About

An 11-week comprehensive certificate program covering advanced data science techniques using Python® and how to apply them in different domains

In order to become a top data scientist, besides knowing how to write programs, it is essential to know the more advanced algorithms and techniques, and how to apply them in different domains. DePaul University's Advanced Data Science with Python Program is structured for anyone interested in pursuing or furthering a career in data science and who already has foundational skills. Students in this program will deepen their existing knowledge of data science and acquire practical skills for real-world data problems.

The program starts with a survey of machine learning techniques, including traditional statistical methods, advanced clustering and classification methods, artificial neural networks, and probabilistic models. Students will learn the mathematical foundations behind all machine learning and data science algorithms covered in the program.

In the second part of the program, students will learn the necessary skills to develop and apply their knowledge in practical fields such as image and video processing, natural language processing, and recommender systems using the Python programming language. The program will broaden students' skill-set in applied data science and give students the tools to further pursue concentrations in the so mentioned analytics and machine learning fields.

Classroom lectures and demonstrations will be complemented by reading and programming assignments. The software used in the program is all open-source or is freely available for download.

Students in this program will be able to:

• Understand the role computation can play in solving problems
• Understand the mathematical foundations behind state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms
• Apply knowledge in practical use cases, justify architectural decisions and frameworks, and how they impact model performance using Python
• Learn how to work with text, image and video data
• Gain competence in some image and natural language processing algorithms, and how to implement them in Python
  

For a complete program description, download the program's brochure.

Dates

SummerQuarter 2023:

• Application Deadline:May 26, 2023 * Still taking applications *
• Tuition Deadline:June 2, 2023
• Classes Begin:June 13, 2023
• Classes End:Aug. 15, 2023

Meeting Pattern

On-Campus Section

Days & Times: Tuesdays, 5:45pm-9:00pm at DePaul's Loop Campus

What if I cannot make it to every class meeting?
Attending every class is highly recommended, but is not required. Classes will be recorded, so any student who is not able to attend will be able to watch the recording of the class. Students are still expected to keep pace with the weekly topics and assignments.

Online: Sync Section

Days & Times: Tuesdays, 5:45pm-9:00pm (Central Time)

These classes take place at a specific time on a specific day, with the instructor and all the students meeting online using a synchronous meeting tool like Zoom. Classes will be recorded, so any student who is not able to join at the specified time will be able to watch the recording of the class. Before selecting this option, please carefully consider your ability to actively participate in video and audio with a reliable internet connection.

What if I cannot make it to every online synchronous class meeting?
Joining the class meetings in real-time is highly recommended, but is not required. You can still take this class by viewing the class recordings and keeping pace with the weekly topics and assignments.

Online: Async Section

These classes do not meet at a specific time on specific days. Content will be delivered via weekly pre-recorded lectures. Students follow a weekly agenda of topics and assignments, but they can view the course material at a time of their own choosing. Structured opportunities for interaction with the class and instructor are provided asynchronously.

This program has weekly course content equivalent to three hours per week. For every hour of course content, students should expect to spend two additional hours for studying, homework, labs, and other assignments.

Fees

Summer Quarter 2023

Tuition

• $2,665.00

Full payment of tuition must be received before the start of the program. Students who elect to pay tuition using a credit or debit card will be assessed a non-refundable 2.75% convenience fee.

Refund/Cancellation Policy: DePaul reserves the right to cancel any program before that program’s first scheduled meeting, in which case tuition fees (but not convenience fees) will be refunded. The university's refund policy allows a return of 100% of tuition if the student drops the Advanced Data Science with Python Program by June 27, 2023 (convenience fees will not be refunded).

Notice for Current DePaul Students

• Undergraduates: Please be aware that the tuition fee for this program is not included in the university's full-time term package pricing.
  

Application Fee

• $40.00non-refundable

Each program requires a $40.00 (non-refundable) application fee that can be paid online (via credit card) during the online application process. If you need to pay this fee by check or money order, please make the check or money order payable to DePaul University and send it to:

DePaul University Institute for Professional Development
243 S. Wabash Avenue
Room 301
Chicago, IL 60604

Textbooks

Textbooks are a separate purchase to be made by students. Textbook selections to be announced.

Payment Options

Fees are payable by check made out to DePaul University, or online by credit/debit card or electronic check. Students who elect to pay tuition using a credit or debit card will be assessed a non-refundable 2.75% convenience fee.

Applicants who are eligible for a tuition reimbursement program offered by their employer and are interested in deferring their tuition payment using the university's Employer Tuition Deferral Plan must return the Employer Tuition Deferral Plan application to the Institute for Professional Development Office. Submitting this application to any other DePaul office may delay the student's registration process. Information about this plan, along with an application form, is found here .

Applicants who wish to use the university's Single Term Payment Plan or a third-party billing arrangement should contact the Institute for Professional Development office at (312) 362-6282 for details.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to have experience with basic Python programming (including how to create and use packages and modules). Applicants should also be familiar with basic concepts of machine learning such as classification and clustering. It is also beneficial, but not required, to have some experience using the Pandas, NumPy, and SciPy libraries.

Course Credit

The Advanced Data Science with Python Program is cataloged as a non-credit course of DePaul University. A certificate of completion from DePaul University is awarded to those who successfully complete the program's requirements. Program requirements include reading, homework assignments, and projects. No midterm or final exams are conducted.

• Course #: IPD 337
  

The Advanced Data Science with Python Program is a graded course. A final grade letter as well as a DePaul transcript (upon request) will be available upon program conclusion.

Application & Registration Procedure

All interested parties should apply for admission by completing the online application; or, download and complete the Application Form (PDF) - email the completed form to ipd@cdm.depaul.edu. Upon admission, the Institute office will contact the prospective student with registration information and instructions.

You do not have to be an existing DePaul student to take this certificate program. Registration is restricted to individuals who apply for admission to the program and receive an acceptance letter. IPD staff will register applicants upon receipt of payment and registration form.

Regular DePaul students cannot register themselves via the university's registration system. If interested in enrollment, regular DePaul students should begin by submitting an application for admission. Students must meet the program's admission criteria.