Certificate Overview
This certificate is designed to launch your career in applied AI and data science. In today's data-driven economy, organizations need professionals who can build and deploy machine learning solutions-not just analyze data, but create AI-powered systems that solve real business problems.
The Applied Data Science Foundations certificate provides an AI-first, project-driven curriculum where you'll master Python, SQL, and machine learning through hands-on work with real datasets. Each course delivers a portfolio artifact tied to an AI/ML use case, ensuring you graduate with tangible evidence of your capabilities.
Whether you're pivoting into data science, upskilling for AI roles, or preparing for further graduate study, this certificate provides the technical foundation and graduate-level credential that employers value. All 9 credits stack toward Stevens' M.Eng. in Applied Data Science, giving you a clear pathway to continue your education.
Key Skills Developed:
Term Start Date
SPRING 2026: January 20, 2026
Overview
- 9 Graduate Credits
- 3 Courses (3 credits each)
- 100% Online with Live Labs
- 16-20 Week Completion Time*
- Stackable toward M.Eng. in Applied Data Science graduate degrees
- Three Portfolio Artifacts
- Aligns with $5,250 IRS tax-free employer benefit
*Completion time varies based on course scheduling and student pace.
$5,250
Total Cost
9 Credits
3 Courses
100%
Online
Stackable
To MEADS
Spring 2026
Launch
Portfolio
Projects
By the Numbers
$140K+
MEDIAN ML ENGINEER SALARY
Machine Learning Engineers earn a median salary of over $140,000 annually, with strong growth projected through 2033 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
Top 10
FASTEST GROWING TECH SKILL
Data science and AI skills consistently rank in the top 10 fastest-growing tech skills, with demand spanning all industries from healthcare to finance (LinkedIn Learning, 2025).
$5,250
ALIGNS WITH TUITION BENEFITS
The 9-credit certificate cost aligns perfectly with the IRS $5,250 tax-free employer tuition reimbursement limit, making it accessible for corporate-sponsored learners.
Career Outlook
Data science and AI roles are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying positions in today's job market. From healthcare and finance to retail and technology, every industry is seeking professionals who can turn data into actionable insights and deploy AI-driven solutions.
This certificate prepares you for entry-level to mid-level roles in applied data science, machine learning engineering, and AI analytics. You'll develop the technical skills employers seek-Python, SQL, ML frameworks-while also learning the soft skills needed to communicate insights and collaborate with stakeholders.
Graduates of this certificate are positioned to pursue roles such as Data Analyst, ML Associate Engineer, AI Solutions Specialist, and Business Intelligence Developer. With the stackability to MEADS, you also have a clear pathway to advance into senior data science and AI leadership positions.
Curriculum: From Math to ML
MA 574 – Applied Math for Data Science
Example Courses:
Core Topics
Linear algebra, calculus, optimization for ML/AI
Hands-On
Code-driven labs: PCA, regression, gradient descent
Project
Train and interpret an ML model with AI insight report
CS 563 – Python and Databases
Example Courses:
Core Topics
Python for data science, SQL, ETL/ELT, APIs
Hands-On
Build AI-ready pipelines from raw data to training datasets
Project
End-to-end pipeline published to Streamlit app
CS 559 – Machine Learning: Fundamentals & Applications
Example Courses:
Core Topics
Regression, classification, ensembles, neural networks, explainability
Hands-On
Build and evaluate AI solutions with SHAP/LIME for transparency
Project
Deploy an ML model with reproducible code and stakeholder narrative
Career Paths in Data Science & AI
Earning an online CERT-ADS prepares you for career paths in management-level roles across industries. Explore top CERT-ADS jobs for recent graduates.
Prospective Occupations for Online CERT-ADS Graduates
| Job Title | Employed | Median or Average Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
Data Analyst | High Demand | $90,720 |
ML Engineer Associate | Growing | $135,690 |
AI Solutions Specialist | Emerging | $132,480 |
Business Intelligence Developer | In Demand | $100,360 |
Applied Data Scientist | High Growth | $115,280 |
Source: Salary data shown are based on market research from sources such as LinkedIn Economic Graph and Lightcast (2025). Exact figures for emerging AI roles vary widely by industry, company size, and experience level.
Where Stevens Alumni Work
Where Stevens Alumni Work
Our graduates join leading organizations across technology, finance, healthcare, and consulting
Amazon
Microsoft
IBM
Meta
Apple
Why Choose Stevens for Data Science?
Stevens Institute of Technology is ranked among the top institutions for data science and AI education. Located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area, Stevens combines world-class faculty expertise with strong industry connections.
This certificate emphasizes applied learning-you'll work with real datasets, build production-ready pipelines, and deploy ML models, not just study theory. Our faculty are active researchers and practitioners who bring cutting-edge insights directly into the classroom.
Plus, the certificate is fully stackable toward our M.Eng. in Applied Data Science (MEADS), giving you flexibility to test the waters and continue toward a full master's degree if desired.
Online CERT-ADS Program Course Structure
The Applied Data Science Foundations Certificate consists of three courses (9 graduate credits total) designed to take you from mathematical foundations to deploying machine learning models. You'll learn industry-standard tools including Python, pandas, scikit-learn, SQL, and cloud data platforms. Every course includes hands-on labs with AI-enhanced learning tools.
Certificate Courses (9 Credits)
Complete all three courses. The sequence is designed to build your skills progressively, from mathematical foundations through practical ML deployment.
Meet Your Data Science Faculty
Learn from expert faculty who bring cutting-edge research and industry experience to every course.
Upendra Prasad
Senior Lecturer
Samuel Kim
Teaching Professor
David Landaeta
Admissions
WHO SHOULD APPLY
This certificate is designed for working professionals pivoting into data/AI roles; tech-adjacent managers upskilling in Python/SQL/ML; and early-career engineers and analysts seeking AI literacy and applied data fluency.
PREREQUISITES
No formal prerequisites. However, basic comfort with quantitative reasoning is helpful. We'll teach you the programming and mathematical concepts you need-no prior coding experience required.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply through our streamlined Accelerated Application. Submit your resume or LinkedIn profile and unofficial transcripts. No letters of recommendation or entrance exams required.
STACKABILITY TO MEADS
All 9 credits apply toward Stevens' M.Eng. in Applied Data Science (MEADS), per Registrar approval. This certificate serves as a perfect on-ramp to the full master's program, allowing you to test your interest and aptitude before committing to the complete degree.
Tuition
$5,250
Total Certificate Cost
$583
Per Credit
Invest in Your Data Science Future
At $5,250 for 9 graduate credits, this certificate represents exceptional value for a credential that can transform your career. The cost is strategically aligned with the IRS $5,250 annual tax-free employer tuition benefit-making it an ideal choice if your company offers tuition assistance.
💼 Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many employers reimburse up to $5,250 per year for job-relevant graduate education. This certificate is priced to fit perfectly within that benefit-potentially allowing you to earn graduate-level data science credentials at little or no personal cost.
💰 Financial Aid & Funding Options
Financial aid, grants, corporate discounts, and scholarships are available to help make your Stevens education more affordable.
Apply by the priority deadline (November 20, 2025) to maximize your funding opportunities.
Tuition based on 2025 rates. Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Plan your application for the upcoming Spring 2026 term.
| Term | Early Submit | Priority Submit | Final Submit | Start of Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | October 14, 2025 Deposit Waiver* and Application Fee Waiver Available. | November 20, 2025 Application Fee Waiver Available and Early Application Review. | January 5, 2026 | January 20, 2026 |
*Applicants who apply by the early submit deadline and are admitted may be eligible for a $250 deposit waiver. Other conditions may apply.
