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

The program requires 20–24 credits completed through six Tufts courses. It is available through full-time or part-time study on the Medford/Somerville campus and is typically completed in 12 to 28 months.

Students may pursue a standalone certificate pathway or a combined Post-Baccalaureate/M.S. pathway for those who intend to continue into the M.S. in Data Science.

Who is this Program For?

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science is designed for applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree who want to build foundational preparation in data science. 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, statistics, programming, and machine learning
Learn to organize, analyze, interpret, and communicate with data
Build computational problem-solving skills
Prepare for graduate-level 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 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 establish foundational preparation for data science study and applications.

Required Courses

MATH 70: Linear Algebra
CS 15: Data Structures
CS 30: Programming for Data Science
CS 61: Discrete Mathematics
CS 135: Introduction to Machine Learning
EE 104: Probabilistic System Analysis

Standalone Certificate Pathway

The standalone certificate pathway is designed for students seeking foundational preparation in data science through a focused post-baccalaureate credential.

Combined Post-Baccalaureate/M.S. Pathway

The combined Post-Baccalaureate/M.S. pathway is designed for students who intend to continue into the M.S. in Data Science. For students admitted to both programs, eligible graduate-level courses completed during the post-baccalaureate portion may count toward master’s degree requirements.

Through this coursework, students build knowledge in:

Linear algebra, probability, and statistics
Programming for data analysis
Data structures and computational problem-solving
Discrete mathematics and logical reasoning

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

About the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science is jointly offered 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 intended 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-level study in probability and applied machine learning.

Six-Course Foundational Curriculum

Students complete a structured curriculum in linear algebra, data structures, programming for data science, discrete mathematics, machine learning, and probabilistic systems analysis. This sequence builds preparation across the mathematical and computational foundations of data science.

Two Academic Pathways

Students may pursue a standalone certificate or select a combined Post-Baccalaureate/M.S. 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.

On-Campus Study in Greater Boston

Students complete the program on Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus, near the technology, research, health, and innovation communities of Greater Boston.

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

The 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 visualization and communication
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

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.

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

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science is designed for applicants who need foundational preparation in mathematics, programming, and data science. The Certificate in Data Science is designed for applicants prepared to begin graduate-level data science coursework.

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.