The certificate in Data Science for Chemical and Materials Engineering Applications will prepare students on using data science tools for numerous applications including predicting material properties, conducting high-throughput searches for materials, optimizing experimental design, and developing machine learning models that lead to virtual screening. Students will take core courses in data science and data visualization. They will be offered a foundation in machine learning, statistical methods used in analyses, and data mining. This certificate can additionally serve as a path to the MS degrees in chemical engineering and materials engineering.
Who would be suited to take this program?
This program is suitable for many people with a quantitative background or experience dealing with data. Examples include data scientists in or around chemical and material engineering industries, or those who want to complement their engineering skills with applied statistical models, analysts who explore the transition from traditional statistical analytics to more contemporary data science skills, and more.

What are the Required Courses?
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses (2) | ||
Data Science for Chemical and Materials Engineering Applications | 3 | |
Visual Communication with Chemical & Materials Engineering Data | 3 | |
Electives | ||
Select (2) of the following: | 6 | |
Machine Learning in Chemical and Materials Engineering | ||
Data Mining | ||
Applied Statistics | ||
Probability Distributions | ||
Stat Methods in Data Science |
Why study Data Science for Chemical and Materials Engineers at NJIT?
In 2018, the National Academies published Data Science: Opportunities to Transform Chemical Sciences and Engineering: Proceedings of a Workshop in Brief (ISBN 978-0-309-47954-7; DOI 10.17226/25191). Present at this workshop were participants from academia, government, and industry. The focus of this workshop was on addressing challenges and opportunities of integrating data science into chemical sciences and engineering for preparing the future workforce. The participants recognized historically how data science tools have been used in monitoring and controlling chemical processes, in predicting activity from chemical structures or properties, and in informing business and research decisions. A number of experts discussed applications, directions, and even the thinking that data science is the “fourth pillar of science” following “theory, experimentation, and simulation.” Furthermore, examples of the importance of data science were discussed with reference to applications that include (but are not limited to) predicting material properties, conducting high-throughput searches for materials, optimizing experimental design, and estimating properties to develop machine learning models that lead to virtual screening.
Job Market:
- Between 2018 and 2028, the number of jobs requiring a bachelor's degree will increase by 7.7 percent, a master's degree by 13.77 percent, and a doctoral degree or a professional degree by 9 percent (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for Chemical Engineers is projected to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030 and the median pay is $108,540 in May 2020.
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for Materials Engineers is projected to grow 8% between 2020 and 2030 and the median pay is $95,640 in May 2020.
- Manual jobs are dwindling
- Advanced technical degrees are needed to advance in careers and to enter the job market
- Level of adequate education is a moving target
- We live in revolutionary times
Prerequisites
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree and/or have some experience in chemical and materials engineering.
Check the course descriptions for full details.
Take Note
Check the course descriptions for more information. Some courses have prerequisites, and must be taken in order.
Faculty Advisor: Gordana Obuskovic
Available 100% online!
Questions?
online@njit.edu
973-596-3462