Waseda University combines “expertise” and “data science” to promote and support research and education in the field of data science. The Center for Data Science collaborates with the Global Education Center to offer a “Waseda University`s Data Science Education Program” for all undergraduate and graduate students, allowing all Waseda University students to learn data science from the basics. The certification program in data science was established as a part of our data science education program to provide clear goals for students studying data science. The certification system consists of four levels that assess the abilities of students in data science. By setting concrete goals for each level, students have the chance to study data science in line with their interests. A certificate from the Center for Data Science will be issued to students who meet the requirements for each level.
Recent advances in information and communications technology (e.g., Internet and Internet of Things [IoT]) have enabled the acquisition of large volumes of diverse data, underpinning the demand for “data science,” which uses data in a variety of fields and in society. “Data science” is the study of extracting rational and clear decisions and arguments from data. To reach the best decisions from data, it is essential to understand the specialized fields behind data and decisions. In this context, the real power of “data science” emerges when combining it with the individual’s “field of expertise.”
Many students study “data science” to “apply data science to their own specialized fields,” and use the certification system as leverage to improve their knowledge of data science and create new possibilities for their careers.
Overview and Target goal of Each Level
Examples of Course Enrollment and Timing of Certification
[Eligible students]
・Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school at Waseda University from April 2021 onward (full-time students only)
[Course registration]
・Register for the courses needed for certification offered at the Global Education Center during regular course registration period.
・Students are encouraged to check the syllabus since they are allowed to choose which courses to take in which semesters. Follow the course registration rules of your faculty or graduate school and register for eligible courses for the Global Education Center’s Certification Program in Data Science
[Application for certification]
・Students who wish to acquire certification from the Data Science certification System have to submit an “Application for certification” in addition to registering for courses.
# Please apply by specifying the level of certification you wish to receive using the “Certification Application” form above.
[Procedure for certification]
・Below is the procedure for certification: After “course registration” and “application for certification,” a “certification decision” will be issued following the finalization of grades for the spring and fall semesters. Students who will be issued the certification will be notified through the Waseda University email.
・Students who are notified of their certification will receive a certificate through the certificate issuing service.
◆Timing of certification decision◆
Spring semester: September (Application deadline: End of July)
Fall semester: March (Application deadline: End of January)
1. Overview
The Certification Program in Data Science comprises four levels that ensure the data science proficiency of students enrolled in university-wide open courses offered by the Global Education Center. By providing concrete goals for each level, students can learn data science according to their interests.
On the other hand, undergraduate and graduate schools at Waseda University offer courses allowing students to apply data science to their own expertise.
With this in mind, since AY2022, the Certification Program in Data Science has been compatible with undergraduate and graduate schools. As such, the university is implementing the “Certification Program in Data Science : Undergraduate and graduate school course compatibility” to make it easier for students taking data science-related courses in each faculty and graduate school to acquire a certification level.
In particular, if a student is enrolled in courses offered by their faculty or graduate school that cover items corresponding to the curriculum of the Certification Program in Data Science, they will be able to obtain a grade without having to retake the courses required for the Certification Program in Data Science established by the Global Education Center (hereinafter referred to as “designated courses”), which overlap in content.
# Please note that this undergraduate/graduate school course compatibility defines the certification conditions for the Certification Program in Data Science. It does not mean that credits can be transferred between corresponding courses or that the prerequisites for each course must be met.
2. Eligibility
Students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at Waseda University (full-time students only)
3. Year of completion of compatible courses in undergraduate and graduate schools that are eligible for certification
AY2014 onward
4. Certification Program in Data Science : Structure of undergraduate and graduate course
For information on the Certification Program in Data Science’s undergraduate and graduate school subject compatibility structure, please refer to the material below (types of course compatibility, how to read the table, and examples of obtaining certification).
5. Eligible undergraduate and graduate schools
The Certification Program in Data Science covers the following courses for each undergraduate and graduate school:
| Name of undergraduate/graduate school | Compatibility | Remarks |
| School of Political Science and Economics | 〇 | GEC courses: Statistical Literacy α and β are mandatory courses for undergraduate students. |
| School of Education | 〇 | |
| School of Commerce | 〇 | GEC courses: Statistical Literacy α, β, and γ are mandatory courses for all undergraduate students |
| School of Social Sciences | ― | GEC courses: Statistical Literacy α and β are mandatory courses for undergraduate students |
| School of Human Sciences | 〇 | |
| School of Human Sciences (e-school) | 〇 | |
| School of International Liberal Studies | 〇 | |
| School of Fundamental Science and Engineering | 〇 | |
| School of Creative Science and Engineering | 〇 | |
| School of Advanced Science and Engineering | 〇 |
Waseda University provides opportunities to study data science according to each student’s interests and goals. While students are free to choose their study methods, those studying data science for the first time should refer to page 8 of the Certification Program in Data Science digital pamphlet.
We also offer data science course consultations to Waseda students. Please apply through this link [Japanese only].
The Center for Data Science will issue the following certificates to those who meet the certification requirements set forth for each level.
*1 Please refer to the URL below for the online application process
Certificate Issuance Service – Waseda Portal Office
*2 The fees per copy of the certificate are as follows:
Current and graduating students (from the time they are recognized as having completed the program until the end of the semester): 300 yen
Alumni: 400 yen
(1) Please fill out and bring the certificate application form.
Certificate application form Download(word) [Japanese only]
Certificate application form Download(PDF) [Japanese only]
(2) Procure the total number of necessary certificate copies from the fee receipt machine in the Waseda Portal Office on the first floor of Building 7.
(3) Identification documents: One of the following: “Driver’s license,” “Health insurance card,” “Passport,” or “Basic Resident Registration Card.” However, if you have changed your name as a result of marriage or because of other reasons, please also submit an extract of your family register (a copy is acceptable).
# If applying through a family member or a representative, please bring the following documents in addition to copies of (1), (2), and (3) above.
(4) Power of attorney (please obtain a power of attorney designated by your faculty and sign it yourself)
(5) Identification document of the representative (choose one of the following: driver’s license, health insurance card, passport, or basic resident registration card)
If you are applying by mail, please send the required documents listed below to the Center for Data Science office.
Please note that the Waseda Portal Office on the 1st floor of Building 7 does not accept applications for issuance by mail.
1. Certificate application form
2. Fixed-amount small money order (post office) for the total amount required
Note: If requesting from overseas: Please purchase an International Postal Money Order (ensure it can be converted into yen in Japan) from a post office overseas to cover the certificate fee and return postage (please check this yourself) and enclose it with your application (bank-issued money orders and checks are not accepted).
3. Copy of identification document
4. Return envelope: addressee clearly stated and stamp affixed
*Please prepare a square no. 2 envelope (square no. 2: length 33.2cm, width 24cm).
5. If applying through a representative, a power of attorney and a copy of the representative’s identification document
Please check here (Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)) before submitting an inquiry.
For students of this university: Please submit your inquiry here. [Japanese only]
We have issued a press release about the Data Science Certification Program. Please see below.
https://www.waseda.jp/top/news/71244 [Japanese only]
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