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Department of Statistics

Teaching and Learning Statistics & Data Science Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning Statistics & Data Science (TLSDS) is an online program that focuses on developing knowledge of core statistical and data science concepts and methods along with best practices for their instruction. The program is meant to serve practicing high school and college teachers in any discipline that uses data as well as graduate students interested in faculty or teaching careers but can be useful for anyone that presents with data. Those that complete the program should be able to apply common statistical and data science analyses to data using a programming language, understand common misunderstandings in how people interpret data and models, and use data effectively when teaching and presenting.

By the end of the certificate program our graduates will be able to 

  • develop lesson plans that utilize relevant technology and modern pedagogical approaches in statistics and data science courses
  • apply common statistical and data science methods and interpret the results from designed experiments and observational studies

Students enrolled in graduate programs at NC State can add on the certificate by contacting Dr. Justin Post (justin_post@ncsu.edu). Click here for more information about meeting minimum degree requirements.

Coursework

The coursework for the certificate requires four courses (12 credits).

Choose two courses from the following that focus on applying common statistical and data science analyses:

For those with little exposure to statistical ideas, a first course in statistical methods is recommended, but not required. One of:

Choose one or two courses to advance your understanding of statistical and/or data science methods: 

Choose two courses from the following that focus on teaching strategies and tools to support learning and teaching

  • EMS 510 – Interactions in the Mathematics Classroom
  • ST/EMS 519 – Teaching and Learning Statistical Thinking
  • ST 557 – Using Technology to Teach and Learn with Data

What is it like to be in our program?

Our learners usually take one to two courses per semester and finish the certificate in about a 12-18 months.

This is a joint program administered by the Department of Statistics and the Department of STEM Education. The courses are all taught by experts in statistics and data science education.  We do not use adjunct (part-time) professors as many other online programs do.  Online students have access to the same professors, learning materials, and assessments as our on-campus students.  We utilize state-of-the-art tools to facilitate interactions between students, students and the course content, and students and instructors.  The online courses are mostly asynchronous, but are not self-paced. There are deadlines throughout the semester for assignments and exams. Some courses do have occasional synchronous online sessions in early evening.

To help students from varied backgrounds achieve their goals, we have a full-time advisor for our online community.  This dedicated advisor helps each individual determine the best path for them.  This process starts immediately after enrollment.  We hold an online program orientation session prior to each semester to help students:

  • acclimate to our program and start networking
  • understand the expectations of graduate school including tips on how to be successful 
  • learn about all of the fantastic resources that come with attending NC State
  • find answers to any other questions  

What is Needed to Apply?

Requirements for admission include:

  1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree (any field) with a GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale;
  2. Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work (unofficial copies accepted);
  3. A personal statement of goals related to enrolling in the certificate program.

After submitting your Graduate Application for the Teaching and Learning Statistics & Data Science certificate, you may check the status of your application at any time. 

Cost

This certificate requires 12 credits. See the Online and Distance Education Tuition and Fees page for cost details. Our program falls under the Graduate – Standard DE Rate category.

Graduate certificate programs qualify for federal financial aid.  Once you’ve been accepted, if you are interested in receiving a federal loan to fund your graduate certificate expenses you can visit studentaid.gov and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid can then evaluate your eligibility for federal loan funding.

If you have questions about qualifying for financial aid or about the federal loan program, please visit go.ncsu.edu/financial aid, contact your financial aid counselor, or call 919.515.2421.

NC State also offers a monthly payment plan.

Sample of Faculty in the Program

  • Justin Post, Director of Online Education, Teaching Professor
  • Herle McGowan, Teaching Professor
  • Hollylynne Lee, Distinguished University Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Education
  • Sunghwan Byun, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Education