The Certificate in Data Science at Tufts University is an on-campus graduate certificate focused on the statistical, computational, and machine learning methods used to analyze data and support evidence-based decision-making. Students build knowledge in data analysis, visualization, machine learning, data infrastructure, and computational methods.

The program is jointly administered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students complete a minimum of five courses through full-time or part-time study on the Medford/Somerville campus. The certificate is typically completed in 12 to 24 months.

Who is this Program For?

The Certificate in Data Science is designed for students and professionals with a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field who want to build foundational knowledge in data science, strengthen their qualifications for advanced study, or pursue career development through focused graduate coursework.

This program may be a strong fit for applicants who want to:

Build knowledge in statistics, data visualization, and machine learning
Apply computing methods to scientific, engineering, business, health, education, or other data-intensive problems
Strengthen preparation in data infrastructure and computational analysis
Develop graduate-level data science expertise
Prepare for possible continuation into the M.S. in Data Science at Tufts

Non-STEM applicants seeking foundational preparation in mathematics, programming, and computer science for data science should explore the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science.

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Transcripts
One letter of recommendation
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)

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What Will You Study?

Students complete a minimum of five graduate courses that build knowledge across the core methods and applications of data science. Students who need additional prerequisite preparation may be required to complete supporting coursework in mathematics or computer science as part of their academic plan.

Core Courses

EE 104: Probabilistic Systems Analysis, or MATH 165: Probability and CS 135: Introduction to Machine Learning

Elective Areas

Students choose three electives, including one course from each of the following areas:

Data Infrastructure: Courses may address databases, networks, security, distributed systems, software systems, or related computing foundations.
Data Analysis and Interfaces: Courses may address data visualization, human-computer interaction, biomedical data, image analysis, computational applications, or related analytical methods.
Computational and Theoretical Aspects of Data Analysis: Courses may address numerical analysis, signal processing, information theory, optimization, mathematical methods, or advanced computational analysis.

Through this coursework, students build knowledge in:

Probability and statistics
Machine learning
Data visualization and interfaces

Data infrastructure
Computational analysis
Quantitative problem-solving
Data-driven applications across disciplines

About the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Certificate in Data Science is jointly administered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering.

Together, these departments support study and research in data science, machine learning, software and data systems, statistical signal processing, information theory, computational biology, scalable computing, visualization, and data-driven modeling. Students build data science knowledge within an interdisciplinary engineering environment that connects computation, systems, quantitative methods, and real-world applications.

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Why Study Data Science at Tufts?

Joint Study in Computing and Engineering

Students study data science through both computer science and electrical and computer engineering, building knowledge across machine learning, computational systems, probability, data infrastructure, and analytical methods.

Structured Curriculum With Flexible Applications

The certificate combines required study in probability or statistics and machine learning with elective work in data infrastructure, data analysis and interfaces, and computational or theoretical methods. This structure allows students to build a data science foundation while selecting coursework aligned with their goals.

Interdisciplinary Data Science Environment

Data science at Tufts connects with fields including engineering, medicine, biology, education, business, visualization, signal processing, and computational modeling. Students can develop skills for analyzing complex data in varied application areas.

Pathway to the M.S. in Data Science

Students who complete certificate requirements with grades of B- or better may apply for admission to the M.S. in Data Science. If accepted, graduate credits earned toward the certificate may be eligible to count toward M.S. degree requirements.

What Can You Do With a Certificate in Data Science?

The Certificate in Data Science can support students and professionals who want to develop graduate-level knowledge in analyzing, interpreting, and working with data. Students may use this credential to strengthen preparation relevant to areas such as:

Data analysis
Machine learning applications
Data visualization
Data infrastructure and systems

Computational modeling
Scientific and engineering analytics
Health, education, business, or public-interest data applications
Further graduate study in data science or related fields

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between the Certificate in Data Science and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science?

The Certificate in Data Science is designed for applicants prepared to complete graduate-level data science coursework. The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science is designed for applicants who need foundational coursework in mathematics, programming, and computer science before pursuing advanced data science study.

What Academic Background Is Appropriate for this Program?

The program is designed for applicants with a Bachelor of Science in a STEM field who want graduate-level study in data science. Applicants should review the current admissions requirements to determine whether the Certificate in Data Science or the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science best matches their academic background.

Are Scholarships Available?

The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.

How Do I Apply?

Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.