The applied, hands-on Practical Data Engineering Certificate is designed for busy working professionals and data enthusiasts to learn the principles, tools, techniques and best practices required of data engineers in the real world.
Data engineering and architecture are some of the most sought-after skill sets needed to prepare, manage, optimize, and process data. With the right preparation and command of technology, data engineers can provide data, uncover insights, and connect abstract data sets to analytical practitioners and organizations.
Today’s data engineers are empowered to do so much more than Extract/Transform/Load (ETL) information — they have become true contributors in the process of interpreting and expanding the boundaries of data-driven projects.
The four data engineering courses in this certificate will prepare students to solve real-world problems and develop insights that lead to more informed, data-based decisions and business actions. Students will develop and hone their skill sets related to data analysis, extraction, and storage architecture, the ethics of data engineering, and best practices for developing efficient data pipelines using SQL and AWS.
For those who are interested in advancing into data engineering and data science roles in the future, please note that, following successful completion of the Practical Data Engineering Certificate with a grade of B or better in each course, you can waive 3 units of ADS 507: Practical Data Engineering graduate course in the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Applied Data Science program.
A scholarship for this certificate and a selective group of other certificates is available. This scholarship was created in honor of an employee and lifelong learner here at the University of San Diego’s Professional and Continuing Education, Marcia Sue Rathfon.
On her behalf, we are offering scholarships to those individuals seeking to continue their education in the areas of K-12 education and business while encouraging the concept that learning never stops.
To apply, please complete the following application.
USD certificate programs provide a rigorous course of study that demonstrates a progression of learning and the mastery of a specific body of knowledge. Learn more about the University of San Diego’s Professional and Continuing Education Certificate Benefits and Policies.
Program completion
To earn the University of San Diego’s Practical Data Engineering Certificate, students must complete each of the program’s four courses.
Tuition & fees
In addition to the tuition for each course, there is a one-time $45 certificate fee.
Program length
At seven weeks per course, you can complete your Practical Data Engineering Certificate in as few as two semesters (28 weeks).
Practical Data Engineering Certificate – Bundle and save 10% when you enroll in all four courses (must add all 4 courses in one transaction for discount):
To apply credit, select the checkbox and select “BUS – PDE Bundle and Save 10%” for a discount on each course.**Only one discount can be applied per course.**
To apply credit, select the checkbox and select "BUS – PDE Bundle and Save 10%" for a discount on each course. **Only one discount can be applied per course. Discount does not apply to certificate fee. **
This is a 2-unit online course, the first of four courses in the University of San Diego’s Practical Data Engineering Certificate for those interested in learning how to extract, transform and load data for data-driven projects.
Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.
This online 2-Unit course is the second of four courses in the University of San Diego’s Practical Data Engineering Certificate program, that focuses on practical data extraction–learn how to do conduct data extractions and how to build a process for data extractions.
Online professional development course on practical data integration for the Practical Data Engineering Certificate offered by the University of San Diego.
This is the capstone course for the Practical Data Engineering Certificate program that synthesizes learning from the previous three courses with a culminating project.
Online Fixed-Date: Online fixed-date courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that enables you to collaborate with your instructor and other students in a shared, online learning environment. These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources. Our online fixed-date courses allow you to work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates.
How is the learning structured? In an online fixed-date course, you and your classmates will proceed through the curriculum together, collaborating in a shared learning experience. Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:
The four courses in the Practical Data Engineering Certificate program build upon each other and so must be taken in order. Each data engineering course is offered three times per year, so you will have the opportunity to begin your studies in whichever semester works best for you (Spring, Summer, or Fall).
Program courses are as follows:
The courses in this certificate program have been thoughtfully crafted to build your knowledge and skills and position you for success in the data engineering employment market. Each course is seven weeks long.
The courses are delivered in an asynchronous, fully online format, which provides considerable flexibility to complete the work on your own schedule as you earn your certificate in just 28 weeks.
The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Data analysis
Data extraction
Data storage architecture
Fundamentals of data engineering ethics
Developing efficient data pipelines
Proficiency in SQL and AWS
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)
Processing large volumes of data
Familiarity with basic programming languages and concepts (Python and SQL)
After completing the Practical Data Engineering Certificate program, participants will be able to:
This professional graduate certificate is designed for:
Students who complete the online Practical Data Engineering Certificate will:
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The online Practical Data Engineering Certificate program is designed and taught by expert instructors who provide up-to-the-minute data engineer training focused on practical knowledge.
Employment opportunities in the data engineering field are expected to grow by over 12,800 new jobs by 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With such high demand for talent, employers will be looking for qualified candidates who possess the most up-to-date data engineer training and can apply those practical skills right away.
There’s never been a better time to expand your data engineering skill set through continuing education — take a look at the numbers below.
Industry Insights
Job growth, 2021-2031
Average data engineer salary
Career Opportunities
Data Engineer
Cloud Data Engineer
Software Data Engineer
Analytics Data Engineer
Data Warehouse Architect
Requirements for completing a certificate can be found on the certificate page.
Professional and Continuing Education courses that are transferrable to a USD master degree will be stated on the course or certificate page. If you wish to transfer credit, it is your responsibility to confer with the receiving institution before enrolling, as each individual academic institution decides whether or not to accept USD Professional and Continuing Education credit.
You have five years to complete the certificate.
Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies
Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.
PCE nurtures key partnerships on the local, national and international level to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers, as well as with their employers to help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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