Data Science Certificate
Award: Associate of Sciences Degree
No. of credits required: 20
For more information: Contact Professor Chris Jones, cjones@harford.edu; stem@harford.edu; or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
The Data Science Certificate is an opportunity for students wanting to increase their data literacy and/or prepare for a career in data science. It is also an opportunity for professionals to advance their careers by building upon existing work experience or to supplement their existing academic credentials with data science coursework.
Program Goals
- Perform problem solving and computational tasks in the discipline of data science.
- Create computer code and scripts to collect, prepare, and organize data.
- Apply and critically evaluate data analysis techniques.
- Interpret and communicate findings in multiple forms.
- Assess the ethical implications to societies of data-based research and analysis.
Employment Information
Data Science is an interdisciplinary field with increasing employment opportunities in areas such as business, industry, government and marketing. As of January 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 36% growth in employment between 2023 and 2033, with an estimated 73,100 new jobs. Students seeking careers in data science or wish to pursue further study in data science are required to possess a sound background in programming concepts, data analysis and visualization skills, and mathematics. Additionally, there is an immediate need for skilled laborers with the skills offered through this program of study. Students may find employment after completing this program of study or may elect to transfer to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in data science.
Certificate Requirements
In order to earn a certificate from Harford Community College, students must demonstrate basic competencies in English, reading, and mathematics by completing: ENG 018 Integrated Reading and Writing, MATH 020 Pre-Algebra I, and/or a qualifying exam must be passed.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DSCI 101 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| CIS 229 | Python Programming Language | 4 |
| PHIL 205 | Ethics (GAH) | 3 |
| or PHIL 222 | Environmental Ethics (GAH) | |
| DSCI 102 | Introductory Statistics with Programming Applications (GM) | 4 |
| DSCI 103 | Database Management and Database Systems | 3 |
| DSCI 201 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| Total Credits | 20 | |