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Applications for the MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and
Data Science Program are now closed!
Program Overview
The MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science (CDS) is a 9-month long online learning program offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that opens up education to employment pathways for talented learners including refugees, migrants, and first-generation low-income students from historically marginalized backgrounds and underserved communities worldwide.
MIT Emerging Talent accelerates talented individuals like you to become agents of positive change in communities through elevating your career goals and outcomes. The CDS program combines rigorous academic curriculum, immersive skills workshops, professional internships and experiential learning opportunities to provide you with the hands-on skills and experiences needed to accelerate your learning and professional journeys.
MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science Overview
Curriculum
Eligibility Criteria
Timeline
FAQs
MIT Emerging Talent Curriculum
Academic Development:
You will complete a curated series of online, rigorous MIT coursework on MITx with the support of teaching assistants and MIT NET collaborators Courses include:
- Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
- Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
- Choice of elective course in a computer science or tech adjacent subject
Skills Development:
You will participate in a series of interactive online workshops that will help you build and practice the in demand “human” or interpersonal skills you need to be successful in your education and careers. You will engage with MIT Emerging Talent’s global network of experts including MIT staff, faculty, and alumni as well as collaborators across tech, humanitarian, and government sectors in activities focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, problem solving, and other uniquely human abilities critical to success in the modern workforce.
Experiential Learning Opportunities:
You will consolidate what you have learned and apply your knowledge by taking part in an Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO) in the form of an onsite or remote internship or apprenticeship, an independent or collaborative project using computer and data science skills towards addressing the global problems that we face as a global community.
Networking opportunities:
You will be connected to businesses and field experts that can open up access to career and professional development opportunities. MIT Emerging Talent is powered by our vibrant alumni community, mentors, leaders in business and tech, universities, and NGOs, connected online and through our growing network of global hubs.
Mentor Program:
The MIT Emerging Talent team will pair you with an individual dedicated mentor to advise you in your learning and employment journey , and connect you to supplemental learning opportunities to accelerate your career in the tech field.
Eligibility Criteria
Demographic Information
With this application we welcome applications from refugees, internally displaced persons, and those otherwise impacted by forced migration from anywhere in the world. A significant number of positions will be reserved for women and applicants of refugee, asylee or internally displaced status.
Due to OFAC sanctions, MIT Emerging Talent is unable to accept learners residing within the following countries or states at this time: Iran, Cuba, Syria, North Korea, or the Crimea, Donetsk People’s Republic, or Luhansk People’s Republic areas of Ukraine. Note that if you are from this countries but live somewhere else you are eligible to be accepted.
Admitted learners must be 18 years of age or older.
Connectivity Needs and Time Commitment
Please note that reliable access to a computer and internet is necessary for the completion of this Certificate program.
You need to have a computer running one of the following operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows, version XP or greater (XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7)
- Apple OSX, version 10.2 or greater
- Linux – most distributions that have been released within the past two years should work
- In addition, you will need the ability to download, install, and run software on your computer.
You will be expected to commit 20 hours per week to the MIT Emerging Talent CDS Program. Though much of the online coursework can be completed asynchronously, problem sets and exams and live workshops will require ~10 hours per week of connectivity on a laptop or desktop device and additional hours of asynchronous work.
Please note that whether you have access to a computer/internet will not determine acceptance into the program. In the application, you’ll be able to respond to questions related to this.
Mindset
Admitted learners should be proficient in English. Applications will be screened to assess English language fluency in speaking and writing.
Above all else, the successful applicant must possess the self-motivation, proactive thinking, creativity, and open mindedness needed to make the most of these offerings and participate fully in our vibrant multicultural community.
Listen to an alumni testimonial!
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Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CDS Program offers access to MIT online courses, networking opportunities, and connections to academic and career pathways. Emerging Talent learners will engage with MIT faculty and students, local and international experts, social entrepreneurs and business leaders, opening up powerful networks to grow opportunities in your education and career. Successful students will gain new skills, an expanded network, and the possibility of new professional pathways.
No, but strong English comprehension and math skills are highly recommended.
There is no financial cost to participating students, aside from your own access to the internet and computer. All program costs, including exam fees and certificates, will be paid by MIT Emerging Talent.
The MIT Emerging Talent Certificate program is a 9-month commitment (beginning end of August 2023 and finalizing May 2024). Each component of the program (academic and professional development) requires an average of 15-20 hours of work per week. You should also be prepared for a 3-6 month part-time internship or experiential project between January – May 2024 (flexibility on the internship length is determined on per learner basis).
As the program is run entirely online, it will be essential for you to have reliable access to an internet-connected computer throughout the program. However, whether you have access to a computer/internet will not determine acceptance into the program. In the application, you’ll be able to respond to questions related to this.
Yes, internally displaced individuals with appropriate documentation are eligible to apply.
Unfortunately, due to OFAC sanctions, MIT Emerging Talent is unable to accept learners residing within the following countries or states at this time: Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, and Crimea (plus Russian occupied areas). While edX has received licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer some courses to learners from these countries, our licenses do not cover the courses in our Computer and Data Science Certificate program.
Individuals must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Yes. You will receive the MIT ReACT Certificate in Computer and Data Science after completing all the course elements with passing grades and workshop completion.
If you have more questions that we haven’t responded to in the FAQs, reach out to emergingtalent@mit.edu and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
