The Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science at Tufts University is a 100% online program designed for students and professionals who want foundational preparation in data science. Students build knowledge in mathematics, programming, probability, statistics, and applied machine learning while preparing for continued graduate study or data-focused professional opportunities.

The program requires 20–24 credits and may be completed through full-time or part-time online study. Students typically complete the certificate in 12 to 28 months.

The program offers two pathways:

Certificate Track: A standalone credential for students seeking foundational preparation in data science.
Master’s Track: A pathway for students who intend to continue into the M.S. in Data Science at Tufts.

Who is this Program For?

The Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science is designed for applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree who want to build foundational data science knowledge through online study. No prior educational experience in data science is required.

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

Develop preparation in mathematics, programming, probability, statistics, and machine learning
Learn to organize, analyze, interpret, and communicate with data
Build skills relevant to data-focused professional responsibilities
Prepare for advanced study in data science
Pursue a pathway toward the M.S. in Data Science at Tufts

Applicants who already have sufficient quantitative and data science preparation for graduate-level coursework should explore the Online Certificate in Data Science.

Application Requirements

Certificate Track

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

Master’s Track

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Official GRE scores (if applicable)
- GRE General Test scores are not required for applicants who will have received a degree from an institution located in the U.S. or Canada by time of enrollment. GRE scores required for all other applicants.
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
Portfolio (optional)

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What Will You Study?

Students complete six courses that provide foundational preparation for data science study and applications.

Foundational Coursework

Both tracks include four undergraduate-level courses in mathematics and programming. These courses build preparation in areas such as:

Linear algebra
Programming for data analysis
Data structures
Mathematical and logical problem-solving

Graduate Coursework

Students then complete two graduate-level courses focused on:

Probability theory
Fundamentals of applied machine learning

Students in the Master’s Track continue building preparation for graduate study in areas such as applied statistics, large-scale data analysis, and data infrastructure. Through this coursework, students build knowledge in:

Linear algebra, probability, and statistics
Programming with tools such as Python
Data structures and computational problem-solving

Supervised and unsupervised machine learning
Application of standard machine learning models to data sets
Communication of data-informed insights

About the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science is offered jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering.

Together, these departments support teaching and research in data science, machine learning, software and data systems, statistical signal processing, information theory, visualization, scalable computing, and data-driven modeling. Students develop foundational data science knowledge in an interdisciplinary engineering environment that connects computation, quantitative methods, and practical applications.

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Why Study Data Science at Tufts?

Designed for Students Entering Data Science

The program is designed for applicants who want foundational preparation in data science and do not have prior educational experience in the field. Students begin with essential mathematics and programming coursework before completing graduate study in probability and applied machine learning.

Two Pathways Based on Your Goals

Students may pursue a standalone certificate or select a pathway intended for continued study in the M.S. in Data Science. This structure allows students to choose an academic plan aligned with their educational goals.

Interdisciplinary Data Science Study

The program is jointly offered through Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, connecting programming, mathematical reasoning, machine learning, data systems, and quantitative analysis.

Fully Online Study

Students complete the program online through full-time or part-time study. The format supports graduate preparation for students balancing education with professional and personal commitments.

What Can You Do With an Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science?

The Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science can support students and professionals who want foundational preparation in analyzing data and applying computational methods. Students may use this credential to strengthen preparation relevant to areas such as:

Data analysis
Applied machine learning
Quantitative problem-solving
Data visualization and communication

Programming for data-focused applications
Data-informed decision-making
Further graduate study in data science or related fields

What is the Career Outlook?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that data scientists had a median annual wage of $112,590 in May 2024. Employment for data scientists is projected to grow 34% from 2024 to 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between the Certificate Track and the Master’s Track?

The Certificate Track is designed for students seeking a standalone post-baccalaureate credential in data science. The Master’s Track is designed for students who intend to continue into the M.S. in Data Science at Tufts after completing foundational preparation.

Is Prior Data Science Experience Required?

No. Prior educational experience in data science is not required. The program is designed to build foundational preparation in mathematics, programming, probability, statistics, and applied machine learning.

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.