Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics

Applicants for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) program must:

• Hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in computer science, information systems, or a related area, or
• Hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and have significant professional-level experience with information and communication technologies, or
• Hold the Canada’s Association of Information Technology (IT) Professionals – Information Systems Professional (CIPS ISP) designation or equivalent.

If the potential applicant does not have a degree, but believes his or her education and experience is equivalent to an undergraduate degree, then it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide adequate documentation to support their request as part of the application process.

Applications for program admissions will be considered only if the applicant has full and unrestricted Internet access.

If academic credentials are more than five years old, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide evidence that they have worked in an IT field within the past five years and that their knowledge and skills are current.

Admission by exception

Individuals who do not meet the normal educational requirements of the program, but present other qualifications that indicate their potential for the specific graduate program, may be considered for admission, based on specific criteria.

Transfer credit

Some applicants to the program may have completed graduate level course work at other post-secondary institutions that is applicable to the GCDA program. For details on policy and procedures related to transfer credit, please refer to the Graduate Transfer Credit Policy.

English language proficiency

There are minimum English language proficiency requirements allowed for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.

Please read all the application procedures carefully prior to commencing with your application. You may want to print a copy for your reference.

Application deadlines

There are two program intakes per year for the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA). The SCIS Graduate office must receive all application materials by March 1 for admission to the program for Fall semester, and by October 1 for consideration to the program for the Winter semester.

Application procedures

Applications for admission to the GCDA Program are submitted online, including payment of the application fee.

1. Complete the Application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies online through the Registrar's Office at Athabasca University.
   
   IMPORTANT: If you have been a student at Athabasca University (AU) or have received an AU student ID number as part of a previous application:
   1. You must first login by clicking the Login link (left-hand side, under the General heading);
   2. Click on Graduate Application and complete the required steps;
   3. Be sure to select "Application for Graduate Certificate"
   4. Then select Major "Data Analytics".
   5. You will be required to pay the PBCDA Program Application fee.
2. Proceed to the SCIS Graduate Student Admission System.
3. Select the "Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA)" option to start your application.
   
   Complete all components of the online GCDA Program application. Each component must be finalized.
4. Click on the "Proceed to Final Review" button in the checklist after all components have been completed and submitted. At that point you will no longer have access to view or modify your application.
5. You can make changes or additions to your application at any time prior to the application deadline (and prior to submitting your application for final review). You will be able to track completion of various components of the online application through an online Application Checklist.
   
   To check your application status, log into your myAU Portal and click on the link titled "Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics Graduate Student Admission System".
6. The status of your application will appear as "Under Review" if all steps have been completed and the application has been submitted for final review. All applications will be reviewed for approval during the two week period prior to the Course Registration deadline (please see below). Note that telephone confirmation will not be provided.
7. If the status of your application appears as "Review Complete", your application has been processed. Click on the link beside your status to review the results of your application.
   
   Track receipt of hardcopy documents and the status of your application online through the online Application Checklist. It is your responsibility to ensure that all components of your application package have been received by the application deadline. Allow sufficient time prior to the deadline for receipt of letters of reference, transcripts, credential assessments (if required), and CIPS ISP designation or equivalent.
8. In addition to the online application, you must submit one complete package containing all the supplementary application materials:
   
   Transcripts
   
   Request that the institution you graduated from send an official transcript(s), including the date of graduation, the Bachelors degree granted, and any graduate-level courses you have completed to the PBC ITM Office. Transcripts must be received directly from the accredited institution(s).
   
   Assessments
   
   Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside North America, documentation attesting to its equivalence to a North American baccalaureate is required. Such documentation can be provided through:
   1. NACES - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
      Contact NACES at: naces@ierf.org
   2. CICIC - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
   3. AACRAO - American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers.
      Contact IES at: (202) 296-3359 or email: ies@aacrao.org
   When requesting an assessment please select the assessment type that includes a description of course work that lists the courses completed towards credential if you would like to be considered for Advanced Standing.
   
   Letters of Reference
   
   All letters of reference must be sent directly to fst_grad_success@athabascau.ca as an attachment by the referees to the School of Computing and Information Systems. Athabasca University will not accept letters of reference not received directly from referees. Applicants may download the GCDA Reference Template to send to the referees:
   
   * It is the applicant's responsibility to notify his or her referees, that, in accordance with the Province of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the information contained in the letter of reference is not considered to be confidential and it may be viewed by the applicant upon request. For more information, contact us.
   • CIPS ISP designation or equivalent
   • World Education Services (WES) or International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS) (if required)
   • For applicants without Canadian citizenship: Photocopy of either permanent resident documentation or study authorization/permit will need to be provided.  

Please note that a student's application file will automatically go inactive 12 months after the initial application date, if the student does not proceed with the application process and/or there has not been any contact with the School of Computing and Information Systems.

Students, once admitted as program students, will be considered to have MSc IS program status. Where applicable, the following official documentation must be received before your application can be processed.

Ensure that all documentation is directed by mail or courier to:

GCDA
School of Computing and Information Systems
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
Canada

Note: All transcripts, references, test scores, and other documents become the property of Athabasca University and will not be returned to the applicants or forwarded to another program or institution.

Please read the entire application procedures carefully prior to commencing with your application.

Non-program application deadlines

The following deadlines apply to non-program applications:

• July 31st for Fall Session courses (September to December)
• November 30th for Winter Session courses (January to April)
• March 31 for Spring Session courses (May to August)

Late applications will not be reviewed and will be forwarded to the next available session.
Visiting students and prospective students who have not yet been admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics GCDA program may be permitted to register in GCDA courses for which they have the appropriate prerequisites in up to three courses on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting.

Courses taken as a non-program student can be applied towards a SCIS graduate program, if and when a student becomes a program student. Grades on courses completed as a non-program student will be considered in the admission process. However, successful completion of courses as a non-program student does not guarantee admission into a SCIS graduate program.

Non-program application requirements

Non-program students must meet the following application requirements:

• hold a baccalaureate degree in computer science, information systems, or a related area, or
• hold a baccalaureate degree and have significant professional-level experience with information systems (defined as follows: "Experience must be in a role requiring the use of a significant level of IT knowledge where a high level of independent judgment and responsibility are exercised"), or
• hold the Canada's Association of Information Technology (IT) Professionals – Information Systems Professional (CIPS ISP) designation or equivalent (Canadian IT Professional [CITP] or Certified Computing Professional [CCP] designation).

These requirements must be met by the application deadlines.

Non-program application procedure

Applications for admission as a non-program student to the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) are submitted online, including payment of the application fee.

1. Complete the Application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies online through the Registrar's Office at Athabasca University.
   
   IMPORTANT: If you have been a student at Athabasca University (AU) or have received an AU student ID number as part of a previous application:
   1. You must first login by clicking the Login link (left-hand side, under the General heading);
   2. Click on Graduate Application and complete the required steps;
   3. Be sure to select “Non-Program Application for the School of Computing and Information Systems”
   4. You will be required to pay the non-program Application fee. Proceed to the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) Graduate Student Admission System.
2. Select the "School of Computing and Information Systems Non-Program" option to start your non-program application.

   Complete all components of the online non-program application. Each component must be finalized.

3. Click on the "Proceed to Final Review" button in the checklist after all components have been completed and submitted. At that point you will no longer have access to view or modify your application.
4. You can make changes or additions to your application at any time prior to the application deadline (and prior to submitting your application for final review). You will be able to track completion of various components of the online application through an online Application Checklist.
   
   To check your application status, log into your Portal and click on the link titled "SCIS Graduate Student Admission System".
5. The status of your application will appear as "Under Review" if all steps have been completed and the application has been submitted for final review.
6. If the status of your application appears as "Review Complete", your application has been processed. Click on the link beside your status to review the results of your application.
   
   Track receipt of hardcopy documents and the status of your application online through the online Application Checklist. It is your responsibility to ensure that all components of your application package have been received by the application deadline. Allow sufficient time prior to the deadline for receipt of transcripts, credential assessments (if required), and CIPS ISP designation or equivalent.
7. In addition to the online application, you must submit:
   • Copies of your transcripts
   • CIPS ISP designation or equivalent
   • World Education Services (WES) or International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS) ((if required))
   Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside North America, documentation attesting to its equivalence to a North American baccalaureate is required. Such documentation can be provided through:
   • NACES - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
     Contact NACES at: naces@ierf.org
   • CICIC - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
   • AACRAO - American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers.
     Contact IES at: (202) 296-3359 or email: ies@aacrao.org
   When requesting an assessment please select the assessment type that includes a description of course work that lists the courses completed towards credential.
   Please note that a student's application file will automatically go inactive 12 months after the initial application date, if the student does not proceed with the application process and/or there has not been any contact with the School of Computing and Information Systems.
   
   Ensure that all documentation is directed to:
   • Email: fst_grad_success@athabascau.ca
   • Fax: (780) 675-6148
   • Mail:
     SCIS Graduate Office
     Athabasca University
     1 University Drive
     Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
     Canada
   Note: All transcripts, references, test scores, and other documents become the property of Athabasca University and will not be returned to the applicants or forwarded to another program or institution.

Students are required to complete 12 credits (four courses) in the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) program. The program is structured on a team-based model, and aims as solving real-world analytical problems. The team-based model requires participants to develop skills in communication, idea sharing, collaboration, and integrative thinking. The analytics tools used in the program include the following software packages: R, SAS, IBM suite of tools, Gephi, Tableau, and other similar tools.

Program delivery

The program is offered during three semesters each year. The fall semester begins in September. The winter semester begins in January. The spring sessions begins in May. Each semester is 13 weeks in length.

Program status

To maintain program status, students must complete at least 6 credits of course work during each academic year, September 1st to August 31st or January 1st to December 31st depending on the date of admission to the program.

The lowest acceptable grade for courses is B- (70 per cent). Students who receive a grade lower than B- may be required to withdraw from the program.

Full- and part-time involvement

Students may study in the program on a full- or part-time basis. Part-time students must complete a minimum of six credits (two course equivalents) per calendar year. In order to comply with Alberta Student Aid requirements, and to qualify for full-time status at the graduate studies level for funding and T2202A purposes, students must complete a minimum of nine credits (three courses) per calendar year (one course per term).

Definitions

Guidelines

To be considered for a 60 per cent course load, students are required to register in at least one three-credit course per term to be considered full time.

To be considered for a 100 per cent course load, students are required to submit a full year's study plan (three terms). Students will need to identify at least 12 credits of study covering a full 12-month period.

Students who request certification of a 100 per cent course load must identify their full 12-month study plan at the commencement of their first term of studies. Students are permitted to use any number of combination of credits in their three identified terms, provided the total number of credits is equal to 12.

Residency

To meet the residency requirements, students must complete a minimum of two courses (six credits) through Athabasca University.

Relationship to MSc Information Systems (MSc IS) program

Students, who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) program, may apply for admission to the MSc IS program. If admitted, credits completed by the student towards the GCDA will be accepted for credit towards the MSC IS degree in accordance with the MSc IS program regulations. Please note that students must achieve minimum required grades in various courses as per the MSc IS program regulations to be able to count the credits towards MSc IS program.

Courses

GCDA students take their courses alongside MSC IS students, and are required to complete the same activities and achieve the same standard.
Students will access all course tools and technologies online. In addition, students are expected to use web-based communications for the following purposes:

• For instructor and student-to-student interactions in computer conferences
• For email, both within and outside of the course structure
• For file transfer or file attachment of assignments and feedback between instructor and students and between students on joint projects
• For accessing electronic databases (for example, Athabasca University’s Library)
• For using Athabasca University’s Landing (a social network platform for students, instructors and staff)

Curriculum content

The Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics will be awarded upon completion of 4 courses (12 credits). Students are required to complete the following:

The core course, COMP 504 Object Structure and Programming, focuses on the design and analysis of efficient data structures and algorithms, and discusses the fundamental concepts, principles, and techniques for effective programming, algorithm analysis, and design. COMP 682 Data Mining is a hands-on course where learners will interact with structured and unstructured data to solve complex problems with applications in sectors such as healthcare, business, and education. COMP 683 Introduction to Learning and Knowledge Analytics is intended to provide an overview of how analytics are used in different educational, corporate, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) settings.

The option course COMP 602 Enterprise Information Management looks at databases, how they fit into an organization, what needs they seek to address and what can be done with them. This option is for those who are looking to understand the information needs of an organization and will explore how and when such information is needed. The course emphasizes being able to manage information in a manner that benefits an organization. The option will be required for those students who do not already have an equivalent competency, since such competency is prerequisite to taking the mandatory COMP 682 course.

The option course COMP 657 Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques looks at using data "intelligently" to solve complex problems and provide more natural and effective services to human beings. The emphasis in this course is on advanced search, reasoning and decision-making under uncertainty, and machine learning.

Permission of the program director is required before courses are taken for GCDA program credit outside Athabasca University.

Letter of permission

Students enrolled in the GCDA program may take courses from other post-secondary institutions in fulfillment of the program requirements, provided such courses are applicable to Athabasca University’s GCDA program and residency requirements are met.
Students wishing to take courses from other institutions must submit:

• a Letter of Permission Request Form and applicable fee
• a written request, and
• detailed course outlines from the other institution

to the Graduate Program Director for review. If approved, the School of Computing and Information Systems will issue a Letter of Permission. To allow for mailing time, requests for a Letter of Permission should be made at least one month before the registration deadline at the institution where the student will be taking the course. Upon completion of the course, the student must submit an official transcript to the School of Computing and Information Systems in order to obtain credit for the course.

Program extension

The changing nature of the subject matter requires that the GCDA program must be completed within two academic years. If the student is unable to complete the program within the expected maximum number of years for completion, a program extension may be considered.

A program extension (continuation) fee, equivalent to course tuition fee, will normally be paid by the student upon approval of the program extension, unless the approval is given on the basis of extenuating circumstances.

Program deferrals

While enrolled in the program there may be situations in which students, due to unforeseen or exceptional circumstances, are temporarily unable to meet the program requirements at that time. One alternative for the student is to request a deferral in order to suspend the program requirements for a period of time.

Students who do not already have COMP 602 or equivalent will be required to take COMP 602 option before taking COMP 682.

Delivery modes

The Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) courses are delivered via online paced study using distance education instructional design principles and enabling web-based technologies:

• Course materials—study guides, assignments, links to online resources, etc. are made available through the online learning environment.
• Courses have required online components, such as the use of cloud-based analytics tools.
• Students work their way through the learning materials, complete assignments, and communicate with the instructor, the university, and with other students anytime and from anywhere through the Internet.
• Students have online access to an instructor, who gives subject matter assistance and discusses scholarly issues, marks assignments, and provides feedback.
• Concluding examinations (where applicable) can be taken at many pre-approved invigilation centres across Canada and overseas.
• Students are expected to use web-based communications for the following purposes:
  • Instructor and student-to-student interactions,
  • File transfer or file attachment of assignments and feedback between instructor and students and between students on joint projects, and
  • Accessing web-based resources such as electronic databases (the Athabasca University library maintains subscriptions to ACM and IEEE digital libraries).

Online paced study

GCDA program will use online paced study mode involving online study as part of a group, with specific start and end dates. The courses in the GCDA program will be offered during three terms each year. Please refer to the Academic Schedule for each term start date. All course work should be completed during the term periods. Online paced study delivery has the following characteristics:

• Students engage with fellow students and instructors and complete various course activities on a 13-week timetable.
• Terms start three times each year: September, January, or May.
• Exams, where applicable, are written in the last scheduled week of classes.

Course registration procedures

Registration in courses is subject to prerequisite requirements or professor permission. Elective courses may be taken on completion of the core courses or concurrently with the core courses offered in any term.

Course extensions

Course extensions are not available for any of the core and elective courses in the GCDA program.

Re-registration

Students are allowed only one re-registration in each course. Both the initial registration and the re-registration will appear on the student’s academic record.

Students may re-register in a course only if they have received more than one final grade of B- or lower in a core course or more than one final grade of C+ or lower in an elective course, or have withdrawn from the course in good standing. In re-registering, students must complete all course requirements and pay the full course fee.

Course withdrawals and refunds

Early withdrawal

(Within 30 days of the course start date)

Students may withdraw within 30 days from their course start date for a refund of the full courses fee, less the withdrawal processing fee. The registration will not appear on the transcript and will be deleted from the official record. Please refer to the refund policy for further details. Learning resources should not be returned to Athabasca University.

Withdrawal

(Before the course contract end date)

Students may withdraw from a course before the course end date without academic penalty. A "W" (Withdrawal) will appear on the transcript, which means the student has withdrawn without credit and without penalty. There is no refund, and learning resources should not be returned to Athabasca University.

Students will not be able to withdraw from a course without academic penalty in any of the following cases:

• The course has a final exam and the student has written the final exam, or
• If the course does not have a final exam, but all of the assignments have been submitted for marking.

If a student does not formally withdraw by the course end date, and does not complete the course, the official record will reflect and "F" (Failure). A grade will be assigned and calculated into the cumulative average. There is no refund, and learning resources should not be returned to Athabasca University.

The course end date is the scheduled end of an independent paced session for grouped study courses, and the expiry date of the course contract period for individualized study courses. We also do not automatically withdraw students and we handle re-enrolment on a case-by case basis.

Refunds

Students will receive a refund of their full course fees minus the course withdrawal processing fee (refer to GCDA fees) if they withdraw from the course within the first month. Students should not return their learning resources. Students wishing to withdraw from a course(s) before the first day of class will receive a full refund providing all materials are returned completely unmarked and are able to be reissued to another student.

Grading system

All courses will be graded using the Alpha/4.0 grading scale.

Please review the Graduate Grading Policy and Academic Records FAQ for more information on grading scales.

A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.

The following fees are effective for courses starting September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)

¹ Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $148 and Course Materials fee of $32 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fee of $13 per credit.

Estimated program tuition cost (2021 - 2022):

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $7,048 ($1,762 x 4, three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees, the Course Administration and Technology fee, and the Course Materials fee are included in the above calculation. Application and admission fees are not included.

Other fees

Fee information effective September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.