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Applications for the MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science Program are now closed.
Results will be communicated Mid-November 2024.
Program Overview
The MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science (CDS) is a yearlong 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.
For the 2024/2025 cohort, we are excited to introduce a new pilot initiative leading to our Certificate in Computer and Data Science. All accepted learners will begin their journey in MIT Emerging Talent’s Foundations Track, where they will develop essential skills in digital literacy, key human skills, mathematics, and the fundamentals of computer science that will set them up for success in the Certificate program.
The Foundations Track begins in mid-November 2024 and will run for two months. From this group, a selection of learners will advance to the Certificate program; this next phase involves in-depth studies in computer science and data science, incorporating MITx’s rigorous courses, hands-on projects, and access to a global mentorship network, all designed to elevate your expertise and prepare you for a successful career in tech.
If you missed the Info Session we hosted on October 10, watch the recording and access slides here.
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 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 learn from MIT Emerging Talent’s global network of experts about innovation and entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, and problem solving, and other uniquely human or soft skills in key domains essential for your 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 / remote internship or apprenticeship or an independent or collaborative project using computer and data science skills towards addressing challenges 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. Some spots will be available for low-income first generation individuals.
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 and to parties blocked by the US Treasury Department. Note that if you are from these countries but live somewhere else you are eligible to be accepted.
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. Applicants 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.
We expect all applicants to provide authentic, truthful responses that reflect their own thoughts, experiences, and qualifications. Any use of AI-generated content may result in disqualification from the application process.
Listen to an alumni testimonial!
Want to learn about our learners experience?
Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Foundation Track: 2 months, from November 2024 to January 2025 – In this phase, learners will be selected to participate in a comprehensive program focused on digital literacy, essential human skills, mathematics, and the basics of computer science.
Certificate Program: 1 year – This year-long journey dives deep into advanced computer science and data science, blending rigorous MITx courses, hands-on projects, and a global network of mentors and peers.
No, only a selected group of learners will pursue the full Certificate in Computer and Data Science. Upon completion of the Foundations track, there will be a second selection phase (January 2025).
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 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 for participating students, aside from needing access to the internet and a computer, which we will strive to provide support for if needed. All program costs, including exam fees and certificates, will be covered by MIT Emerging Talent.
The MIT Emerging Talent Certificate program is a 1 year commitment (beginning end of January 2025 and finalizing December 2025). 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 June – December 2025 (flexibility on the internship length is determined on per learner basis).
Yes, you can participate in the program even if you have a full-time job. However, the program requires a commitment of around 20 hours per week. It’s important to ensure that you can dedicate enough time to complete the coursework and meet deadlines. Additionally, there are synchronous workshops and seminars. While attendance at these live sessions is not mandatory, reviewing the materials is essential to keep up with the courses and maintain progress in the program.
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.
We accept individuals of all nationalities; however, your location may pose a barrier to participation. 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 are encouraged to reapply as many times as you’d like.
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.
Audio (mp3 format) is accepted on the Submittable application. We don’t want security issues to be a barrier to you applying for the program. If you’d like to discuss your specific case with the program team, email emergingtalent@mit.edu.
If you have more questions that we haven’t responded to in the FAQs, join our Info Session on October 10, from 9-10am EDT. You can also reach out to emergingtalent@mit.edu and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
MIT Emerging Talent has an interactive process to meet accessibility requirements of accepted applicants. If you have a disability-related request regarding accessing our application process, please let us know as soon as possible at emergingtalent@mit.edu.
