Data Analytics, Big Data, and Predictive Analytics for International Students
Power up your career opportunities in the booming data analytics job market
Unlocking the power of data means unleashing endless opportunity. Data analyst. Business intelligence analyst. Predictive analyst. Big data analyst. Even chief data officer. These are the roles that are highly in-demand right now – and often pay well. We’re the perfect partner to help you become a sought-after data analytics specialist and boost your career prospects here in Canada.
Our program prioritizes practical, hands-on experience with data analysis tools and techniques. We also include a capstone project, which allows you to apply your new knowledge and skills to real-world problems, putting theory into practice and giving you some projects to showcase in your new portfolio during your job hunt.
Think of this certificate like a master key, unlocking the ability to handle, examine, and make sense of big datasets. You’ll complete coursework in Python programming, big data analytics, data organization, and data access and management. The skills you’ll learn are sought after in numerous industries, maximizing your career options.
If you’re interested in additional certification, our program is recognized by an international, industry-leading association, The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), and is the perfect way to prep for becoming a Certificated Analytics Professional (CAP®). And, as a DLI-qualified institution, completing this certificate with us can also potentially lead to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) opportunities.
It's time to take the next step in your career, and we’re here to help you make it your best move yet. Let’s get started today.
Key Program Details
| Credential: Certificate in Data Analytics, Big Data, and Predictive Analytics | Program Length: 9 months, full-time |
| Winter 2025 Start Date: January 13, 2025 (currently accepting applications) Spring/Summer 2025 Start Date: May 5, 2025 (currently accepting applications) |
Delivery Options: In person Location: Toronto Metropolitan University campus |
Study permit processing time may vary from country to country, and you may need to defer to a later term if your study permit is not approved in time. All acceptance letters will contain Toronto Metropolitan University's Designated Learning Institution number (O19395677651).
Ready to launch your data analytics career in Canada? We're here to help you thrive.
Is our program right for you?
The Data Analytics, Big Data, and Predictive Analytics certificate is a great way to kickstart your career if:
- You’re an offshore or on-shore international student with some post-secondary experience or an undergraduate degree
- You prefer a program that allows you to study and work part-time simultaneously
What will you learn?
In our Data Analytics, Big Data, and Predictive Analytics program, you’ll learn how to use tools like:
- Programming languages: R, Python
- Database management systems: MySQL, MongoDB
- Data collection and query tools: XPath, XQuery
- Data visualization tools: Tableau
- Libraries for data analysis: Python Libraries (pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib), R Packages (dplyr, ggplot2)
- Integrated development environments (IDEs): RStudio, MS-VSCode, MySQL Workbench, Robo3T
You’ll also learn how to:
- Master the data analytics fundamentals of data types and structures, data manipulation and cleaning, statistical analysis, data visualization, machine learning techniques, and programming languages for querying data
- Interpret business context to provide insights and recommendations effectively
- Understand database types and how to organize and manage them
- Prepare, model, and analyze data via statistics and machine-learning techniques
- Use programming languages like R and Python to turn data into beneficial insights
- Create a data analytics portfolio to aid you in applying for jobs
Admission and Equipment Requirements
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution is strongly preferred.
- An applicant’s complete academic record, including secondary school as well as all post-secondary studies (e.g. college, university, or other post-secondary institutions) will be reviewed and considered as part of the competitive selection process.
- In alignment with university English Language Requirements, international student applicants must provide evidence of achieving a minimum of a 6.5 Academic IELTS or equivalent. Exemptions may apply for students who have completed programs where the primary language of instruction is English.
Computer Requirements:
Model: PC or Mac
RAM: 8 GB, but 16 GB is highly recommended
Processor: dual-core .16 GHz or faster Apple M1 Chip, or Intel Core i5 or i7
Storage: solid-state drive model, with a minimum of 256 GB
Other requirements: internet access, Google Meet and Zoom access
Each student will be granted access to a virtual desktop equipped with all the tools to complete their project. These virtual desktops will be available until the end of the enrolled term. Tools included are:
- Programming tools: R, SAS, Python, XPath, and XQuery
- Data collection and storage tools: MySQL, MongoDB
- Visualization tools: Tableau
- Advanced analytics tools: Apache Spark, Weka
- File system: Hadoop Distributed File System
- Extract, transform, and load Tools: Apache Hive, Sqoop>
- IDEs: Colab/Jupyter notebooks, MS-VSCode, RStudio, MySQL Workbench
Certificate Courses
To earn the certificate in Data Analytics, Big Data, and Predictive Analytics, you must complete these courses:
*In semester 2, the CIND 820 capstone project will take an additional 4 weeks to finish after the official end of the semester.
In addition to these courses, The Chang School will provide skills-based workshops in leadership and career development on topics such as teamwork, conflict resolution, intercultural competency, and resume and interview skills.
The International Student Program does not accept transfer credits. Students are required to take the complete course schedule as outlined.
Fees
| Fee Description | Balance Due | Fee Amount |
| Non-refundable application fee | Upon application | $155 |
| Non-refundable tuition deposit | Upon acceptance | $2,350 |
| First semester | 60 days before first semester start date | $8,240 |
| Second semester | 60 days before second semester start date | $10,590 |
| University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) fee* | 60 days before semester start date | $756 |
| Total (2 Semesters) | $22,091 |
All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD).
* Students in this program are required to purchase UHIP health insurance, which is currently $756 per year. Future annual rates are subject to change. UHIP provides coverage for the policy year, which is September 1 to August 31. All international students studying in Ontario with a valid study permit are required to be enrolled in UHIP.
There is no payment plan for this program; therefore, all tuition and UHIP fees outlined above must be paid in full according to the deadlines before you start your first class. If tuition and UHIP fees remain unpaid after the published deadlines, enrolment restrictions will be applied and students may be withdrawn from the program for current and future terms.
Fee Refunds
- The non-refundable tuition deposit is only eligible for a full refund due to a study permit denial. You must present the denial letter from the government of Canada to be eligible for a refund.
- In the case of a study permit denial, tuition payments are also eligible for a full refund minus the non-refundable application fee. You have to submit your request in writing or by email and include the study permit denial letter.
- For all other reasons, students are eligible for a full refund minus the non-refundable application fee and non-refundable tuition deposit, provided the request comes in writing or by email at least ten (10) business days prior to the semester start date. After ten (10) business days prior to the start of the semester, no refunds will be provided. It may take up to 30 days to receive your refund. Exceptions to this policy will not be made for students who register late.
- Currency rates fluctuate regularly. The amount of your refund may differ from the original amount paid based on the rate of exchange on the date of the transaction.
- Refunds will be paid to your financial intermediary institution according to International Payments. For example, if you used CIBC International StudentPay when you sent us the money, we will refund the money back to CIBC International StudentPay . The financial intermediary institution may charge you a service fee to receive money.
- You will need to contact the financial intermediary institution directly to find out how soon they would be able to release the money back to you. You will receive an email to your TMU university address with the directions to initiate the refund once we approve your refund request. You will need to log into the my.torontomu portal to access your university Gmail account. If you need help to reset your password, please contact Computing and Communications Services (CCS).
For further information or to request a refund please contact iapps@torontomu.ca.
Questions?
Contact us at iapps@torontomu.ca.