Big Data Analytics Advanced Certificate
A big data certificate that will develop your expertise in managing, analyzing big data.
Overview for Big Data Analytics Adv. Cert.
The mass amount of data collected by industries, retailers, and organizations requires knowledgeable professionals who can collect, mine, and analyze as well as store, retrieve, and manage data. These professionals also guide the analysis, preparation, and visualization of data to aid in understanding trends, patterns, and behaviors, all of which help impact business decisions.
Big data is noted for its volume, varieties of data types, and rapid accumulation. Big data has become a catchphrase to describe data collections that are so large they are not amenable to processing or analysis using traditional database and software techniques. The advanced certificate in big data analytics is a multidisciplinary program intended for professionals with BS degrees in computing or other diverse fields–such as finance, retail, science, engineering, or manufacturing–where knowledge in data analysis is in demand.
Big Data Analytics Courses
The big data certificate features courses in the practical techniques used in exploratory data analysis and mining, as well as the approaches used to store, retrieve, and manage data in the real world. The certificate is meant for students who would like a formal qualification in big data analytics. It also allows professionals with a bachelor's degree to enhance their career opportunities and professional knowledge with targeted graduate course work in big data.
What is a Graduate Certificate?
A graduate certificate, also called an advanced certificate, is a selection of up to five graduate level courses in a particular area of study. It can serve as a stand-alone credential that provides expertise in a specific topic that enhances your professional knowledge base, or it can serve as the entry point to a master's degree. Some students complete an advanced certificate and apply those credit hours later toward a master's degree.
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Don't Delay Your Ambitions Until the Fall
This program offers a spring start, which means you can jumpstart your graduate journey and begin your studies this January.
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Big Data Analytics Adv. Cert.
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Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. RIT will not issue a student visa for advanced certificates.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Big Data Analytics Adv. Cert. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in science, computing, engineering, or a related major. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional for Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 applicants. No minimum score requirement.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
Duolingo (DET): 130
IELTS: 6.5
LanguageCert Academic: 74
PTE Academic: 60
TOEFL: 88
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Additional Information
Prerequisites
Have college-level credit or practical experience in probability and statistics, computer programming in a high-level language, and database systems.
