UofC

Program number: 403.220.7495
Email address: datascience@ucalgary.ca
Web page URL: ucalgary.ca/science/data-science/graduate

The University of Calgary offers the following programs in Data Science and Analytics: 

• Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics 
• Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics

Specializations offered under the Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics:

• Health Data Science and Biostatistics 
• Data Science
• Business Analytics

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies' admission requirements, all applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• A four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution;
• A minimum admission grade point average of 3.00 on a four-point scale or equivalent;
• The successful completion of the following undergraduate courses:
  • one course in computer programming or computer science or equivalent; 
  • one course in statistics or equivalent, and 
  • one course in either calculus or linear algebra or equivalent.

Students who successfully completed the Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics with a GPA of 3.00 or higher will meet the minimum admission requirements for the Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics.

Note: In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievement may be considered for admission to this program (see Qualifications). The candidate must provide the Data Science Program Director with evidence demonstrating the potential to successfully undertake this certificate program. Such candidates may also be required to participate in an in-person interview with the Program Director.

The deadline for completed applications is available on the Future Students website:

Post-baccalaureate certificate: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/data-science-analytics-certificate-course-based

Post-baccalaureate diploma: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/data-science-analytics-diploma-course-based

Students who wish to use the post-baccalaureate certificate as a pathway to "ladder" into the post-baccalaureate diploma program must apply to the post-baccalaureate diploma program by the stated deadline.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics

Normally, advanced credit or advanced standing is not awarded.

Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics

Advanced Credit may be given for a maximum of two 3-unit courses. See Advanced Credit.

Advanced Standing may be considered for students with extensive preparation at the senior undergraduate or graduate level, in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Students may be given advanced standing in a maximum of two 3-unit courses. Advanced standing exempts students from taking specific courses, but they are still required to complete the total of 24 units required for the Diploma. The applicant must make advanced standing and advanced credit requests as part of the admission process.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics

The Certificate requires 12 units of coursework consisting of:

• Data Science 601: Working with Data and Visualization
• Data Science 602: Statistical Data Analysis 
• Data Science 603: Statistical Modeling with Data 
• Data Science 604: Big Data Management

Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics

The Diploma requires 24 units of course work consisting of:

a) 12 units of required courses:

• Data Science 601: Working with Data and Visualization 
• Data Science 602: Statistical Data Analysis 
• Data Science 603: Statistical Modeling with Data 
• Data Science 604: Big Data Management

b) 12 units of coursework in one specialization area:

Business Analytics Specialization

• Data Science 611: Predictive Analytics
• Data Science 612: Decision Analytics
• Data Science 613: Introductory Data Analytics 
• Data Science 614: Advanced Data Analytics

Health Data Science and Biostatistics Specialization

• Data Science 621: Advanced Statistical Modeling 
• Data Science 622: Machine Learning for Precision Health 
• Data Science 623: Big Data in Health
• Data Science 624: Advanced Exploration and Visualization in Health

Data Science Specialization

• Data Science 605: Actionable Visualization and Analytics 
• Data Science 606: Statistical Methods in Data Science 
• Data Science 607: Statistical and Machine Learning 
• Data Science 608: Developing Big Data Applications

Laddering from the Post-baccalaureate Certificate to the Diploma

Students who complete the Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics may receive credit for the 12 units of coursework completed in the certificate program if they are subsequently accepted to the Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics program within five years of completing the certificate.

The expected completion time for the Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics is four months. The maximum completion time for the Certificate is three years from the start of the program.

The expected completion time for the Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics is 8 months (direct entry, full-time), and 4 months or 8 months (part-time) for students laddering from the certificate program, depending on the schedule set for that cohort/specialization. The maximum completion time for the Diploma is three years from the start of the program.

An Academic Coordinator is assigned to each cohort-based certificate and diploma.

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section.