Data Science Certificate for Non-Computing Majors

In today's data-driven world, data literacy is quickly becoming a skill that every undergraduate should acquire before graduating. The Data Science Certificate for Non-Computing Majors offers a path toward that goal. This five-course sequence is designed to introduce students from diverse disciplines to data science.

The certificate responds to a growing workforce need for data analytic skills among graduates of non-computing disciplines and in doing so aligns directly with NCCU's Strategic Plan Goal 1, Objective 1: "Create new degree pathways aligned with emerging market and societal needs, including AI, cybersecurity, and public health."

The certificate will provide skills training that improves the employability of students from non-computing disciplines. According to Weise et al. (2018), majors in the humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs can strengthen their employability if, in addition to developing human skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication, they acquire "basic technical skills like data analysis and digital fluency." Giang (2013) found that learning just one additional technical skill can nearly double the number of jobs for which these graduates qualify.

Weise, M. R., Hanson, A. R., Sentz, R., & Saleh, Y. (2018). Robot-Ready: Human+ Skills for the Future of Work. Strada Institute for the Future of Work.

Giang, V. (2013). Liberal Arts majors need these 8 skills to get ahead. Business Insider. (August 2013)

This certificate is open to all NCCU undergraduate students, and no application is required. The first course in the certificate has no prerequisites. However, students do not necessarily need to start with the first course. They may enroll in any of the certificate courses if they meet the stated prerequisites or obtain permission from the coordinator of the Data Science Certificate for Non-Computing Majors. The coordinator may also waive prerequisites for specific courses on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the student's prior coursework and related work experience.

Students who earn a grade of C or higher in a course will receive a digital badge for that course. Students who complete all five courses will additionally receive a digital badge for the full certificate.

Note for Computing and Non-Computing Majors

These courses were designed specifically for students in non-computing majors, who can likely count these courses toward the 120 credit hours required for their degree. Students in computing majors should be aware that these courses cannot be used to satisfy their major requirements.

The certificate is housed in the Department of Mathematics and Physics and was developed through the National Science Foundation's Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Computing in Undergraduate Education (NSF IUSE CUE) grant (CNS# 2245958).

This Undergraduate Certificate consists of the following five courses:

• CEMA 1030 - Exploratory Data Analysis (3 credits) (Cross-listed with NUTR 1030/CRJU 1030)
• CEMA 1520 - Computing Tools for Data Science (3 credits) (Cross-listed with NUTR 1520)
• CEMA 2030 - Machine Learning for All (3 credits) (Cross-listed with NUTR 2030/CRJU 2000)
• CEMA 2050 - Responsible Data Science (3 credits) (Cross-listed with NUTR 2050)
• CEMA 2800 - Capstone: Data Science Certificate for Non-Computing Majors (3 credits)

This certificate is open to all NCCU undergraduate students, and no application is required. Check the prerequisites for each course before enrolling. If you are interested in a course but do not meet its prerequisites, schedule a meeting with the coordinator of the certificate to determine if you will be eligible for a waiver.