Python for Data Science, Web and Core Programming

Python is an easy-to-use, open-source, and versatile programming language that is especially popular among those new to programming. The use of Python has increased by a factor of 10 since 2005 and is projected to be more popular than the industry-leading JAVA language in just a few years. It is already the number one software package for those teaching introduction to computer science courses. It is concise, easy to read, and can be used for various industry needs, including web development, data analytics, core software development, and a wide range of scientific and mathematical applications.

Python also has numerous libraries for data manipulation and analysis and a very active development community that continually updates and creates new packages. A wide variety of industries and applications, including data science, machine learning, data analytics, predictive analytics, business intelligence, and web analytics, have adopted it.

In this short specialized study program, students will learn Python programming concepts, including programming styles, idioms, libraries, data structures, data retrieval, processing, visualization, networked application program interfaces, and databases. Students can then choose from a final course in either Python for Data Analytics/Data Science or Accessing Web Data with Python.

Who Should Enroll

Beginner/intermediate programmers and those currently working in data science, data analytics, machine learning, GIS analytics, web development, software development and QA, UX/UI design, engineering, or business analyst fields should enroll.

Program Benefits

• Great entry point for those new to programming
• Learn to program using a popular language that is fast, free, easy to use, and runs on all major hardware platforms
• Learn the language of choice for high-demand job fields such as data science, machine learning, predictive analytics, big data, and accessing web data.
• Code using efficient Python scripting, syntax tools, and object-oriented coding theories
• Create user-defined functions and utilize a vast array of built-in functions
• Learn how to reduce development and debug time using Python
• Learn the language that is the next “Big Thing” and a must for Data Analytics and Web Development professionals.
• Create applications for analytics and the development of the web and new systems.

Eligibility and Requirements

Apply to become a candidate for the program: A Declaration of Candidacy is required to establish candidacy in this program. Complete the application and pay the application and candidacy fee of $125 (non-refundable). Learn more about the benefits of becoming a candidate. Candidacy is not required to enroll into individual course in a program.

A candidate in the program is awarded a specialized studies certificate upon the successful completion of four (4) required courses and a minimum of 2 elective units totaling 10 units, each with a letter grade of “C” or better. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years after the student enrolls in their first course. To receive the Certified Digital Certificate after the completing all the program requirements, students must submit the Request for Certificate to initiate the certificate audit process. Students not pursuing the certificate are welcome to take as many individual courses as they wish.

*The 10-unit requirement is effective as of Spring 2023. Students who have completed I&C SCI X426.62 Python for Data Analysis prior to Spring 2023 are not required to complete the 2-unit version of the course (I&C SCI X427.12) and will still be eligible for the specialized studies award with 9 units completed.