Athabasca University

Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics

At a glance

Credential: graduate certificate
Credits: 12
Next start: see program details

Get the technical skills and tools you need to analyze, manage and use data with Athabasca University’s online Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics.

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About Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics

At Athabasca University, our online Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics equips you with essential technical skills for analyzing, managing, and utilizing data. The program emphasizes a team-based approach focused on solving real-world analytical problems, covering everything from communication and collaboration to data mining and programming. Plus, you'll be sharing the virtual classroom with students from our Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems (MSc CIS) program, giving you a diverse and enriching learning experience.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in a related area or equivalent education and experience.

See full Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics admission requirements

Program details

Overview

Get the technical skills and tools you need to analyze, manage and use data with Athabasca University's online Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics.

The Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics program uses a team-based model, and aims at solving real-world analytical problems. You will gain skills in:

communication
idea sharing
collaboration
integrative thinking
object structure and programming
data mining
learning and knowledge analytics

As Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics courses are part of the Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems (MSc CIS) program, you will take your courses with MSc CIS students.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline	Start date
March 1	Oct. 1
Every Sept.	Every Jan.

Most courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates

The Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics is a 12-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 6 credits through Athabasca University.

Routes and options

Ladder to a degree

Once you have completed the Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics, you may apply to the Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems program. If you're admitted within 7 years, your Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics credits may be applied towards the Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems degree.

Learn more about laddering to an MSc CIS degree

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1.5 years of full-time study. You can take up to 2 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

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 website.

The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026. 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.

program application and admission fees
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies:	$197
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable)	$260
Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once:	$124

Total course fees
(includes all required materials and all other fees)

fees in Canada and out
Students living in Canada	$2,026 ¹
Students living outside Canada	$2,271 ¹

¹Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics (GCDA) Course Tuition fees include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $170 and Course Materials fee of $37 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fee of $14 per credit.

Estimated program cost (2025 - 2026):

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $8,104 ($2,026 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

other fees
Transfer credit evaluation fee:	$348/course
Supplemental examination fee:	$124
Course extension fee:	$334
Program extension fee:
Students living inside Canada	$1,984
Students living outside Canada	$2,229
Letter of Permission fee:	$100
Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-�ǿ�Ӱ��visiting students)	$250/course
Course withdrawal processing fee ¹:	$453
�ǿ�Ӱ��Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit)	$14
¹The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to Course Withdrawal.

Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026.

Courses

In this program, you'll complete four courses that employ a team-based approach to tackle real-world analytical issues. Your studies will cover a broad range of skills, from communication and collaboration to technical abilities like data mining, using software tools like R, SAS, and Tableau.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics.

Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

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Career options

After completing the Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics, you'll be well-equipped for various career paths in fields like health care, business, and education where data-driven decision-making is key. You could find opportunities as a data analyst, business intelligence specialist, or even move into managerial roles where analytical skills are highly valued.

Depending on your experience and goals, some careers may include:

data analyst
business intelligence analyst
business analyst
data scientist
data architect
operations analyst
quantitative analyst
research analyst
analytics manager
systems analyst
project manager with a focus on data analytics
data visualization specialist
statistical analyst

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about �ǿ�Ӱ��and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

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