Founded in 1919, UCLA is the largest and most competitive institution in the University of California system. UCLA’s distinguished professors and faculty include Nobel Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious academic organizations. In Westwood Village, one of the safest and most attractive neighborhoods in Los Angeles, you’re just a short bus ride from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the beach.
University of California, Los Angeles Certificate Program in Data Science









About the Program
Program Advisor

At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Zhang, Zhuofan
The professors are so kind. They just don’t care about how your English is and whether your answer is correct or not. The only thing they care [about] is if you are fully participating in the class. But of course, during exams, answers matter. And the professors will explain everything clearly and patiently.
UCLA SAF Alumni

About the University
University of California, Los Angeles
Founded in 1919, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has its home in Westwood Village, one of the safest and most attractive neighborhoods in Los Angeles and a short bus ride from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the beach. The vibrant neighborhood has theaters, shops, markets, museums, and great restaurants frequented both by the student body and UCLA’s distinguished professors and faculty of Nobel Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious academic organizations.
Beyond Westwood Village, the city of Los Angeles is world-famous film and entertainment hub, abundant in movie studios and concert venues as well as its naturally stunning beaches, mountains, and deserts.
Learn more at University of California, Los Angeles' official website.
Academics

University of California, Los Angeles' Academic Approach
Renowned for its globally ranked programs across disciplines, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is the largest and most iconic of the 10 campuses in the UC system.
Exceptional professors in all disciplines look to industry-leading research to craft classes with a strong emphasis on practical application to give you the knowledge and skills you need for a successful, impressive career.
You can build a schedule tailored to your interests and earn credit for your home university from exacting discipline-specific courses. If you want the challenge of attending a top-ranked American university, this is the study abroad experience for you.
Courses
What you can learn:
- Explore data sets with Python and learn the foundational tools and techniques to analyze data, deliver insights and build forecasting models
- Gain expertise in Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and advanced data visualization, using R and Tableau
- Understand the management of big data, types of NoSQL data stores, and the framework of Hadoop and its ecosystem
- Apply machine learning techniques using R to train, evaluate, improve performance and present analyses of statistical models
Courses:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Big Data Management
- Machine Learning
- Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization
- Data Science Fundamentals (It’s a suggested prerequisite course for student with limited or no prior programing, statistics or data analytics knowledge)
A UCLA Extension certificate offers in-depth study of a professional field. The coursework, developed by academic and industry experts, balances theory and real-world practice, providing you the knowledge you need to transition from scholar to professional.
Over the course of the study, you will:
Make lasting connections with faculty at one of the highest ranked public universities in the United States. You will have an opportunity to request recommendation letters from faculty members.
Advance your post-graduate profile through earning an official transcript/certificate from a prestigious university. UCLA extension certificate courses earn a standard UCLA transcript.
Exclusive Benefits
- Access to Handshake Handshake , UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings
- Become a member of the UCLA Alumni Association (upon completing your certificate) and gain access to a nationwide network of Bruin alumnus
- PLUS, all UCLA Extension students have access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops and networking events
- Students who complete the full certificate become UCLA alumni which provides benefits for a lifetime
Prerequisites
Some courses may have prerequisites. Students should demonstrate verifiable courses they have taken in home universities to fulfill the prerequisite requirement. Students should not apply if they don’t meet the prerequisites.
After they are admitted, students are required to file a petition to the certificate program academic department to waive the prerequisite (I will do it on behalf of students). This may require them to identify the similar courses they have taken and provide a course description if necessary. Program Specialist will be in touch with the country office with more details when filling the petition.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
The following minimum language scores are required at the time of application:
- TOEFL iBT: 80 *Home Edition accepted
- IELTS: 6.5
- iTEP: 4.5
- CET 4: 530
- CET 6: 500
- Duolingo: 105
- TOEIC 685 *Applicant can submit scores of Listening & Reading OR Speaking & Writing
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency or score of 170 or above
* Other language scores or English language waiver may be applicable. Please consult with SAF Advisor for details.
Learn More About Language Requirements
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Academic Summer Quarter 2023 + Academic Fall Quarter 2023
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Housing Information

Off-campus apartment
Your SAF program fee covers a shared accommodation in an off-campus apartment. Women-only housing may be available.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Los Angeles

Why Los Angeles
A world-famous film and entertainment hub, the fantastically diverse Los Angeles is abundant in movie studios and concert venues as well as naturally stunning beaches, mountains, and deserts. Its sunny year-round climate beckons you to explore its large Asian communities, Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and all the beaches of the second largest city in the US.
The Student Experience

Get to know Los Angeles like a local when you’re studying abroad
Discover LA’s cultural heart and what makes the city such a cool place to study as an SAF Scholar.
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
Student Blogs

SAF launches summer program at University of the Arts London across two world-class campuses
SAF proudly introduces the Summer Arts Program at the University of the Arts London (UAL), offering immersive experiences at Central Saint Martins and the...

SAF partners with London School of Economics for its first summer program offer
SAF introduces the Summer Academic Program at the London School of Economics (LSE), providing a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a...

Study at University of Pennsylvania this summer with SAF
SAF is excited to announce the IAPS Summer Language Standalone Program at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), a unique opportunity for students to...
Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
