WSU Data Analytics program leads with stackable, industry-aligned certifications

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for data scientists will grow 34% over the next 10 years as more companies realize the need for industry-specific professionals skilled in programming and analysis. At Washington State University, the Program in Data Analytics is rising to the demand by providing an array of stackable training certificates for professionals looking to augment their own data skills, supporting both workforce advancement and long-term educational pathways.

"There is data everywhere, from healthcare to sports, and we sometimes don't realize how much data we produce or collect," said Sergey Lapin, director of the WSU Data Analytics program. "Some professionals end up managing data because that's how the work evolves. We're providing an opportunity for formal training for those professionals who aren't exactly looking for a bachelor's degree."

Lapin points out that majors in data analytics didn't even exist 10 years ago. The data analytics program was formed in support of a Washington state legislative mandate based on demonstrated industry demand for a technology and database-focused degree.

We're providing an opportunity for formal training for those professionals who aren't exactly looking for a bachelor's degree.

What distinguishes WSU's approach is its intentional design around modularity and progression. Rather than offering short-term credentials that operate in isolation, the Program in Data Analytics helps learners build skills incrementally while keeping the option of degree completion firmly within reach. This model supports professionals whose goals may evolve over time, whether they seek immediate upskilling, career advancement, or a full undergraduate degree.

Students can earn a certificate in the Foundations of Data Analytics with just 18 class credits. They can then choose to pursue an Intermediate Data Analytics certificate with another 15 class credits and can opt for earning the Advanced Data Analytics certificate with 15 more class credits. Combining all three certifications along with an internship course, a capstone course, and the general WSU educational requirements fulfills the credit necessities for a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics.

"The advantage of these certifications is the professional skills they impart," said Christina Myers, the program coordinator for Data Analytics. "Whether someone works in accounting, healthcare, or systems management, data is part of everybody's life now."

For undergraduate students, the stackable structure provides option and momentum in a rapidly evolving field. Students can earn credentials while progressing through their degree, gaining tangible skills and resume-ready qualifications along the way. For working professionals, the certificates offer a practical entry point into data analytics without requiring a full degree commitment, allowing them to upskill at their own pace while keeping future academic pathways open.

"We have students in our global cohort who are employed in IT roles, and they're enrolled to learn how to handle data better without changing their careers," said Lapin.

The flexibility of the Program in Data Analytics doesn't stop with certification options. The program is active on four system campuses: Pullman, Vancouver, Everett, and Global, and features 10 industry-appropriate specialization tracks, from agricultural systems to life sciences, within the baccalaureate curriculum to provide specialized training and applications. Additionally, the program participates in Career Launch, a program that combines paid on-the-job experience with college-level classroom learning, which is part of Career Connect Washington.