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Data Science and Machine Learning: Making Data-Driven Decisions
Build industry-valued AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning skills
Application closes 20th Nov 2025
Upskill in AI, Data Science & ML
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Live Mentorship from Industry Practitioners
Join weekend live virtual sessions with AI, data science and machine learning professionals. Benefit from real-time guidance from experienced practitioners at global organizations.
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Modules on Responsible AI and Generative AI
Deepen understanding of ethical AI with the Responsible AI module and explore innovations in Generative AI, covering tools, techniques, and real-world applications.
Program Outcomes
Key takeaways for career success in AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning
Designed for learners to gain hands-on experience and build industry-valued skills
Earn a certificate of completion from MIT IDSS
Key program highlights
Why choose the Data Science and Machine Learning program
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Learn from MIT faculty
Learn from the vast knowledge of MIT AI, Data Science and Machine Learning faculty through recorded sessions.
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Collaborative peer networking
Engage in a collaborative environment, networking with global AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning peers.
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Build your AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning Portfolio
Showcase your AI and data science skills with 3 real-world projects and 50+ hands-on case studies in your e-portfolio.
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Personalized mentorship sessions
Benefit from personalized weekend mentorship by experienced AI, Data Science and ML practitioners from leading global organizations.
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Dedicated Program support
Connect with dedicated program managers to assist with queries and guide you throughout the course.
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Generative AI Masterclasses
Get access to 3 masterclasses on Generative AI and its use cases by industry experts.
Skills you will learn
Python
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Recommendation Systems
Computer Vision
Predictive Analytics
Generative AI
Prompt Engineering
Retrieval-Augmented Generation
Ethical AI
Python
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Recommendation Systems
Computer Vision
Predictive Analytics
Generative AI
Prompt Engineering
Retrieval-Augmented Generation
Ethical AI
view more
- Overview
- Curriculum
- Projects
- Tools
- Certificate
- Faculty
- Mentors
- Reviews
- Fees
This program is ideal for
Professionals ready to advance their skills in AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning
View Batch Profile
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Building Expertise for AI-driven Roles
Professionals looking to build expertise in AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning through hands-on projects and real-world applications.
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Driving Actionable Insights
Individuals seeking to enhance their ability to turn complex data into actionable insights for better business decision-making.
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Leading AI Initiatives
Professionals aiming to lead or contribute to AI and Data Science initiatives across industries.
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Solving Business Challenges
Professionals interested in applying advanced AI techniques like Generative AI, Deep Learning, and Recommendation Systems to solve business challenges.
Program Curriculum
Developed by MIT IDSS faculty, this 12-week curriculum immerses you in today’s most cutting-edge data science and AI technologies - from machine learning and deep learning to recommendation systems, network analytics, time-series forecasting, and the transformative capabilities of ChatGPT and Generative AI.
Pre-work
Foundations of Data Science and AI
Begin your learning journey with foundational concepts in data, Python programming, and Generative AI. This is a pre module to prepare you for the advanced modules on Data Science and AI, reinforcing essential mathematical and statistical principles needed for the weeks ahead.
- Introduction to the World of Data
- Introduction to Python
- Introduction to Generative AI
- Applications of Data Science and AI
- Data Science Lifecycle
- Mathematics and Statistics behind Data Science and AI
- History of Data Science and AI
Week 0: Data Science and AI Applications
In this module, you will:
- Understand the end-to-end lifecycle of an AI application
- Analyze real-world case studies to explore business impact
- Learn how data-driven decisions are made in different industries
- Explore how AI enables innovation, efficiency, and value creation
- Prepare for hands-on learning with a strategic view of AI’s role in business
Week 1-2: Foundations of AI
This module is focussed on building your foundations of AI, you will learn:
Python for Data Science
- NumPy
- Pandas
- Data Visualization
Stats for Data Science
- Descriptive Statistics
- Inferential Statistics
Week 3: Masterclass on Data Analysis with Generative AI
In this Generative AI masterclass taken by experts, you will explore the use cases of Generative AI. Learn practical techniques to integrate GenAI into your data workflows.
Week 4: Making Sense of Unstructured Data
Supervised & Unsupervised Learning
- Understand the fundamental differences between supervised and unsupervised learning.
- Learn the key concepts of classification and clustering techniques
- Identify suitable methods based on the nature of the data and the problem context
Dimensionality Reduction Techniques
- Master Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for simplifying high-dimensional data
- Explore t-SNE for visualizing complex datasets effectively
- Learn when and why dimensionality reduction is essential for pattern recognition
- Explore the core principles and steps involved in the K-Means Clustering algorithm
- Learn how to determine the optimal number of clusters
- Understand the strengths and limitations of this algorithm in real-world scenarios
Applications and Analysis Techniques
- Discover how to identify hidden patterns in unstructured data
- Select appropriate analysis methods to solve diverse business problems
Week 5: Project Week and GenAI Masterclass
This week, you will be involved in a hands-on project focused on clustering and PCA techniques. Attend a specialized Generative AI masterclass on learning from Text Data.
- Project on Clustering and PCA
- Masterclass on Learning from Text Data
Week 6: Regression and Prediction
Classical Regression Techniques
- Understand the fundamentals of linear and non-linear regression
- Learn how to apply regression models for both prediction and inference
- Explore how regression techniques can reveal trends and forecast outcomes
Modern Regression for High-Dimensional Data
- Learn to build accurate models using high-dimensional datasets
- Apply regularization techniques like Lasso and Ridge to avoid overfitting
- Evaluate regression models using appropriate performance metrics
Causal Inference in Predictive Modeling
- Understand the principles of causal inference
- Learn to differentiate between manipulation effects and observational correlations
- Explore how to incorporate causal thinking into your regression models
Week 7: Classification and Hypothesis Testing
In this module, you will master hypothesis testing for making data-driven decisionsYou will learn classification algorithms and data categorization. Evaluate Classification Models, explore Ensemble Techniques and Decision Trees to enhance predictive accuracy and robustness.
Hypothesis Testing for Data-Driven Inference
- Explore hypothesis testing frameworks to draw meaningful conclusions from data
- Learn to make informed inferences about population parameters using statistical tests
Classification Algorithms and Data Categorization
- Understand core classification techniques used to determine class membership
- Implement algorithms for effective categorization across varied datasets
Evaluating Classification Models
- Use performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, and recall to evaluate model effectiveness
- Enhance model performance through iterative evaluation
Ensemble Learning for Robust Predictions
- Learn how combining multiple models improves accuracy
- Apply ensemble techniques like Random Forests to boost model robustness
Tree-Based Methods: Decision Trees and Random Forests
- Discover how Decision Trees structure decision-making processes
- Leverage the power of Random Forests to improve classification outcomes
Week 8: Project Week and GenAI Masterclass
This week, you will be involved in a project where you will apply your understanding of machine learning classification. Attend a masterclass on AI-powered text labeling that covers its practical implementation using Generative AI techniques.
- Project on Machine Learning Classification
- Masterclass on AI-Powered Text Labeling
Week 9: Deep Learning and Computer Vision
This week, you will explore the fundamentals of Deep Learning, the concept of neurons and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) function. This module will also introduce you to Computer Vision and CNN Architecture and Transfer Learning.
- Introduction to Deep Learning
- The Concept of Neurons
- Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs)
- Introduction to Computer Vision
- CNN Architecture and Transfer Learning
Week 10: Recommendation Systems
This module of data science and machine learning program will introduce you to Recommendation Systems, Statistical and Machine Learning approaches. You will explore Collaborative Filtering Techniques and learn to enhance recommendation accuracy using Data Science techniques.
Introduction to Recommendation Systems
- Understand the purpose and real-world applications of Recommender Systems
- Explore how personalization enhances user satisfaction and engagement
- Gain experience in designing recommendation pipelines using real-world datasets
- Build scalable and efficient Recommender Systems through practical exercises
Statistical and Machine Learning Approaches
- Learn basic statistical techniques for generating recommendations
- Apply Machine Learning algorithms to predict user preferences
Collaborative Filtering Techniques
- Dive into user-based and item-based Collaborative Filtering
- Understand how user behavior and preferences drive model performance
Personalization and Pattern Recognition
- Discover common design patterns and frameworks used in recommender engines
- Learn how to enhance recommendation accuracy using Data Science techniques
Week 11: Ethical and Responsible AI
This week will introduce you to the ethical implications of AI by exploring concepts such as bias, causality, and privacy. Learn about the AI lifecycle, feedback loops, and interdependencies to ensure responsible and fair AI system development and deployment.
- Introduction to AI Lifecycle
- Introduction to Bias and Its Examples
- Introduction to Causality and Privacy
- Interconnections and Domains
- Interdependency and Feedback in AI Systems
Week 12: Project Week
This week, you will involved in a project based on Recommendation Systems using real-world data.
- Project on Recommendation System
Self-Paced Modules
This Data Science and Machine Learning program will help you deepen your expertise through these self-paced modules:
Business Applications of Generative AI
Learn how to build practical expertise in Generative AI by applying it to natural language tasks like summarization, classification, and text generation, advancing through retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic AI for autonomous, intelligent actions.
Networking and Graphical Models
Explore methods for analyzing and modeling complex networks using graphical models to understand interactions and correlations.
Predictive Analytics
Master techniques for building accurate predictive models from temporal data, including feature engineering and model evaluation.
Generative AI Foundations
Projects and Case Studies
The program follows a learn-by-doing pedagogy, helping you build your skills through real-world case studies and hands-on practice. Below are samples of potential project topics and case studies you will work on.
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3
hands-on projects
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50+
case studies
Languages and Tools covered
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Python
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NumPy
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Keras
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Tensorflow
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Matplotlib
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scikit-learn
Earn a certificate of completion from MIT IDSS
Certificate from the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and IDSS upon successful completion of the program
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World #1
MIT ranks #1 in World Universities – QS World University Rankings, 2025
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U.S. #2
MIT ranks #2 among National Universities – U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2024–2025
* Image for illustration only. Certificate subject to change.
Program Faculty
Program Mentors
Interact with dedicated and experienced industry experts who will guide you in your learning and career journey
Course fees
The course fee is 2,500 USD
Invest in your career
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Learn from world-renowned MIT IDSS faculty and top industry leaders
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Build an impressive portfolio with 3 projects and 50+ case studies
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Get personalized assistance with a dedicated Program Manager from Great Learning
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Earn a certificate of completion from MIT IDSS and 8.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Third Party Credit Facilitators
Check out different payment options with third party credit facility providers
*Subject to third party credit facility provider approval based on applicable regions & eligibility
Application Process
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1. Fill application form
Apply by filling a simple online application form.
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2. Application Screening
A panel from Great Learning will review your application to determing your fit for the program.
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3. Join program
After a final review, you will receive an offer for a seat in the upcoming cohort of the program.
Batch start date
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Online · To be announced
Admissions Open
Delivered in Collaboration with:
MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) is collaborating with online education provider Great Learning to offer Data Science and Machine Learning: Making Data-Driven Decisions Program. This program leverages MIT's leadership in innovation, science, engineering, and technical disciplines developed over years of research, teaching, and practice. Great Learning collaborates with institutions to manage enrollments (including all payment services and invoicing), technology, and participant support. Accessibility
Batch Profile
The Data Science and Machine Learning class consists of working professionals from excellent organizations and backgrounds maintaining an impressive diversity across work experience, roles and industries.
Industry Diversity
Educational background
Introduction to the Data Science & Machine Learning Course from MIT for Working Professionals
Numerous professional courses are available across the globe for Data Science and Machine Learning. Yet, there are several reasons for working professionals to register in this Machine Learning and Data Science professional certificate program from MIT IDSS, collaborating with Great Learning. The reasons are drafted below:
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MIT is an abbreviation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the world's highest-ranked institutions.
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According to rankings by QS World University Rankings 2023, MIT has ranked #1 university globally, and according to rankings by the U.S. News and World Report 2023, MIT is ranked #2 in the world.
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The objective of MIT IDSS is to extend education and research in state-of-the-art analytical techniques in statistics and data science, information and decision systems, and the social sciences, and to apply these techniques to address complex societal challenges in a miscellaneous set of areas like finance, urbanization, social networks, energy systems, and health.
Benefits of Pursuing MIT Data Science Certificate Course
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Pursue the MIT Data Science certificate course and learn these cutting-edge technologies from 11 award-winning MIT faculty and instructors.
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These award-winning MIT faculty members have designed the curriculum to build industry-valued skills.
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You can demonstrate your Data Science and Machine Learning Leadership by creating a portfolio of 15+ case studies and 3 real-life projects.
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You will work in a robust collaborative environment to communicate with peers in Data Science and Machine Learning.
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Obtain live mentorship sessions and guidance from Machine Learning and Data Science professionals on applying concepts taught by the faculties.
Alumni IDSS Benefits
Have a glance at the benefits offered by IDSS alumni:
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Participants can obtain exclusive discounts on present and future courses offered by MIT IDSS.
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Participants can acquire a subscription to MIT IDSS alumni mailing and newsletter lists.
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Participants can acquire membership to advance notice of upcoming events and courses.
Details about MIT Data Science Course
In this comprehensive MIT Data Science online course, the participants will grasp all the critical skills required to master Data Science and Machine Learning. Let’s go through the extensive details about the course in Data Science for working professionals:
Course Learnings:
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Obtain an understanding of the intricacies of Data Science tools, techniques, and their significance to real-world problems.
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Learn the procedure to implement several Machine Learning techniques for solving complex problems and making data-driven business decisions.
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Explore two noteworthy realms of Machine Learning, Deep Learning & Neural Networks, and learn how to apply these techniques to areas like Computer Vision.
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Choose the process of representing your data while making predictions.
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Obtain an understanding of the theory behind recommendation systems and analyze their applications to numerous industries and business contexts.
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Learn the method to create an industry-ready portfolio of projects for demonstrating your ability to derive business insights from data.
Course Syllabus:
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It commences with the fundamentals of Python programming language (NumPy, Pandas, and Data Visualization) and Statistics for Data Science.
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Afterward, participants will learn Machine Learning techniques, including Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Techniques, Clustering, Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests, Classification and Hypothesis Testing, and several other algorithms.
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Moving forward, participants will learn Deep Learning, Recommendation Systems, Networking & Graphical Models, Predictive Analysis, and Feature Engineering.
[Explore MIT Data Science Course Syllabus]
Course Eligibility:
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Working professionals, such as early-career professionals or senior managers who want to pursue a career in Data Science and Machine Learning
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Working professionals like Data Scientists, Data Analysts, or ML Engineers interested in leading Data Science and Machine Learning initiatives at their firms or businesses
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Entrepreneurs interested in innovation with the assistance of Data Science and Machine Learning techniques
MIT Data Science for Working Professionals Course Duration
This professional course is for 12 weeks with recorded lectures from award-winning, world-renowned MIT faculty members and live mentorship sessions from industry experts.
Secure a Data Science Professional Certificate, along with Machine Learning from MIT IDSS
After successfully pursuing this course, you will secure a professional certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning: Making Data-Driven Decisions from MIT IDSS.