What you will learn
- Master the foundations of data science, statistics, and machine learning
- Analyze big data and make data-driven predictions through probabilistic modeling and statistical inference; identify and deploy appropriate modeling and methodologies in order to extract meaningful information for decision making
- Develop and build machine learning algorithms to extract meaningful information from seemingly unstructured data; learn popular unsupervised learning methods, including clustering methodologies and supervised methods such as deep neural networks
- Finishing this MicroMasters program will prepare you for job titles such as: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Systems Analyst, Data Engineer
Demand for professionals skilled in data, analytics, and machine learning is exploding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand for data science skills will drive a 27.9 percent rise in employment in the field through 2026. Data scientists bring value to organizations across industries because they are able to solve complex challenges with data and drive important decision-making processes. Not only is there a huge demand, but there is a significant shortage of qualified data scientists with 39% of the most rigorous data science positions requiring a degree higher than a bachelor’s.
This MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science is comprised of four online courses and a virtually proctored exam that will provide you with the foundational knowledge essential to understanding the methods and tools used in data science, and hands-on training in data analysis and machine learning. You will dive into the fundamentals of probability and statistics, as well as learn, implement, and experiment with data analysis techniques and machine learning algorithms. This program will prepare you to become an informed and effective practitioner of data science who adds value to an organization. The program certificate can be applied, for admitted students, towards a PhD in Social and Engineering Systems (SES) through the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) or may accelerate your path towards a Master’s degree at other universities around the world.
Anyone can enroll in this MicroMasters program. It is designed for learners that want to acquire sophisticated and rigorous training in data science without leaving their day job but without compromising quality. There is no application process but college-level calculus and comfort with mathematical reasoning and Python programming are highly recommended if you want to excel. All the courses are taught by MIT faculty at a similar pace and level of rigor as an on-campus course at MIT. This program brings MIT’s rigorous, high-quality curricula and hands-on learning approach to learners around the world – at scale.
For more detail on this program and credit pathways, please visit https://micromasters.mit.edu/ds/
Courses in this program
MITx's Statistics and Data Science MicroMasters® Program
- Starts May 15, 202310–14 hours per week, for 16 weeks
Build foundational knowledge of data science with this introduction to probabilistic models, including random processes and the basic elements of statistical inference -- Part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science.
- Started Aug 19, 202210–14 hours per week, for 4 weeks
Learn the methods for harnessing and analyzing data to answer questions of cultural, social, economic, and policy interest, and then assess that knowledge-- Part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science.
- Starts May 6, 202310–14 hours per week, for 17 weeks
Develop a deep understanding of the principles that underpin statistical inference: estimation, hypothesis testing and prediction. -- Part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science.
- Starts Feb 1, 202310–14 hours per week, for 15 weeks
An in-depth introduction to the field of machine learning, from linear models to deep learning and reinforcement learning, through hands-on Python projects. -- Part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science.
- Started Oct 3, 202210–14 hours per week, for 4 weeks
Solidify and demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in probability, data analysis, statistics, and machine learning in this culminating assessment. -- Final Requirement of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science.
What is a MicroMasters Program?
MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.How to Earn a MicroMasters Program Certificate
To earn the program certificate, learners must complete and successfully earn a verified certificate in four required courses and pass a virtually-proctored capstone exam.From Program Certificate to a Advanced Degree
MicroMasters programs are designed to offer learners a pathway to an advanced degree and can count as credit toward completing a Master’s degree program. Learners who successfully earn this MicroMasters program certificate may apply for admission to several Master’s programs, and if accepted, the MicroMasters program certificate will count towards the degree.Learners who successfully complete this MITx MicroMasters program certificate have the opportunity to apply to the MIT Doctoral Program in Social and Engineering Systems (SES) offered through the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). Learners can use their MicroMasters program certificate to demonstrate their preparation in Statistics and Data Science fundamentals to the SES Admissions Committee. Learners admitted to SES can expect that their MITx MicroMasters coursework will be recognized with credit for corresponding SES core classes, and for satisfying the SES Information, Systems, and Decision Science requirements. More information on the MIT SES Doctoral Program can be found here.
In addition, learners who successfully earn the MITx MicroMasters program certificate in Statistics and Data Science are now eligible to earn credit at a number of universities across the globe to fast track their pursuit of a full Master’s degree. Below is a list of these universities and information on the amount of credit offered.
Other Universities
Algebra University College (Croatia) – Master’s Degree in Applied Computer Engineering with Specialization in Data Science
Algebra University College will offer the credential holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 30 ETCS credits of the total ECTS credits towards the completion of the Master’s degree in Applied Computer Engineering with specialization in Data Science.American University of Central Asia (Kyrgyz Republic) – Master’s of Science in Economics
The American University of Central Asia will offer the credential holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 24 credits of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the MSc. in Economics.Bethel University (St. Paul, MN, USA) – Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bethel University will offer those who have earned the MicroMasters program credential in Statistics and Data Science 12 credits toward the total credits in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program if they are accepted for admission.Covenant University (Nigeria) – Master of Computer Science
Covenant University will offer the program certificate holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 3 credits towards the completion of the master’s degree in Computer Science.Curtin University (Australia) – Master of Predictive Analytics (Finance and Investment Analytics stream)
Curtin Business School provides a pathway for program certificate holders of the MITx MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science to their Master of Predictive Analytics (Finance and Investment Analytics stream). If a learner applies for admission to the Master of Predictive Analytics (Finance and Investment Analytics stream) at Curtin University, and is accepted, the MicroMasters program certificate will count towards 25% of the coursework required for graduation.Deakin University (Australia)
Deakin offers MITx MicroMasters program certificate holders four units’ credit towards the completion of these online Master’s degree programs:
Master of Business Analytics (Online)
Master of Health Economics (Online)
Master of Information Systems (Online)
Master of Public Health (Online)
Master of Data Science (On-campus / Online)
Master of Cyber Security Professional (Online)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (On campus)In addition, a third of the credits will be offered towards the online Master of Information Technology.
For MITx MicroMasters program certificate holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree in the same or a related field, Deakin offers two units’ credit towards the completion of the online Master of Human Nutrition. For graduates who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in the same or a related field, the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science will be an entry pathway to the Master of Human Nutrition. (Normally applicants without a bachelor’s degree in the same or a related field are required to complete a Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition as the entry criterion.)
Doane University (USA) – Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
Upon acceptance into Doane's MBA program, the Statistics and Data Science MicroMasters will satisfy the emphasis area and the learners will only need to take 21 credit hours to complete their Master of Business Administration degree.Duquesne University (USA)
Duquesne University will offer the credential holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning:- 3 out of the total credit requirement towards the completion of the MS in Supply Chain Management.
- 4.5 out of the total credit requirement towards the completion of the Professional MBA (PMBA) program.
- 6 out of the total credit requirement towards the completion of the MS in Analytics & Information Management (MS-AIM) program.
Universidad EAN (Colombia) – Master's in Business Intelligence (Online)
Universidad EAN will offer the credential holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 15 credits of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the Master's in Business Intelligence (Online). In addition, all the rest of the master’s degree programs at EAN will grant at least 9 credits out of the total graduate credits to the SDS MicroMasters program credential holders.Eurasian Management and Administration School (Russia)
Eurasian Management and Administration School (EMAS Business School) will offer the credential holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning:
- 20 credits (ECTS) of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the Master of Business Administration (MBA): Business in the Digital Era program
- 20 credits (ECTS) of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA): Business in the Digital Era program
- 20 credits (ECTS) of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Business in the Digital Era program
Galileo University (Guatamala) – Master’s Program in Data Science
Galileo University will offer the program certificate holders of the MITx MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning an equivalent of one year of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the Master’s degree in Data Science.Harvard Extension School (USA) – Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies
Harvard Extension School offers the program certificate holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 16 of the total graduate credits towards the ALM in the field of finance or 12 out of the total graduate credits towards the ALM in the field of data science .Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (Lebanon)
The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) will offer the program certificate holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning:- 6 credits towards the completion of the Master’s program in Business Administration (Emphasis: Audit, Finance, Marketing)
- 9 credits towards the completion of these three Master’s programs in Computer Science , Mathematics, and Actuarial and Financial Mathematics
- 14 credits towards the completion of the Master’s program in Computer Engineering
Kangwon National University (South Korea) – Master’s Degree in Business Administration
Kangwon National University (KNU) will offer the credential holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 12 of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the Master’s Degree in Business Administration.KL deemed to be University (India) KL deemed to be University, India will offer the credential holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 60-80 credits out of the total credit requirement towards the completion of the following Master’s programs:
- Masters in Business Management
- Master in Technology in Computer science
- Masters in Technology in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters in Technology in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Laweh Open University College (Ghana) – MBA Finance and Accounting program
Laweh Open University will offer the credential holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 40 credits towards the completion of the MBA Finance and Accounting program.Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (USA) – Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) will offer the program certificate holders of the MIT MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning of 12 of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the MBA in Healthcare Management.New Economic School (Russia) – Masters in Finance
New Economic School (NES) will offer the credential holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 2 credits of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the NES Masters in Finance program.Northwestern University (USA) – Accelerated Master’s program in Data Science
Learners who successfully earn the MITx MicroMasters program credential in Statistics and Data Science are now eligible to fast track their pursuit of the Master’s program in Data Science offered by Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS). MicroMasters program credential holders are eligible to apply for the accelerated Master’s program in Data Science at SPS. Students in the accelerated program can earn their degrees by completing nine courses, compared to the 12-course curriculum of the standard Master’s program in Data Science. Those admitted into the accelerated program will not be required to take the following courses:
- MSDS 400-DL Math for Data Scientists
- MSDS 401-DL Applied Statistics with R
- MSDS 422-DL Practical Machine Learning
Porto Business School will offer the credential holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning:
- 12 ECTS credits towards the completion of the Digital MBA program
- 12 ECTS credits towards the completion of the Executive MBA program
- 12 ETCS credits towards the completion of the International MBA program.
Queen’s University (Smith School of Business) (Canada)
Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business will offer credential holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning:- two advanced course credits and financial credit towards the completion of the Master of Management Analytics (MMA) or Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) programs.
Reykjavík University (Iceland)
Reykjavík University School of Computer Science offers the program certificate holders of the MITx MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 30 ECTS credits of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the following Master's programs:
Master's in Computer Science
Master's in Data Science
Master's in Applied Data ScienceReykjavík University School of Business offers the program certificate holders of the MITx MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 26 ECTS credits of the total graduate credits towards the completion of the following Master’s programs:
Master of Business Management
Master of Science (MSc) in Business Management
Master of Information Management
Master of Science (MSc) in Information ManagementRMIT University (Australia) – Master of Data Science
RMIT University will grant academic credit towards a Master of Data Science for learners who successfully earn a MITx MicroMasters program certificate in the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science.Rochester Institute of Technology (USA) – Master of Science in Professional Studies
The Master of Science in Professional Studies allows learners the opportunity to draw on courses offered across RIT graduate programs. Learners who hold the MITx MicroMasters program certificate in Statistics and Data Science may apply any time during the year and upon acceptance, will be awarded 12 credit hours for the degree.Royal Roads University (Canada) – Masters of Business Administration in Executive Management
The School of Business at Royal Roads University will offer program certificate holders of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning nine of the total graduate credits towards the completion of a Masters of Business Administration in Executive Management .RTU Riga Business School (Latvia) – MBA Program
Riga Business School at Riga Technical University will offer the credential holders from the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science 24 ECTS towards the completion of the MBA program.University of San Francisco (USA)
The University of San Francisco (USF) will offer the credential holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning up to 8 credits towards the completion of the Master of Science in Applied Economics or the Master of Science in International and Development Economics.Sasin School of Management - Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) – Master of Business Administration Sasin School of Management will offer the program certificate holders of the MITx MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 6 credits towards the completion of the Sasin MBA.
Universidad Tecnologica (Uruguay) – Program in Data Science
Universidad Tecnologica (UTEC Uruguay) will offer the program certificate holders of the MIT MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 55 credits towards the completion of the master’s degree in Data Science.The School of Business, Woxsen University (India)
The School of Business, Woxsen University will offer the credential holders from the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science 18 credits towards the completion of the MBA (BA.AI.ML) and MBA in Financial Services program, respectively.- A recent report by IBM and Burning Glass states that there will be 364K new job openings in data-driven professions by 2020 in the US
- Out of those jobs, the toughest to fill are the Data Scientist/Advanced Analytics positions
- 39% of these positions require a degree higher than a bachelor’s
- By completing this MicroMasters program you will be able to solve complex challenges with data and drive decision-making processes for organizations
Meet your instructors from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MITx)
Experts from MITx committed to teaching online learning
Program endorsements
Booz Allen Hamilton
Our business has data at its core. In a competitive marketplace, we have a growing need for employees trained in the critical field of data science with strong analytical skills. The MITx MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science provides an excellent opportunity for learners to have rigorous training in statistics, data analysis and machine learning and to develop the skills necessary to be competitive in a world increasingly shaped by data.
Boston Globe Media
Digital transformation has fundamentally changed how media organizations operate. The Boston Globe recognizes the need to be forward-thinking and prepared to identify and capitalize on new opportunities and navigate the challenges of our industry. At the core of what we do is the powerful journalism across each of our brands – The Boston Globe, STAT and Boston.com. In order to support the incredible work coming out of our newsrooms, there is an increasing reliance on leveraging technology, business strategy, product innovation and leadership in our organization. The MicroMasters® program delivers the knowledge and skillsets that are must-haves for the Globe as we continue to transform the business, develop our talent and recruit new candidates.
Enrolling Now
FAQs
- Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.
Get started in data science
Browse other data science courses