Certificate in Building Modern Data Systems

Design and Engineer Data Science Platforms

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Program Details

  • Location: Online
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Times: Evenings
  • Cost: $4,890

Next start date:

October 2025

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About this Program


This program was previously called the Certificate in Big Data Technologies.

In today’s job market, data is hot — and so are data engineers, the professionals who have the knowledge and skills to tame it. Organizations have a growing need for specialists who know how to design and build platforms that can handle the gigantic amount of data available today.

In this three-course certificate program, we’ll explore distributed computing and the technologies used to store and process data before it can be analyzed. You’ll work with typical data stacks and gain experience with the kinds of data flow situations commonly used to inform key business decisions. Complete this program and further your career in the world of data engineering.

Related ArticleHow to Become a Data Engineer

Designed for

Professionals with programming, database and system administration experience who are looking to expand their careers into data engineering.

See Requirements

Explore More: Want to compare our data programs? Find the right data program for you.

What You'll Learn

  • The fundamentals of big data stacks, their uses, advantages and limitations
  • Key background in distributed systems, cloud computing, relational databases and key-value stores
  • The foundations of the Hadoop data ecosystem and beyond (MapReduce, Hive, Spark, SQL, non-relational processing)
  • The pros and cons of batch processing and stream processing
  • The uses and limitations of NoSQL stores (HBase, Redis, Elasticsearch, Cassandra, etc.)

Get Hands-on Experience

  • Build data processing system in Python
  • Configure and deploy frameworks and libraries to run leading-edge data software

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.

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EARN DIGITAL BADGES

You can earn a digital achievement badge for successfully completing this certificate program, as well as a separate badge for each course. These badges can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.

Career Stats

79%

Alumni working in field

Sample Employers

Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Meta, CBRE, FedEx

31.6%

Projected job growth for software developers in Washington state (2024–2034)

$162,386

Average salary for software developers in Washington state (2023)

Source: Lightcast. Learn about career stats data.

OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.

Program Overview

Complete the courses listed below to earn the certificate.

Learning Format

Online With Real-Time Meetings

Online Synchronous

Combine the convenience of online learning with the immediacy of real-time interaction. You’ll meet with your instructor and classmates at scheduled times over Zoom. Learn More »

Program Sessions

Online Synchronous

Closed Sessions

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