Foundations of Data Science

The Foundations of Data Science Certificate of Achievement introduces the tools, methods, and theories used in data analysis and data driven decision making. The program is designed for those with limited programming and statistics experience. Through hands-on application of data wrangling, statistical analysis, data visualization, and machine learning basics, students learn to apply core data science concepts in various fields, paving the way for more advanced studies in data science and artificial intelligence

Based on these enrollment patterns, De Anza projects the following for this certificate program:

• Year 1: Approximately 3 sections of CIS 11 with 100–120 students; estimated 25–35 certificate completers
• Year 2: Sections scale to 3–4 as the program gains visibility; estimated 50–60 completers
• Year 3: Program reaches steady state with an estimated 75–100 completers per year

These projections are conservative given De Anza's large student population, the program's intentionally low barrier to entry, and the strong regional labor market — with 3,403 annual job openings and a median salary of $173,165 (EMSI data) providing compelling enrollment motivation.The certificate also serves as an on-ramp to four additional AI-related certificate pathways launching Fall 2026, which will further drive students into this foundational program.

Enrollment Numbers

The Foundations of Data Science Certificate of Achievement explores the foundational concepts of Data Science through theory discussions and hands-on beginning to intermediate level applications. The certificate is designed for those with no programming background and limited math and statistics background. The series of courses in the certificate will introduce students to the core methodologies and techniques in data science including database design, programming in Python, and data visualization.

COA_Foundations of Data Science (Total 20)

Complete all of the following

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some courses have prerequisites; see the college catalog for more information. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some courses have a cross-listed and/or honors version. Students will receive credit for only one version of the course. 

Required Core: (Total 20) Complete all of the following

• CISD011. - Foundations of Data Science for All 4.5
• CISD040. - Introduction to Programming in Python 4.5
• CISD044A - Database Management Systems 4.5
• CISD064G - Data Visualization Methodology and Tools 4.5
• CISD111X - Support for Foundations of Data Science for All 2.0

Prior to 2020 De Anza Computer Science & Information Systems (CIS) department introduced the courses that would become foundational to DataScience courses. Prior to 2020, three Python courses and one R programming course were created and being taught. These form the foundation for data science work. CIS 9 Introduction to Data Science was replaced beginning with Fall 2025 with CIS 11 and its support course. Beginning with the first offerings in Fall 2026 seven courses focused on artificial intelligence will become effective and be ready to be offered: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Prompt Engineering, Implementing Responsible AI, Introduction to Deep Learning, Introduction to MachineLearning, Foundations of Machine Learning, Introduction to Natural Language Processing, Data science has become an important field due to the vast amount of data that are available and used by businesses and institutions in the US and around the world.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm), "employment of data scientists is projected togrow 36% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 20,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade."

Several Bay Area community colleges offer programs in data science or data analytics, though most differ in scope, prerequisite level, or departmental focus from this foundational certificate. Foothill College (De Anza's sister college within the Foothill-De Anza District) offers a DataAnalytics Certificate of Achievement housed in its Business department, oriented toward business analytics tools rather than the CS and programming foundation emphasized here. Laney College (Peralta District) offers a Certificate in Data Science Fundamentals targeting career ready technical skills at a higher level. City College of San Francisco offers a Data Analytics Fundamentals Certificate of Achievement.

Importantly, De Anza's proposed certificate is distinctive in being explicitly designed for students with no prior programming or math background, making it more accessible than comparable programs in the region and filling a clear gap at the introductory end of the pipeline. According to aCenters of Excellence labor market report, there is a projected annual gap of approximately 3,556 students in the Bay region relative to employer demand for data analytics workers — meaning regional capacity across all programs combined still falls short of market need, and duplication of effort is not a concern.

Computer Science and Information Systems faculty who initiated the curriculum and who now teach the courses in the Foundations of DataScience program have attended the National Workshop on Data Science Education hosted by UC Berkeley. In particular, this afforded an in-persondialog with initiators of Foothill College Data Analytics Certificate of Achievement program and Laney College Data Science Fundamentalsprogram. Such collaborations resulted in sharing of resources and robust conversations on the depth and breadth of courses within the program.