This program is offered both in-person and as a 100% online program through UA Little Rock Online.

The graduate certificate in Data Science consists of 12 graduate credits, which may be completed in the evenings or online. This certificate will provide individuals with a focused collection of course work dealing with complex information systems and data analytics. This program is designed for post-baccalaureate students and working professionals who are interested in moving into advanced data solution developers and data analyst leadership roles within their organizations or in preparation for entering master’s programs. The program is accessible to both day and evening students and both full-time and part-time students. In addition, a distance education option allows students to participate in the program via live webcasting.

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Candidates with a background in computer programming, database concepts, and applied statistics, or who have professional experience in an information analytics role, will be the most prepared to enter and successfully complete the program.
• For regular admission, cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• The GMAT and GRE scores are not required
• Completion of any remedial course work that may be specified by the department. Students seeking regular admission to the program are expected to have completed (with a grade of B or better in each course) undergraduate course work equivalent to the following UALR undergraduate courses:
  • IFSC 2300 - Object-oriented Software
  • IFSC 3320 - Database Concepts
  • STAT 2350 - Introduction to Statistical Methods

Additional Information

• Concurrent enrollment in the data science graduate certificate and MSIS program is permitted (e.g., MSIS students are eligible to receive certificates upon completion of the appropriate subsection of the MSIS curriculum).
• Students in the data science graduate certificate program must apply to the UALR Graduate School through the online application page. The certificate program code is DASC-GC.

For more information about the graduate certificate in data science, contact the program coordinator.

Conditional Admission

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree who fail to meet one or more of the other requirements for regular admission may be granted conditional admission. For conditionally admitted students, regular admission status will be granted once the student has satisfied the stipulations mentioned in the admission letter.

Special Conditional Admission

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree who have a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.69 will be considered for special conditional admission provided they have at least 3 years of professional experience and submit a statement of purpose or similar letter explaining their desire and readiness to enroll.