Certificate Overview
This pathway certificate is designed to help learners build the technical foundation for applied AI and data science graduate study. 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 M.Eng. in Applied Data Science Pathway Certificate is a 9-credit container certificate: complete any three eligible MEADS graduate courses, with an AI-first, project-driven recommended path for learners with a data science background. Courses include hands-on labs and portfolio work tied to AI/ML use cases.
Whether you are pivoting into data science, upskilling for AI roles, or preparing for further graduate study, this pathway certificate provides technical foundation and graduate-level credit. Learners who earn a B or better in each certificate course and meet applicable GPA expectations can use that performance to support continuation into Stevens' M.Eng. in Applied Data Science, with all 9 credits designed to apply toward the parent degree upon admission.
Key Skills Developed:
Term Start Date
SUMMER II 2026: July 6, 2026
Overview
- 9 Graduate Credits
- 3 Courses (3 credits each)
- 100% Online with Live Labs
- 16-24 Week Completion Time*
- Pathway toward M.Eng. in Applied Data Science graduate study
- Hands-On Portfolio Work
- 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
Pathway
To MEADS
Summer II 2026
Launch
Portfolio
Projects
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. The pathway structure also gives learners a clear route to continue into MEADS after demonstrating graduate-level performance.
Recommended Path for Data Science Background
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
Our graduates join leading organizations across technology, finance, healthcare, and consulting
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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.
The certificate is designed as a pathway into the M.Eng. in Applied Data Science (MEADS), giving learners a focused way to test fit, build confidence, and continue toward the full master's degree with graduate credit already earned. Strong performance, including a B or better in each certificate course and applicable GPA expectations, can help learners earn their way into the next stage of graduate study.
Online CERT-ADS Program Course Structure
The M.Eng. in Applied Data Science Pathway Certificate is a 9-credit container certificate. Complete any three eligible MEADS graduate courses. A recommended starting path for learners with a data science background is shown below, covering mathematical foundations for ML, Python and SQL data pipelines, and applied machine learning. You'll work with industry-standard tools including Python, pandas, scikit-learn, SQL, and cloud data platforms, with hands-on labs in every course.
Recommended Path: Data Science Background
This sequence is the recommended starting path for learners with a data science background. The certificate itself is satisfied by any three eligible MEADS courses; consult an advisor if you have a stronger or different background.
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 are designed to apply toward Stevens' M.Eng. in Applied Data Science (MEADS) upon admission, subject to applicable academic policies. Learners should plan to earn a B or better in each certificate course and meet applicable GPA expectations to support continuation.
Tuition
$5,250
Total Certificate Cost
$583
Per Credit
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Many employers reimburse up to $5,250 per year for job-relevant education. This certificate is strategically priced to align with the IRS $5,250 annual tax-free employer tuition benefit, which can make it a practical choice when your company covers eligible coursework.
Additional Tuition Discounts
Alumni and corporate partner tuition discounts may be available to students who qualify.
Apply by the priority deadline (June 19, 2026) to maximize your funding opportunities.
Tuition based on the current Summer 2026 rates for incoming new students. Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Plan your application for the upcoming Summer 2026 term.
| Term | Early Submit | Priority Submit | Final Submit | Start of Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer II 2026 | June 5, 2026 Deposit Waiver* and Application Fee Waiver Available. | June 19, 2026 Application Fee Waiver Available and Early Application Review. | June 26, 2026 | July 6, 2026 |
*Applicants who apply by the early submit deadline and are admitted may be eligible for a $250 deposit waiver. Other conditions may apply.
