Jun 25, 2025  
2020-2021 SGPP Catalog and Handbook 
    
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2020-2021 SGPP Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Data Engineering Certificate

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Program Description

The field of Data Engineering enables data-driven decision making by collecting, transforming, and publishing data. A data engineer should be able to design, build, operationalize, secure, and monitor data processing systems with a particular emphasis on security and compliance; scalability and efficiency; reliability and fidelity; and flexibility and portability. A data engineer should also be able to leverage, deploy, and work with generalized machine learning models. The role of a data engineer may include a) designing data processing systems, b) building and operationalizing data processing systems, c) operationalizing machine learning models, and d) ensuring solution quality. This certificate is for students with an interest in data analytics, data science, and technology. This certificate gives students skills to utilize new sources of data, use unstructured data and/or automate processes, as well as gain experience with planning and design.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificte, students are expected to be able to do the following:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in data collection, data engineering, and database administration.
  2. Develop custom applications and scripts for visualization and analytics.
  3. Communicate with clarity and coherence.
  4. Evaluate ethical and legal implications of decision making. 

Program Structure and Delivery

The Data Engineering Certificate is delivered in a blended format.

Certificate Requirements

Required Courses: 15 cr.

Master’s Degree Completion

For those students seeking to use this certificate toward a full master’s degree, see the following option: 

Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics   

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel), and
  2. An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).  Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
  3. A reflective essay which includes the following:
    1. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and
    2. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and their reasons for seeking admission to the program; and
    3. description of the areas the applicant considers to be their strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities; and
    4. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
  4. Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability; and
  5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
  6. Applicants with international transcripts may require an English language proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or MELAB accepted.)

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities Campus.
 

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN  55404

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