In the era where big data and data-driven decision-making is paramount, the need for skilled and responsible professionals who understand the practical and ethical implications of data science has never been greater. The Human-Centered Data Science Certificate Program at the Florida State University School of Information is designed to meet this growing demand by equipping students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of data science. This 12-credit certificate program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and techniques in data organization, data mining, ethics in information, information policy, metadata, and database management. Our curriculum is structured to address the diverse needs of students ranging from seeking foundational knowledge to enhancing their skill sets in the rapidly evolving data landscape.
We emphasize a human-in-the-loop approach to data science. This program is designed to ensure that students understand the importance of human judgment in data analytics and the design of data science solutions, recognizing that technology is a tool to augment, not replace, human decision-making. A core pillar of our program is the emphasis on ethics in data science. We delve deep into the ethical implications of data collection, analysis, and usage, preparing students to navigate complex moral landscapes and make responsible decisions that respect privacy, equity, and social good. We stress the importance of understanding human behavior, biases, and interactions when working with data. This includes studying how data-driven solutions can be tailored to diverse populations and individual needs, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in all data practices. Through project-based learning and case studies, students will tackle real-world problems, learning to balance technical solutions with human-centric approaches. This practical experience cultivates a mindset where students consistently consider the human impact of their work. This program will not only prepare students to be proficient in data science techniques but also to be prepared to lead ethically and responsibly, advocating for the responsible use of data and technology in their respective fields.
The School of Information offers graduate-level certificate programs to allow students to master technical aspects in specialized areas of study. Certificates are open to degree- and non-degree seeking students who:
- Provide proof of Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
- Have a minimum earned grade point average of 3.0 or higher on all upper-division undergraduate course work toward a bachelor’s degree, or a minimum 3.0 GPA on an earned master’s degree
or
Are currently enrolled as a graduate student in good standing at The Florida State University.
Admission and completion of a graduate-level certificate program does not guarantee admission to a master’s or specialist degree program. Students may, however, apply up to 12 semester hours of credit earned toward the master’s or specialist degree with approval.
Graduate Certificate Application
Submit the online iSchool Certificate Application prior to completion of the 2nd course required for a certificate.
NOTE: All applicants must be currently enrolled as a graduate student in good standing at Florida State University or be admitted as a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student.
Non-Degree seeking students should be able to self-enroll in most online graduate courses offered by the School of Information when the non-degree seeking student enrollment appointment opens if admitted by the FSU Office of Admissions. Core courses are restricted to students pursuing a master’s or specialist degree in the School of Information, but may be requested on a space-available basis. All requests for enrollment in any of the following courses (LIS 5020, LIS 5203, LIS 5271, LIS 5275, LIS 5408, LIS5411, LIS 5487, or LIS 5703) can be sent directly to iSchool Student Services at ischooladvising@admin.fsu.edu. Each request will be reviewed and accommodated on a space available basis when the non-degree seeking enrollment appointment opens and a confirmation email will be sent indicating a final determination.
To earn a certificate, students must:
- Apply and be approved to pursue a certificate program prior to completion of the 2nd course required for a certificate. See the Certificate Admissions tab for more information on how to apply.
- Complete the required number of credit hours of course work from the approved list of courses on each individual certificate program section.
- Earn a grade of “B” or higher in EACH OF THE COURSES completed for a certificate.
- Submit the online iSchool Graduate Certificate Completion Request Form requesting completion of the certificate at the beginning of the term in which the requirements for the certificate will be complete.
Courses used to satisfy one certificate may not be used to satisfy another certificate. Students must request completion of the certificate BEFORE completion of the master’s or specialist degree has been earned. Certificates cannot be awarded or posted once the degree-seeking program has been completed.
Be sure to check and see if a course has any prerequisites by visiting the course descriptions page.
Courses used to satisfy one certificate may not be used to satisfy another certificate. Students must request completion of the certificate BEFORE completion of the master’s or specialist degree has been earned. Certificates cannot be awarded or posted once the degree-seeking program has been completed.
Be sure to check and see if a course has any prerequisites by visiting the course descriptions page.
Certificate Requirements
Required: LIS 5765 Data Mining and Analytics (3 credits)
Required: LIS 5786 Introduction to Information Architecture (3 credits)
Take a total of 6 credit hours from the following courses. No other courses may be substituted for any of the courses listed below. For more information about the courses listed below, see the graduate course descriptions.
LIS 5341 Data Organization (3 credits)
LIS 5411 Introduction to Information Policy (3 credits)
LIS 5751 Computers as Persuasive Technology (3 credits)
LIS 5782 Database Management Systems (3 credits)
LIS 5787 Fundamentals of Metadata Theory and Practice (3 credits)
