Data Analysis Post-Degree Certificate

The world is awash in data; currently there are some 500 billion gigabytes stored, an amount that doubles every 18 months. But data is only useful if it is turned into information. That's the job of a data analyst.

Data analysis is the science of correctly collecting data, assessing it for trustworthiness, extracting information from it, and presenting it in a comprehensible informative way. These skills are vital to institutions such as government, business, or health care where sound decisions must be made based on data and the way it is interpreted.

The post-degree certificate builds on the skills and knowledge you have already acquired in earning your first degree allowing you to employ them fully in modern data-driven enterprise. The combination of your degree background and your data analysis skills can make you an attractive employee.

Data Analysis at UFV

As a data analysis student at UFV you will acquire the skills needed to extract reliable information from large data sets. With carefully designed courses taken in both computing and statistics, you will gain the data-base skills you need to house, extract, manipulate and maintain data in the real-world ways in which it arises and you will learn the statistical techniques needed to collect data correctly, assess its quality, analyze it, and present the information effectively to decision makers. The industry standard statistical software environments SAS and R will be used throughout.

You can begin the program and earn the certificate in about 10 months, beginning in September and finishing in mid-June.

The Data Analysis Program

Required courses:
STAT 271

Introduction to Data Analysis and Statistical Modelling              

STAT 272

Statistical Graphics and Languages

CIS 230

Databases and Data Management Systems

COMP/STAT 331

Data Quality

STAT 315

Applied Regression Analysis

Four further courses chosen from:
STAT 330

Design of Experiments

STAT 350
STAT 402

Applied Generalized Linear Models and Survival Analysis

STAT 430

Time Series and Forecasting

STAT 470

Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis

STAT/COMP 431

Data Mining

CIS 430
CIS 385

Project Management

Note: While STAT 315 was previously an optional course, it will be required as of Fall 2013.

A selection of these courses will be offered each year. See Course selection for 2013-2014 (below on this page)

Objectives and Outcomes (What are the goals? What will graduates be able to do?)

Entrance Requirements

How and When to Apply

The program is offered offered starting in the fall of each year. Check http://www.ufv.ca/ar/admissions/acceptapps/ to see if applications are still being accepting for the coming fall.

Domestic students can visit www.ufv.ca/ar to download an application form or apply online at www.ufv.ca/admissions/apply/ A $45 application fee applies.

International students can visit www.ufv.ca/international to find out how to apply. A $150 application fee applies.

How Much does it Cost?

Domestic students can check the UFV Admissons site for the latest tuition fees. International students can visit www.ufv.ca/international  to learn more about international tuition costs.

What if I am still working on my first degree?

If you will graduate before September 2013, you can apply and be admitted, conditional on you finishing your degree before September. If you still have a ways to go in your degree, you can take the certificate courses along with the courses you are currently taking for your degree, and formally enter the program later. In that case it will likely take you longer than one year to complete the certificate.

Courses offered in 2013-2014

The courses offered will vary from year-to-year. In the 2013-2014 academic year the following courses are scheduled:

  • Fall 2013 (Sept-Dec)
    • STAT 271 - Introduction to Data Analysis and Statistical Modelling
    • STAT 272 - Statistical Graphics and Languages 
    • CIS 230 - Databases and Data Management Systems
    • STAT 350 - Survey Sampling 
  • Winter 2014 (Jan-Apr)
    • COMP/STAT 331 - Data Quality
    • CIS 385 - Project Management
    • STAT 330 - Design of Experiments
    • STAT 315 - Applied Regresssion Analysis 
  • Spring 2014 (May-June)
    • STAT/COMP 431 - Data Mining
    • STAT 4XX (tentative)

    Test PDF link

Current demand for data analytics specialists far exceeds supply - Globe & Mail March 2013

 

Statistics, "Dream job of the next decade" - Google's chief economist

 

"This new Certificate Program will provide students with highly valuable training for analyzing the large, complex data sets that modern electronic devices are making available." - Rick Routledge, Professor of Statistics, SFU

 

“We’re very impressed with the strength of the University of the Fraser Valley’s data analysis program. With the rapid growth and demand for an analytically savvy workforce, programs like this will fuel graduates that are equipped with the analytics skills needed to lead organizations forward." -Wally Thiessen, Manager Customer Engagement, SAS Canada (the leader in business analytics)”

 

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