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Online Graduate Certificate in Data Engineering
Drive decision-making with a high-demand career.
In today’s data-driven world, the role of data engineers has become indispensable to businesses of all sizes. In fact, this profession is in such high demand that data scientists secured the No. 3 ranking on Glassdoor’s list of the 50 best jobs in America for 2022.
Data engineers are the architects behind the scenes, ensuring that decisions are rooted in accurate, ethical, and reliable data. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we recognize the pivotal role of data engineers and offer a comprehensive graduate online certificate program for anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field to excel in this dynamic field.
In less than a year, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of data engineering, gaining proficiency in technology aspects, data manipulation, automation, and more. Our program not only empowers you with technical expertise but also instills a strong commitment to integrity and ethical service, making you a leader of character in the data engineering landscape.
Integrity is an indispensable virtue in the field of data engineering. Rooted in our Lasallian Catholic heritage, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota empowers learners to lead lives of ethical service and leadership. As you advance your career, you’ll be ready to take on leadership roles characterized by both character and integrity.
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Program Highlights
- You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and platforms, including SQL, Python, Power BI, and Google Cloud.
- Opportunity to pursue certification requirements outlined by the GIS Certification Institute, leading to GISP® recognition, a globally recognized credential. Gain the confidence and preparation to pursue certification from the GIS Certification Institute.
- Participate in optional paid applied learning experiences through GeoSpatial Services (GSS), a unique on-campus project center at Saint Mary’s that is nationally recognized with clients including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
- Financial aid may be available for this program, helping to ease the stress of paying for courses so you can focus on what matters most.
- Take your career to the next level by applying earned credits from this certificate program to our M.S. in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytic program, saving you time and money as you advance your career. In addition, Saint Mary’s is regionally accredited, meaning that most other colleges and universities will accept our credits for transfer.
- Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program. Learn more.
What You'll Learn
- Analyze geospatial data
- Demonstrate proficiency in data collection and database administration
- Develop custom applications and scripts for visualization and analytics
- Engage in complex critical thinking
- Best practices of integrated technology
- Ethical implications of data handling and decision-making
Information Session
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
- Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 2.75 will be considered for conditional admission.
- Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74%
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 105.
Application Requirements
Your application must include the following items:
- A completed application form
- An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
- Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
- Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
- Official Transcripts should be sent to Office of Admission
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404 - Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- A personal statement that includes the following:
- brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and
- statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and their reasons for seeking admission to the program; and
- description of the areas the applicant considers to be their strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities; and
- personal information the applicant wishes to share.
- Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process.
- A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester- August 1
- Spring Semester December 1
- Summer Semester April 1
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Explore options to finance your education.
At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Learn more about tuition, fees, financial aid, and scholarships.
Course Catalog
You’ll take courses such as:
- Cloud Architecture and Web Programming
- Relational Database Design and Administration
- Python Programming for Technology Applications
- Advanced Data Engineering and Visualization
The course catalog provides complete information about course requirements.
Careers & Salary
Data Engineers tackle some of the most complex challenges in large-scale computing. Pursue a career in this fast-growing field and enjoy a thriving future.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
$131,490 per year*GIS Developer
$91,000 per year*Network Administrator
$80,600 per year*Discover articles on career outcomes and see how Saint Mary’s programs can help you reach your goals.
Visit the BlogRelated Programs
Advance your career with flexible programs designed for busy professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What support services are available? Writing Centers, libraries, career help?
answer
At Saint Mary’s, we want you to succeed, and we help you do so, inside and outside of the classroom:
Student Central: Your one-stop for student services.
Library: Resources and services are available 24/7 to all students.
Writing Center: Offers virtual and face-to-face services to support students.
Career Services: Can help you develop your career-readiness skills at any point in your education.
What financial aid is available?
If you are in a degree-granting program and enrolled at least half time, you may be eligible for financial aid.
How can I go to school with a full-time job and busy home life?
Life gets busy. Whether you’re raising a family, pursuing your career, or playing an active role in your community, we know you want to keep up with what you love while you take the next step in your career. That’s why Saint Mary’s online programs are flexible and designed to fit your demanding life.
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Glassdoor, 50 Best Jobs in America for 2022 at https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm (visited Aug. 14, 2023).
BLS, Occupation Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Research Scientists at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#:~:text=Computer%20and%20information%20research%20scientists%20typically%20do%20the%20following%3A,computing%20needs%20and%20system%20requirements (visited Aug. 14, 2023).
Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium, 2020 Salary Survey Results at https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.mngislis.org/resource/resmgr/docs/2020_salary_survey.pdf (visited Aug. 14, 2023).
BLS, Occupation Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Adminstrators at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#:~:text=Computer%20and%20information%20research%20scientists%20typically%20do%20the%20following%3A,computing%20needs%20and%20system%20requirements (visited Aug. 14, 2023).