Program Overview

The School of Computing's data analytics badge (not a degree or certificate) is designed to prepare students in the following areas:

• Understand and work with big and complex data sets across multiple disciplines.
• Use computational methods for knowledge discovery and data mining.
• Evaluate and create visualizations for complex data sets.
• Design parallel and high-performance computing algorithms.
• Develop machine learning algorithms.

Why Earn a Digital Badge at Grand Valley?

• Badges document knowledge, skills, and competencies you've gained through various learning and professional development opportunities.
• Pursuing a badge, either in continuing education or while completing a degree, can enhance your education.
• Digital badges can be displayed on social media, websites, and in emails.
• Completing a badge is an opportunity for you to highlight particularly marketable and desirable skills to potential employers.

Career Insights

Admissions

Completion of a Bachelor's degree, and evidence of object-oriented programming skill is required for admission. You must submit an official transcript from your baccalaureate degree granting institution. To start your application:

• Visit gvsu.edu/admissions/graduate-application-24.htm
• Select the graduate online application. If you are new to the Grand Valley admissions site, please create an account at this time.
• Application type, select "to complete a Graduate Badge."
• Select a badge from the drop-down list.
• Choose your semester start date, and proceed with the rest of the application.
• Contact the School of Computing and Information Systems at [email protected] and inform them of your intent to enroll in the badge program.

For current GVSU students:

• Declare your badge via myBanner. Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate badge from the drop down list, and click Submit.
• Speak with the appropriate badge coordinator to ensure criteria are being met. You will be able to track your progress toward the badge in myPath as well!
• Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the badge via myBanner.
• Once the completion of your badge has been verified, the badge will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. In addition, your digital badge will be posted on Credly.com.

Location & Format

In-person classes are offered on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

• Face To Face

Coursework

The data analytics badge is comprised of three courses (nine credits). Classes are offered on Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.

Required courses:

• CIS 635 - Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
• CIS 671 - Information Visualization

And your choice of one of the following:

• CIS 677 - High-performance Computing
• CIS 678 - Machine Learning

The nine credits that comprise the data analytics badge can be applied towards a master's degree in applied computer science or a master's degree in data science and analytics.

Helpful Links

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• The Graduate School
• Information Systems Programs
• Biomedical Science Programs
• Computer Science Programs

For More Information

Dr. Robert Adams, Ph.D.
C-2-100 Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-2060