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Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Micro-Certificates in Applied Data Science (CADS)

woman looking at data on cell phone and futuristic data hologram

Micro-Certificates in Applied Data Science

The Micro-Certificates in Applied Data Science (CADS) at the University of Victoria provide graduate-level training in applied data science through a flexible, part-time format.  The program is designed for professionals, career-changers and learners seeking to upskill — whether they are currently working or preparing to move into data-focused roles — who want to build advanced technical expertise and earn recognized academic credentials without committing to a full master's degree.

CADS courses are drawn from UVic's Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science (MADS), ensuring academic rigor, industry relevance and alignment with current professional practices.  Learners complete focused, modular micro-certificates that can stand alone or serve as a pathway toward further graduate study, subject to admissions and program requirements.

Program structure

CADS consists of three standalone micro‑certificates in applied data science. Each micro‑certificate can be completed independently or taken sequentially, with the micro‑certificates designed to build on one another and be completed in order.  For learners who wish to pursue further study, the micro-certificates may be stacked sequentially towards the Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science (MADS), subject to admissions and program requirements.

Micro-Certificate #1 - CADS-MLF

Machine Learning Fundamentals


  • CSC501 - Algorithms and Data Models (1.5 credits)

  • ECE503 - Optimization for Machine Learning (1.5 credits)

  • ADS500A - Applied Data Science Professional Seminar I (0.5 credit)
Micro-Certificate #2 - CADS-DAM

Data Analysis & Management


  • CSC502 - Systems for Massive Datasets (1.5 credits)

  •  ECE535 - Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition (1.5 credits)

  • ADS500B - Applied Data Science Professional Seminar II (0.5 credit) 
Micro-Certificate #3 - CADS-ADM

Advanced Data Mining


  • In development (anticipated September 2027)

Full program information can be found in the graduate calendar.

Choose your pace

 Each micro-certificate can be completed in:

  • 4 months (intensive option)
  • 8 months (part-time option)
  • 12 months (part-time option)

Courses are designed to support working professionals and remote learners, with dedicated instructional support.

Admissions requirements

Please ensure that you meet the minimum graduate school admission requirements.

You must demonstrate English language proficiency to attend UVic.  Learn about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.

Your undergraduate degree should be in engineering, computer science , or a related field.

As part of your application, you must submit:

  • two assessment reports from academic or professional references
  • a current résumé
  • a statement of intent (2 pages maximum)
  • post-secondary transcripts

Application deadlines

Application deadlines for upcoming intakes are listed below.  Students must have completed CADS-MLF prior to applying for CADS-DAM.

September 2026 start:

Micro-certificate in Machine Learning Fundamentals (CADS-MLF) — apply by June 30th.

January 2027 start:

Micro-certificate in Machine Learning Fundamentals (CADS-MLF)  — apply by October 31st.

Micro-certificate in Data Analysis & Management (CADS-DAM) — apply by October 31st.

Tuition and fees

Each CADS micro-certificate is comprised of two technical courses (1.5 units each) and one professional seminar course (0.5 unit), for a total of 3.5 graduate credits. Students may complete courses consecutively or take one or two courses at a time.

Program fees - per CADS micro-certificate

  • Domestic Students: $6,688.71
  • International Students: $8,838.66

Program fees - per technical course (1.5 units)

  • Domestic Students: $2,866.59
  • International Students: $3,788.00

Program fees - per professional seminar course (0.5 unit)

  • Domestic Students: $955.53
  • International Students: $1,262.67

Application fee 

When you submit your application, you will be charged an application fee. Your application will not be processed until this payment has been received.

You can also find a per-unit breakdown of tuition and related program fees in non-standard tuition fees for selected programs.

How to apply

You can apply through the graduation admissions application portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overview of CADS

CADS are for-credit, graduate-level micro-certificates offered by the University of Victoria. They are derived from the Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science (MADS) and provide a flexible, modular pathway into advanced data science.

CADS allows you to complete smaller, focused credentials without committing to the full MADS program. Each micro-certificate builds toward the master’s degree while also offering standalone value.

CADS consists of 3 micro-certificates:

  1. Machine Learning Fundamentals (CADS-MLF)
  2. Data Analysis & Management (CADS-DAM)
  3. Advanced Data Mining (CADS-ADM, in development)

Each micro-certificate builds on the previous one and must be completed in sequence.

CADS is ideal for:

  • Professionals looking to upskill or reskill.
  • Engineers and technical specialists expanding into data science.
  • Analysts seeking formal graduate credentials.
  • Individuals exploring a pathway toward a master’s degree.

Program structure & progression

Yes. Each micro-certificate requires completion of the previous one (or equivalent prior learning). This ensures that learners develop a strong and coherent foundation as they progress.

Yes. You may complete Machine Learning Fundamentals (CADS-MLF) as a standalone credential. However, progression to subsequent modules requires completion of earlier ones.

Yes. CADS is a for-credit program, and completed courses may be applied toward the MADS degree, subject to admission requirements and academic performance standards.

No. Admission to the MADS program requires a separate application and meeting all entry requirements. However, CADS provides strong preparation and a clear pathway.

Admissions & requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, and meet the admission requirements of UVic’s Faculty of Graduate Studies.

A technical background is expected. The first module builds core competencies, while later modules assume knowledge gained in earlier CADS micro-certificates.

Delivery, timelines & outcomes

  • CADS-MLF: Fall 2026
  • CADS-DAM: Spring 2027
  • CADS-ADM: Expected in 2027 (pending approval)

Each module can typically be completed in:

  • 4 months (intensive option)
  • 8 months (part-time option)
  • 12 months (part-time option)

Yes. CADS is designed for learners balancing work and other commitments. The structure supports part-time study and remote participation.

Across the micro-certificates, you will develop skills in:

  • machine learning methods and optimization
  • data analysis and pattern recognition
  • managing and analyzing large-scale datasets
  • applying data science in real-world contexts

Yes. Each completed module results in a for-credit graduate micro-certificate.

Contact us

For questions pertaining to Micro-Certificates in Applied Data Science (CADS), please contact us at cads_info@uvic.ca.