Artificial Intelligence technologies are changing the world rapidly, and there is emerging evidence that all students, irrespective of disciplinary background, could benefit from some basic knowledge in statistics and coding. Data analysis is critical for evidence-based decision-making and policy development. For those who lead or inform decision-making, fundamental skills in basic statistics and empirical analysis are vital for drawing critical insights.
Based on feedback from faculty members, accomplished alumni and other industry professionals, the Faculty of Arts has decided to offer WatSPEED’s Data Analytics and Behavioural Insights (DABI) Certificate at no charge for Arts 2A and above students, allowing them to obtain data analytics skills that are extremely helpful in professional settings. The regular cost of the certificate is roughly $3,000. This certificate is comparable to the data analytics certificate from Google. However, the DABI certificate has been specifically constructed specifically for learners with limited mathematical/statistical background.
All courses are online through OpenEdX, with instructor videos, and live Q & A session with instructors as well. Each course takes 8 weeks to complete and requires between 3-6 hours of work each week.
The certificate is an extra-curricular opportunity for students and is not tied to degree requirements. Upon completion of all three courses, learners will receive a certificate from WatSPEED and be able to note this accomplishment on their CVs and Linkedin profiles. The certificate will not appear on official university transcripts.
Who is eligible
There are no prerequisites for the certificate. It is a relatively notation-free approach to basic statistics and coding skills.
Students must be in Arts, at level 2A or above, and in good or excellent academic standing. Please note that the DABI courses are free only for registered full-time students. The courses are not free after graduation. If you do not complete the 3 courses before graduation, you must take them directly from WatSPEED at the regular cost
Arts co-op students will take the three courses in the schedule that aligns with their work terms.
When you'll take the courses
The scheduling of these courses has been set to coincide with the work terms of 2nd year students.
For Honours Arts and Business, Honours Arts (Econ, English and Fine Arts majors only), the scheduling of courses will be:
- Winter 2026: Basics of Modern Statistics and Analysis
- Fall 2026: Python and Public Data
- Spring 2027: Behavioural Insights, Modelling, and Predictive Analytics
For Honours Arts Co-op (all majors except Econ, English and Fine Arts) another scheduling of courses will be:
- Spring 2026: Basics of Modern Statistics and Analysis:
- Winter 2027: Python and Public Data
- Fall 2028: Behavioural Insights, Modelling, and Predictive Analytics:
Students in Global Business and Digital Arts who are interested may need to take these courses during academic study terms as the current schedule of course offerings does not align with the GBDA co-op sequence.
Learn more about the courses
Basics of Modern Statistics and Analysis
Covers foundational knowledge in statistical analysis and teaches learners how to construct coding scripts using R software. It is designed for beginners with no prior coding or analytics experience.
Python and Public Data
Teaches learners to draw key insights from complex data sets and Canadian public data using the programming language Python. It is a practical, introductory coding course focused on key applications within public policy and decision-making. The course will also discuss some basic Machine Learning and Agentic AI applications.
Behavioural Insights, Modelling, and Predictive Analytics
Covers some more Machine Learning applications, multivariate regression models, forecasting, and data analysis tools needed for effective, well-informed decision-making.
What the courses involve
All the courses are completely online and delivered through OpenEdX. Learning is self-paced but there are deliverables each week, with material that must be covered and quizzes, which must be completed. The course also requires the completion of a project where students will analyze a dataset and write a brief report summarizing their analysis.
Learners must read the module content. Instructor videos are available for each module, summarizing the content. There are also weekly Live Q&A Sessions with the instructor. If students miss a session, the recording will be available for review.
Learners are able to submit questions to the instructor to address before the live session to the Ask the Instructor discussion in Slack. Learners are also able to contact the instructor with any questions you have about the course. They are here to help!
The following table gives the course outline and schedule for Basics of Modern Statistics and Analysis which is being currently offered to professional learners, most of whom have full time jobs.
How to register
Faculty of Arts students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Registration closes on May 22, 2026, when the course begins.
Please note that spaces for Basics of Modern Statistics and Analysis for Spring 2026 are limited to 100 spots.
Questions?
If you have questions about the certificate program, please contact watspeed@uwaterloo.ca.