, students gain hands-on experience with essential tools and techniques used in the field, including programming in Python, statistical analysis, and machine learning.
Program Courses:
-
Python Programming for Data Science DSC-207R (4 units)
-
Foundations of Probability and Statistics for Data Science DSC-215R (4 units)
-
Machine Learning Fundamentals DSC-255R (4 units)
Via concurrent enrollment, students accepted into this program will take these courses alongside MDS students. The program can be completed over two or three quarters depending on whether students take DSC-207R and DSC-215R in the same quarter.
Note that DSC-207R and DSC-215R must be successfully completed before taking DSC-255R.
The program is cohort based, with the option to begin in either Fall or Winter Quarter. Possible course sequences are as follows:
| Fall Quarter | Winter Quarter | Spring Quarter |
| DSC-207R | DSC-215R | DSC-255R |
| or | ||
| DSC-207R and DSC-215R | DSC-255R | N/A |
Winter Quarter Start
| Fall Quarter | Winter Quarter | Spring Quarter |
| N/A | DSC-207R and DSC-215R | DSC-255R |
Admissions Information
Deadlines
Applications requirements and deadlines for either a Fall Quarter start (September) or Winter Quarter start (January) are listed below.
Program capacity is currently limited. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
| Fall 2025 Deadline | Winter 2026 Deadline | |
| Application Open | August 1, 2025 | October 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
| Enrollment Deadline | September 21, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| Classes Start | September 25, 2025 | January 5, 2025 |
Admissions Eligibility
Students must have the following to be considered for acceptance into this program:
- A Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution (a minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred for those who wish to pursue the full Master's degree)
- Calculus III (multivarient) or equivalent. See MATH 10C or MATH-40025 as examples.
- Introductory programming language knowledge in any of the following: Python, R, SQL, VBA, C/C++, C#. This may be acquired through coursework or equivalent work experience. See CSE-40028 or CSE-41097 as examples.
- International students only: Scores for the TOEFL or IELTS exam to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Foundational Data Science Advanced Certificate
Required Courses
Required Courses
Additional Information
About the Program
The School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS) and the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute (HDSI), are collaborating with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies (DES) to administer the Foundational Data Science certificate program. Application processing, enrollment, payment and payment plans, and verification of program completion are handled by DES staff. Admissions decisions, course content, faculty selection and academic oversight are handled by SCIDS faculty and staff.
Tuition and Fees
Program fees, in U.S dollars (All fees are subject to change):
- Application Fee: $50 (non refundable)
- Certificate Fee: $125 (non refundable)
- Tuition/Registration Fee: $625 per unit ($2,500 per 4 unit course)
- Academic Computing and Media Services Fee: $50 per quarter
- Required Textbook Costs: $0 (all required readings will be made available for free)
A student completing the program (12 units) in two quarters would therefore expect to a total cost of $7,775 inclusive of the application and certificate fees, or $7,825 if the program is completed in three quarters. Students who are accepted must pay for the full program or have an approved payment plan in place prior to the listed enrollment deadline. The certificate fee is paid once the program is completed for those who wish to earn the certificate.
For students who wish to pursue the MDS or weekend MAS-DSE degree, there is a credit transfer fee of $125 per unit ($500 per course) that will be applied if they are accepted into the degree program.
Transfering Credit
Students who successfully complete this program have the option to apply for and, if subsequently accepted, transfer course credit towards UC San Diego's MDS or MAS-DSE degree programs.
Students who intend to transfer completed coursework for graduate credit into a degree program should be aware that doing so may impact their eligibility to earn a certificate. UC San Diego does not allow credit to be awarded to both a degree and a certificate. Upon completing all three courses, students may choose to either receive the certificate (and pay the $125 certificate fee at that time) or they may opt to pursue the MDS or MAS-DSE degree.
For students who wish to pursue the MDS or MAS-DSE degree, there is a credit transfer fee of $125 per unit ($500 per course) that will be applied following acceptance into the degree program.
Payment Options
No-interest payment plans are available. Upon approval, tuition can be divided into no-interest monthly payments. An initial payment is required for registration processing, with subsequent payments due on the 15th of each month.
FAQs
To apply, click on the "Apply Now" button on the certificate page. If you do not already have a MyExtension student account, you will be prompted to create one to complete the application. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. You can track the progress of your application at MyExtension.
- A laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and microphone (built in or external)
- Access to reliable, fast internet, and an up-to-date web browser
- Primary hard drive for storing large datasets
Those who intend to apply for the MDS or MAS-DSE degree must opt out of earning their certificate as UC San Diego does not allow credit to be awarded to both a certificate and a degree.
The decision to receive the certificate or apply for one of the master’s degrees does not need to be made until all three courses are completed.
Advisory Board
David Banks, PhD
Umesh Bellur, PhD
Kyle Hofer-Mora, MBA
Erik Mjoen
Scott Zoldi
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