Data Science for Leaders Program
Harness the Power of Data and Technology

Overview
Data Science for Leaders is an intensive business analytics training specifically designed for the demanding schedule of senior executives and managers. This immersive data science executive education program leads participants through the process of uniting core leadership principles with data science methods to drive profitable and sustainable business growth.
By attending this unique data science certificate program, you’ll learn directly from the industry’s foremost data science educators and leaders. Their world-class instruction along with an industry-forward curriculum will enable you to recognize the practical applications of machine learning in business, build data-driven products through experimental design, and merge data science and business analytics insights to inform successful business decisions, strategy, and execution.

More about the Data Science for Leaders program
Many leaders engage with data scientists across their organization but have little conceptual understanding of data science for business and how it can—and should—be utilized. Without a deep background in data science and business analytics and minimal technical expertise, many decision-makers are left guessing or rely on incomplete and often fragmented data translation—resulting in misguided or under-informed decision-making.
Business leaders looking to make more informed decisions and drive success in their organization would be well advised to learn all they can about data analysis and management and understand the data they base their decisions on. Possessing this critical and evolving knowledge is essential for executives to optimally leverage information produced for and by their data science teams to deliver business solutions based on solid analytic insights.
The Data Science for Leaders program provides participants access and opportunities to apply this knowledge through a comprehensive and immersive educational experience.
Enjoy A Highly-Engaging Program Environment
In this intensive data science course, esteemed Haas faculty, Jonathan Kolstad and Conrad Miller, use their extensive research and industry expertise to lead you through a three-day, applied data science boot camp which includes a mix of:
- dynamic lectures
- illuminating case studies
- laboratory practice
- and panel discussions
Program curriculum is informed by Professor Jonathan Kolstad’s robust research and industry engagement—at the forefront of the nexus between data science and business analytics—to define the capabilities, challenges, and decisions executives must make every day.
Emerge as an Influential, Data-Driven Leader
At the conclusion of this powerful executive data science training, you’ll thoroughly understand data analytics, statistics, and its applications, allowing you to more clearly anticipate organizational needs, make informed data-driven decisions, solve business problems, improve business processes, and drive business growth.
Who's it for
Our Data Science for Leaders Certificate Program is for anyone looking to attend one of the top business analysis courses available for learning how to drive new growth and solve business problems with data-backed insights.
A group of colleagues or team can greatly benefit from attending this program together. Learn more about group enrollment.
Want to approach your employer about professional development classes and request employer support? Read the Employer Payment Assistance Guide.
Format & Structure
In-Person
- Three-day, intensive data science workshop for executives and leaders at the UC Berkley Haas Campus
- A comprehensive learning experience with a focus on practical application, including a mix of lectures, case studies, laboratory practice, and panel discussions
- Exclusive networking reception with faculty and peers
- Access to the program alumni community
- Data Science for Leaders Certificate of Completion
Dates & Costs
In-Person
Other Ways to Participate
Attend this program with a group of your colleagues.
Attend this program with colleagues to gain greater organizational impact. Groups of five or more receive special rates.
Customize this program for your organization.
Use this program's curriculum as the foundation of a program based on your company's unique objectives.
What people are saying
Get more information
How do I enroll in the Data Science for Leaders program?
Enrolling in any one of our programs is simple:
- Click on the "enroll" button on the program page
- Create an account or log in to our customer portal
- Complete the online reservation form (should take less than 2 minutes)
- Pay by credit card to complete your enrollment, or select your preferred payment type to reserve your seat and connect with the finance team
How much time can I expect to spend on coursework each day?
We know that time away from the office is precious, so we work hard to make our program experiences as productive and valuable as possible. Our programs span full business days starting between 8:30-9:00 a.m. and running through 5 p.m. with lunch served in the classroom and short breaks throughout the day.
Approximately 1-2 hours of evening activities and preparation for the next day are required for some programs. Please download the program guide for more detail.
Do your programs provide credits towards a degree, grades, transcripts, or Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Our programs are non-degree programs and do not hold any credit unit equivalency, letter grades, pass/fail designation, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or transcripts. Rather, we provide a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.
To qualify for a certificate of completion, a participant must meet the minimum requirements as noted for each program and maintaining at least 80% attendance/engagement.
Can I enroll in a program if I live outside of the U.S.?
Yes. Enrollment is available to global leaders, but visa requirements may apply. Proficiency in written and spoken English at a level that allows full engagement and participation in a program is recommended.
For most international participants, a B1/B2 visa—for participation in scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions, conferences, or seminars—is required for entry into the United States to attend a program with us.
Requesting and receiving a visa takes time and we recommend beginning the process three or four months in advance of the start date of a program.
You can ask your Program Manager to prepare an invitation letter to help with your visa application. It is important to emphasize that the visit is for business purposes.
The Visa Waiver Program is available to citizens or nationals from select countries. Check the Department of State website to determine your eligibility and learn about the waiver process.
The list of countries sanctioned by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control currently includes: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and the Ukraine-Crimea Region, plus the addition of Russia for Berkeley Executive Education at this time.
Is this program suitable for both senior executives and middle managers?
Yes. This data science executive education program is designed for leaders at various levels who engage with data science teams and need to make data-informed decisions. The "Who's it for" section includes data science leaders, senior executives, and decision-makers across the organization. The curriculum balances strategic thinking with practical application through case studies and laboratory practice, making it valuable for anyone in a business analytics for leaders role who needs to understand and direct data science initiatives.
How does this differ from other data science courses available to business professionals?
Most data science courses focus on technical skills for individual contributors, while this business analytics for executives program is specifically designed for leaders who need to understand, evaluate, and direct data science initiatives rather than execute them personally. Unlike general data analytics for executives offerings, this program combines Berkeley's academic rigor with practical business analytics for leaders applications, taught by world-class Haas faculty. The three-day intensive format and focus on leadership decision-making sets it apart from longer, more technical programs.
What types of leaders typically benefit most from this program?
This program serves leaders across various organizational levels who work with data science teams or make data-driven decisions. We see strong outcomes for C-suite executives making strategic technology investments, department heads overseeing data-driven teams, and data science for business leaders who need to bridge technical teams with business strategy. Whether you're new to data science leadership or looking to deepen your understanding, the three-day format provides practical knowledge you can implement immediately, regardless of your technical background.
Faculty

Jonathan Kolstad
Professor | Henry J. Kaiser Chair Economic Analysis & Policy | Graduate Program in Health Management
Certificates
Certificate of Completion
Signal your professional achievement to your network and get recognized for your completion! Upon successful completion of the program, UC Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion to participants that you are encouraged to add to your profiles.
Note: This program results in a digital certificate of completion and is not eligible for degree credit/CEUs. After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you directly. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of UC Berkeley Executive Education.

Certificate of Business Excellence
Participants in the Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) program will earn a mark of distinction from a world-class university, gain access to a powerful global network, and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years. A UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence allows individuals to create a personal learning journey structured by our four academic pillars to gain management essentials in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Finance to drive both personal and organizational development.
