Overview
Bridge theory and practical experience to transform big data into actionable insights
When you’re ready for an experienced-level of big data analytics, open source technologies and cloud computer platforms, our Big Data Programming & Architecture program can help you reach your goals. Expand on your current knowledge and stay ahead in this rapidly changing field.
- Experience-level data science, machine learning and the latest technical/software and cloud applications
- Experience hands-on courses and computer lab training with the latest big data and architecture tools
- Learn online from leading practitioners dedicated to transferring their knowledge to their students
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Program highlights Learn More
- Advanced courses to expand your Big Data Programming and Architecture skills
- Convenient online virtual classroom format
- Earn a certificate or a certificate of professional learning
Big Data Programming & Architecture program features:
- Advanced level content in areas of data science, machine learning and big data technologies and software applications
- Learn from instructors with industry expertise
- Complete a capstone project that provides students with a real-world business problem in order to apply the skills and tools learned in the program

Learning outcomes Learn More
- Data Management and Programming
- Essentials of cloud computing
- Machine learning for Big Data Analytics
- Data programming, including Scala and Java
Through our Big Data Programming & Architecture program, you’ll learn to:
- Work with open source and scalable document database tools to search and manage large data sets efficiently
- Develop solutions for extracting and analyzing big data sets using various technologies like Scala and Java, real-time analytics tools, such as Kafka and Hbas, NoSQL and more
- Implement cloud computing concepts
- Build IT infrastructure on the cloud
- Propose and refine analytical solutions to business problems
- Collect, analyze, interpret and share data and identify relationships and data
- Work with open source and scalable database tools
- Prepare to pursue designations such as the Certified Cloud Practitioner and Cloud Solutions Architect
Programming tools used:
- Python
- SAS
- R
- Tableau
- PowerBI
- Scala JavaScript
- SQL and NOSQL technologies (e.g. Cassandra)
- MongoDB & Atlas
- Ataccama DQ
- Metadata Manager / Excel
- Hadoop (MapReduce), DataBricks, HDFS, PIG Spark & Kafka, HBase
- AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud technologies
- ELK stack, Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kiban
Learn more about the Big Data Programming & Architecture program
- Graduates with a degree or diploma in science, computer science, technology, mathematics, business or engineering
- Professionals with prior academic and work experience in data analytics, data science, computer science, information technology, software engineering and other related technology streams
- Employees in finance, insurance, health care, marketing, retail, government, logistics, transportation, information systems, media/entertainment sectors or other sectors that utilize predictive analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)
- Individuals seeking a new career path in big data analytics & architecture, data engineering, cloud technology and web analytics
- Individuals preparing to pursue designations such as Certified Cloud Practitioner or Cloud Solutions Architect
Earning a Big Data Programming & Architecture Certificate or Certificate in Professional Learning could lead to a wide range of careers, including:
- Big Data Architect
- Database Developer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Data Visualization Developer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Business Analytics Specialist
- Big Data Developer
- Data Scientists
Check out our latest Technology and Data Program Preview webinar to learn more about our Big Data Programming & Architecture program
What Our Recent Graduates Say
“The flexibility of the course helped me a lot to balance my work.”
The flexibility of the course helped me a lot to balance my work. Our field in data is continuously changing. I found that sweet balance in terms of the focus of the course. It’s a life cycle of how the data is coming in all the way to make it a service or a product. The course gives you that 360 spectrum.
Zaki
Big Data graduate

Krystal
Health and Social Service Skill Development graduate
“I wanted to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that.”
I wanted to be able to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that because of McMaster Continuing Education. Being a nurse, there are so many different avenues of nursing that I can try new things and continue to learn. The instructors were really understanding. When you’re working full-time, having someone that will promptly answer your questions and make time for you when you need it, they made it really easy.
Krystal
Health and Social Service Skill Development graduate

Tracy
Project Management graduate
“I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.”
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate
“The flexibility of the course helped me a lot to balance my work.”
The flexibility of the course helped me a lot to balance my work. Our field in data is continuously changing. I found that sweet balance in terms of the focus of the course. It’s a life cycle of how the data is coming in all the way to make it a service or a product. The course gives you that 360 spectrum.
Zaki
Big Data graduate
“I wanted to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that.”
I wanted to be able to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that because of McMaster Continuing Education. Being a nurse, there are so many different avenues of nursing that I can try new things and continue to learn. The instructors were really understanding. When you’re working full-time, having someone that will promptly answer your questions and make time for you when you need it, they made it really easy.
Krystal
Health and Social Service Skill Development graduate
“I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.”
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate
Other programs you may be interested in
Certificates in Big Data Programming and Architecture
CERTIFICATE In Big Data Programming & Architecture
Pursue your Certificate in Big Data Programming & Architecture with McMaster Continuing Education
Explore the requirements below and register today!
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Certificate in Big Data Programming & Architecture
Earn the Certificate in Big Data Programming & Architecture by completing five elective courses from the courses listed.
Certificate in Big Data Programming & Architecture Requirements
Academic credit: 15 units
Students should possess a minimum of intermediate level prior education or work experience in the field of data analytics and/or statistics.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy
The Big Data Programming & Architecture program follows a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Prior to enrolling it is recommended to review course outlines for laptop and desktop requirements as courses may need a minimum level of technology specification.
Microsoft Excel
Big Data Programming & Architecture requires varying degrees of proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel is recommended to be successful in the courses. Excel course modules are available through LinkedIn Learning, free of charge, to all active McMaster University students. Please visit LinkedIn Learning for more information.
Do you need additional training?
Additional training is available for Python programming, SQL, and PowerBI through our partner Ed2Go. Please visit our Professional Development page for more information.
Courses (Complete any 5)
3.0 UNITS
DAT 202
Data Management
3.0 UNITS
DAT 302
Data Programming I
3.0 UNITS
DAT 303
Data Programming II
3.0 UNITS
DAT 304
Essentials of Cloud Computing
Certificate of Professional Learning in Big Data Programming & Architecture
Pursue your Certificate of Professional Learning in Big Data Programming & Architecture with McMaster Continuing Education
Explore the requirements below and register today!
Information Box Group

Certificate of Professional Learning in Data Science
Earn the Certificate of Professional Learning in Big Data Programming & Architecture by completing three elective courses from the courses listed.
Certificate of Professional Learning in Big Data Programming & Architecture Requirements
Academic credit: 9 units
Students should possess a minimum of intermediate level prior education or work experience in the field of data analytics and/or statistics.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy
The Big Data Programming & Architecture program follows a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Prior to enrolling it is recommended to review course outlines for laptop and desktop requirements as courses may need a minimum level of technology specification.
Microsoft Excel
Big Data Programming & Architecture requires varying degrees of proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel is recommended to be successful in the courses. Excel course modules are available through LinkedIn Learning, free of charge, to all active McMaster University students. Please visit LinkedIn Learning for more information.
Do you need additional training?
Additional training is available for Python programming, SQL, and PowerBI through our partner Ed2Go. Please visit our Professional Development page for more information.
Courses (Complete any 3)
3.0 UNITS
DAT 202
Data Management
3.0 UNITS
DAT 302
Data Programming I
3.0 UNITS
DAT 303
Data Programming II
3.0 UNITS
DAT 304
Essentials of Cloud Computing
Big Data Programming & Architecture Courses
Big Data Programming & Architecture Courses
Advance your career with online Big Data Programming & Architecture courses
Explore course options below and register today!
Information Box Group
3.0 UNITS
DAT 202
Data Management
3.0 UNITS
DAT 302
Data Programming I
3.0 UNITS
DAT 303
Data Programming II
3.0 UNITS