Data Science Accreditation Program/data-science-accreditation-program/index

DASCA Accreditation

DASCA accreditation is the gold standard for data science education quality in tech academia. Get your institution DASCA-accredited to join the league of the leading global Data Science educators.

Standard Accreditation Track Accelerated Accreditation Track
DASCA Accreditation
HOME DASCA Accreditation

DASCA is renowned worldwide for its rigorous and all-digital service and expertise in accrediting academic and higher learning programs in data science, data analytics and data engineering. Universities, technology institutions and business schools in developing nations must also explore the new subsidized and twinned accreditation opportunities that DASCA offers.

Institutions approved* for DASCA accreditation under the World Data Science Initiative (WDSI) *Updated till December 21, 2023

  • Altai State technical University
  • Zhejiang University
  • Warsaw School of Economics
  • Vellore Institute of Technology
  • Varna Free University
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  • Institut Universitaire des Grandes Écoles des Tropiques

Align to Latest Data Science Standards

DASCA accreditation helps technology schools, computer science departments of universities and business schools align their professional degree programs with DASCA’s vendor-neutral data science standards and knowledge frameworks, enhancing student learning and employability outcomes in the process. DASCA also selectively accepts applications from some institutions to get their non-technology professional degree programs accredited for offering data science and data analytics courses as electives or minors. DASCA-accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are integrated with DASCA’s certifications. Institutions offering DASCA-accredited programs also develop the expertise to introduce standalone Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Data Science, if they do not have them yet. Importantly, a select few institutions offering DASCA-accredited programs get an exclusive opportunity to start a specialist center of excellence in data science on DASCA knowledge framework.

For a Wide Variety of Institutions

The DASCA accreditation program is open for universities, business schools, higher-education institutions, and degree-granting government ICT academies. Institutions already accredited by other international accreditation bodies are placed on the accelerated accreditation track. Institutions already accredited by other international accreditation bodies are placed on the accelerated accreditation track. Institutions shortlisted under the World Data Science Initiative are accredited on a subsidized fee. In early 2020, DASCA and Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA) joined hands to introduce the Twinned Accreditation Program for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. Under this arrangement, ARTiBA accreditation is granted on the basis of submissions and disclosures made during the DASCA accreditation, which helps reduce duplication of effort and processes.

All accreditation applications are approved only when institutions meet and qualify DASCA's norms on academic intent, quality, excellence and reputation. Accreditation applications are approved by DASCA using independent industry and market intelligence processes. Once approved, institutions are sent a link to the DASCAnet portal to commence their participation in the accreditation process. Institutions can choose either of the tabs below to initiate their accreditation request.

The Academik America worldwide credentialing support network and its global partners have been officially assigned the responsibility of reaching out to universities around the world – especially the young and promising ones in developing nations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Academik America network is helping these institutions leverage ongoing global assistance and subsidy programs such as the World Data Science Initiative (WDSI) and other programs under the World Bank.

Helping Institutions Produce high-quality Big Data Talent +
Helping Institutions Deliver World-class Education+
Equipping Institutions for Bigger Industry Contribution +

Apply For DASCA Accreditation Today!

The DASCA accreditation program is now open to public and private universities, as well as degree-granting vocational colleges and institutions in several countries. Eligible institutions applying for DASCA accreditation can opt for either the Standard or the Accelerated accreditation track. Please note that the cost of the accreditation project does not depend on the track chosen. The difference is that the Standard accreditation track involves six stages of assessment, whereas the Accelerated accreditation track is faster and involves only two stages.

Standard Accreditation Track Accelerated Accreditation Track

Digitally Powered Process

DASCA accreditation is a non-statutory process implemented in institutions volunteering to get their data science programs, curricula and education delivery policies and mechanisms assessed and evaluated by DASCA on the latest standards to obtain a validation of their all-round capabilities of designing, delivering and managing high quality data science education. The world’s first and the only one to be portal-based and digitally powered, the DASCA accreditation process is completely non-disruptive and objective and managed remotely by experts.

DASCA Accredited Universities
DASCA Accredited Institutions

Get Accredited on Subsidy

DASCA offers accelerated and subsidized accreditation services to institutions shortlisted under World Data Science Initiative for support. Your institution can be listed for WDSI subsidy if it exhibits a demonstrated intent, promise and potential for adopting and embracing latest data science and Ai teaching learning standards, and which can be turned into actual capabilities through accreditation. As one of the lead sponsors of WDSI, DASCA is committed to assessing and accrediting more than two hundred institutions recommended for WDSI subsidy in the next two years.

Write to us to explore how you can get DASCA accredited under the WDSI subsidy.

Comprehensive, Affirmative & Objective

DASCA's accreditation process follows the Baldrige model. The accreditation approach focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and detecting an institutionalized continuous improvement philosophy. DASCA’s accreditation philosophy reflects a student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures that students gain the right skills from their educational investment.

Institutions with programs accredited by DASCA exhibit an unwavering commitment for continuous improvement ensuring, that their data science program(s) will give students the knowledge and skills the employers and the industry want. The DASCA accreditation process is primarily based on a comprehensive review of the curricula, delivery quality, delivery infrastructure, assessment, learning quality and policies and practices related to the program(s) to be accredited through information and documents submitted by institutions in the self-appraisal mode.

Catalyzing Agile Learning

DASCA accreditation approach is informed by a clear stress on the importance of rapid adoption of emerging ideas and technologies, and reflects the belief that such agile approaches and activities facilitate improved teaching and learning outcomes. At the same time, institutions are strongly encouraged to pursue standards-based curricula and adopt a learning and education delivery strategy that is constantly linked to the needs of the global technology and business environment. Further, DASCA encourages faculty involvement within the contemporary data science community to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and to contribute to student learning.

Why Get DASCA Accredited

As institutions continue to grow and make their mark, they want to ensure to their students, alumni, employers, and campus community that the education they are delivering is of the highest quality and adheres to strict standards set forth. Accreditation provides assurance that the accredited data science program meets high standards for academic excellence. DASCA Accreditation improves the reputation and prestige of the programs and institutions. Accreditation assures current and prospective students, as well as employers, about the institution’s commitment to delivery of high-quality data science education, both in classroom and experiential learning situations.

  • Alignment to Global Standards & Best Practices

    DASCA accreditation helps institutions align their program management and education delivery practices in data science education to the very best globally.

  • Adoption of Latest Data Science Curricula

    DASCA accreditation helps institutions adopt vendor-neutral and industry-relevant curricula in big data analytics, big data engineering and data science.

  • A Reflection of Commitment to Excellence

    Through a process of rigorous alignment to DASCA norms, education unit/ departments of institutions can demonstrate their commitment to serving students, employers, other institutions, and the technology industry.

  • An Assurance of Highest Quality Education

    DASCA accreditation is an evidence that institutions run their programs with validated leading-edge data science education management practices, ensuring constantly improving quality of data science education.

  • Global Visibility and Recognition

    DASCA accredited programs enjoy the advantage of achieving rapid global visibility and recognition, setting them distinctively apart from competition.

  • Improved Attractiveness & Potential for Collaboration

    DASCA accreditation can play a decisive role for an institution in inspiring other institutions and entities for partnership and collaboration and extending its influence and impact

  • Enhanced Worth of Students

    DASCA accreditation helps expand learning and employability outcomes for students, offering them a distinctive competitive edge in the hiring process.

  • Accreditation Standards

    DASCA accreditation standards are uniquely modeled blending DASCA knowledge standards and the principles and criteria of Baldridge education quality assessment for performance excellence assurance. These standards are on the leading edge of validated management practices that have been proven to work in high performing higher education institutions.

    There are 11 core standards along which data science programs are evaluated by DASCA before they can achieve accreditation. These standards are primarily connected to Quality of Leadership; Strategic Planning; Student and Stakeholder Focus; Student Learning Assessment systems; Faculty Quality Focus; Curriculum management and Industry relationship.

  • Accreditation Eligibility

    DASCA is unique in its accreditation approach as it seeks to assess and recognize the potential of academic degree programs to develop sound bases of knowledge and skills in contemporary data science, data analytics, and data engineering.

    All DASCA-accredited programs typically reflect strong organic alignment to global educational best-practices and standards that are widely respected in the industry. Academic programs that exhibit the structural and strategic readiness to lend a powerful employability and career edge to graduating students through benchmarked data science education are ideal candidates for DASCA accreditation.

    Institutions can submit any undergraduate or graduate program in any discipline as a candidate for DASCA accreditation if this candidate program:

    • Is completely dedicated to data science/ data analytics/ data engineering, OR
    • Offers or plans to offer data science/ data analytics/ data engineering as a major to enrolled students, OR
    • Offers or plans to data science/ data analytics/ data engineering as an elective or a minor to enrolled students

    The best candidates for DASCA accreditation are programs that have been on offer for at least two years and have alumni to boot. However, applications of many high-potential institutions like those shortlisted under the World Data Science Initiative (WDSI), are accepted even for new programs, if these programs have clearly defined and demonstrated intent of integrating data science as a critical component within their structure and curricula.

    Any institution having publicly-stated and well-meaning purpose, mission and vision for enriched and high-quality education can submit its academic program(s) for DASCA accreditation. A key consideration behind approval of accreditation applications is the intent, plan, preparation and readiness of an institution to offer and integrate DASCA certification curricula within one year of obtaining accreditation from DASCA.

DASCA Accreditation Process Stages

  • Initiation

    The institution initiates the accreditation inquiry through one of the online applications available on the website. Institutions can apply either through the Standard or Accelerated accreditation track after reading the information available on the website. Application approval takes around 2-4 business days.

  • Validation & Finalization

    Application validation may take 2-4 business days. Wherever possible, institutions are also suggested to apply for subsidies to external agencies and programs like the The World Data Science Initiative (WDSI). Once the accreditation request is validated and approved, institutions get access to their accreditation dashboard called DASCAnet, where they complete the required contracting and payments online. The entire process is digital, conducted online through emails and DASCAnet dashboard.

  • Project Kick-Off

    The applicant institution starts-off the accreditation activities on their DASCAnet dashboard. There are no physical, onsite audits, and all documents and evidences etc., are submitted by the institutions on the dashboard. Institutions make informational and evidence disclosures in a multi-stage digital process, completing which usually must not take more than 1 week for most institutions.

  • Decision & Award

    Once the institution completes its disclosures and submissions, a DASCA team validates and evaluates them and arrives at a decision within a week’s time. Once an institution’s accreditation is approved, it can start the process of aligning its courses and programs to DASCA standards by restructuring their curricula, and embedding DASCA certifications in their existing programs.

Validity & Continuation of DASCA Accreditation

A DASCA accreditation of a data science program is valid for 6 years, and reaffirmation/ continuation of the accredited status for the next three years can be conveniently obtained online by ensuring compliance to the 11 DASCA standards. Continuation of accreditation for programs essentially hinges on demonstrating that the programs are guided by standards-driven data science learning, and a healthy percentage of students of these programs are regularly qualifying DASCA certification exams.

On-campus Center of Excellence

Notably, DASCA-accredited universities and institutions are also assisted in creating their own center of excellence in data science, powered by DASCA’s latest knowledge-frameworks in data science. The center of excellence offers high-end undergrad, graduate and research programs in data science, besides offering the university new opportunities of participating in consulting and education projects of national importance. DASCA-accredited institutions can set up their centers of excellence in quick time, with zero capital investments and complete knowledge and advisory assistance from DASCA’s expert partners.

DASCA Data Science CoE Program +
What is a DASCA CoE +
The CoE Mandate & Purpose +
Typical CoE Programs & Activities +
Setting Up the CoE +

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