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
- Open enrolment program
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

What you'll learn Learn More
- Data Management and Programming
- Cloud computing essentials
- 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
Are you a current McMaster University undergraduate student?
Explore the ElevateYourSkills option to learn how you can earn a Big Data Programming & Architecture certificate as part of your degree.
- Use your electives to earn a professional certificate or diploma
- Fully online courses that you can fit into your schedule
- Providing you with real-life career skills and experience before you graduate
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

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

Adam
Business Administration graduate
“I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.”
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate

Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
“The instructors worked in the marketing field and taught us real-life experiences.”
Obtaining an education with McMaster Continuing Education helped me reinvent my career. I was a former banker and I wanted a career in marketing. Through this program, I was able to bridge that gap and get into the career that I wanted. The instructors were working in the marketing field, teaching us real-life experiences and that was very valuable to me.
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing 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
“I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.”
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
“The instructors worked in the marketing field and taught us real-life experiences.”
Obtaining an education with McMaster Continuing Education helped me reinvent my career. I was a former banker and I wanted a career in marketing. Through this program, I was able to bridge that gap and get into the career that I wanted. The instructors were working in the marketing field, teaching us real-life experiences and that was very valuable to me.
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing 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
DAT 304
Essentials of Cloud Computing
Big Data Programming & Architecture Schedule
Big Data Programming & Architecture Schedule
This schedule table displays courses planned to be offered this year and is a guide to planning your courses for the academic year. Please note: Spring term registration opens mid-March and Fall/Winter term registration opens mid-July. The schedule table is subject to change. Please visit the course pages to browse classes currently available for registration and the latest cost information.
Learning format definitions:
- VC = Virtual Classroom learning format
- O = Online learning format
- OSS = Online Self-Study learning format
For more information about our learning formats and to choose a format that works best for you, please visit our Learning Formats page.
Course Name (Course Code) | Winter 2023 | Spring 2023 |
---|---|---|
Data Management (DAT 202) | Date: Wed, Jan 18 – Apr 5
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Format: VC |
Date: Wed, May 3 – Jul 19
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Format: VC |
Machine Learning for Big Data Analytics (DAT 301) | Date: Tues, May 2 – Jul 18
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Format: VC |
|
Data Programming I (DAT 302) |
|
|
Data Programming II (DAT 303) | Date: Sun, May 7 – Aug 20
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Format: VC |
|
Essentials of Cloud Computing (DAT 304)
|
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Capstone Project – Big Data Programming and Architecture (DAT 305)
|