This one-year graduate certificate program will provide you with the skills and analytical tools needed to drive data-informed decision-making across organizations. You will learn to identify and collect relevant data, prepare it for analysis, apply statistical and predictive techniques and communicate insights in clear, actionable formats. Key topics of study cover essential topics such as statistical analysis, programming for analytics, data security and privacy, predictive analytics and leadership in data driven environments.
Embedded throughout the program are topics that address ethical considerations such as fairness, accountability, transparency and the responsible use of AI technologies, ensuring graduates can navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of responsible data and algorithmic decision-making. Graduates of this program will be prepared to support organizations across a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and government, as well as other high-demand sectors relying on data to drive operations, strategy, and decision-making.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
2 Semesters (8 months)
Starts
January, May, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered online and is also available in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. With hybrid delivery, some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students choosing hybrid delivery will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Programming and data manipulation
- Statistical, predictive, and machine learning modelling
- Application and evaluation of AI and machine learning algorithms
- Data visualization
Work Experience
This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study.
Students who select the work term stream will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid. The work term job search is student-driven and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term.
If you are interested in completing a work term, apply to the Data Analytics (Work Term) (DASC) program.
As a graduate of this program, you may find employment in a diverse range of corporations and government organizations that have large, rich data sets and resources to mine data. You may pursue future career options, such as:
- Business analyst
- Business system analyst
- Computer system analyst
- Data analyst
- Data associate
- Data consultant
- Data specialist
- Information systems business analyst
Graduates will be eligible to receive the SAS Academic Specialization.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Collect, manipulate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to meet organizational needs.
- Communicate data analytics outcomes and business intelligence solutions to ensure that invested parties are well-informed and can make strategic decisions based on evidence.
- Create data analytics reports, dashboards and data visualization to synthesize information for internal and external audiences.
- Leverage data-informed insights to contribute to evidence-based decision-making processes.
- Prepare and analyze data sets to support organizational decision-making.
- Conduct statistical analysis on mined data sets to guide evidence-informed decisions.
- Implement machine learning and artificial intelligence-based models to support data-driven decision-making in predictive analytics.
- Adhere to ethical practices in data privacy, security, and algorithm use to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain information integrity.
- Lead cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives in diverse organizational settings.
- Ontario university/college degree, college diploma or equivalent.
- Applicants with an equivalent combination of partial postsecondary and/or significant relevant work experience may be considered for admission. A relevant resumé and references must be provided.
- English proficiency for graduate certificates.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents educated outside of Canada must provide a World Education Services (WES) or ICAS Canada credential evaluation.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
