Central Michigan University announces the new graduate certificate program in Data Mining starting Fall semester of 2007. The Data Mining Certificate program is a one-year program designed to give students a comprehensive training in basic foundation, advanced knowledge and applications of data mining.

This graduate certificate program in Data mining integrates computing technology, statistical techniques and geographical information system (GIS) together. This is the first graduate certificate in data mining in Michigan. Students will learn and experience the process of handling raw data in databases, turning data into useful information, investigating and transforming information into meaningful knowledge. Some unique features include

• The certificate is offered with a partnership with SAS, one of the leading software companies in data mining. Students will have the opportunity to learn and use the most recent version of SAS system and SAS Enterprise Miner.

• The program has a unique component of GIS, enabling students to incorporate spatial data in data mining and learn how to support spatial decision makings in business and environmental planning.

• This program emphasizes on applications using both data mining techniques and GIS technology for solving real world problems. Upon completion of the program, students will be well-prepared for the workforce.

• There are opportunities for students to participate in applied research projects for companies or at the Center for Applied Research and Technology.

This graduate certificate program in Data Mining requires

• A successful completion of 15 to 18 credit hours of graduate course work.

• At least 15 credit hours can not be counted towards any other degree programs.

• Students must have CMU graduate student status.

Courses Requirement (15 - 18 hours)

Required Core Courses (9)

Primary Electives (6-9)

Choose at least two out of the following courses. Primary electives are to be chosen in consultation with and approval of a data mining program advisor. The choice of two courses depends on the background a student has prior to joining the program.

Secondary Electives (0 - 6)

Any graduate level (course number 500 or higher) quantitative or computational course. Secondary electives are to be chosen in consultation with and approval of a data mining program advisor.

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Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Graduate Certificate Program in Data Mining, a candidate must

• have completed at least three years of an undergraduate program with a minimum 3.0 grade point average,

• have three credit hours of statistics or its equivalent,

• international students must satisfy the required minimum TOEFL score as specified in the Graduate Bulletin of Central Michigan University.

Applicants may begin by completing the Graduate Application for Admission (domestic) form or International Graduate Application for Admission form as appropriate. An additional form is required for graduating seniors, the Concurrent Enrollment Application Form, for graduate concurrent admission. All forms are available at http://www.grad.cmich.edu/forms.htm

• Domestic students, including international students who are already in USA, should begin the admission process at least 6 weeks before registration for the semester they plan to enroll.

• International students should begin the process 6-12 months before they intend to begin their graduate studies.

A limited number of graduate assistantships, graduate scholarships, or part time employment are available. The graduate assistantships are primarily half-time teaching assistantship. Students that receive the GCPDM admission can apply for a graduate assistantship through the Certificate Program Committee (see Contacts). Students may also apply for graduate assistantships through the Departments of Mathematics , Computer Science, or Geography, depending on undergraduate disciplines.

• For graduate assistantships from the GCPDM Committee, the application deadline is March 1^st. The materials should include (1) A cover letter of intent that includes the names and contact information of at least three references, (2) undergraduate transcript, or graduate transcript if a student is already in a graduate program, (3) the graduate assistantship application form, and (4) three letters of recommendation.

• Am I qualified for the teaching assistantship GCPDM?

  The assistantship will be awarded on (a) credentials, (b) financial need, (c) the qualification of teaching lower level courses in one of the disciplines of Mathematics, Computer Science, or Geography departments.

• For graduate teaching assistantships in the Department of Mathematics, the application deadline is March 1^st. The materials should include (1) undergraduate transcript, or graduate transcript if a student is already in a graduate program, (2) the graduate assistantship application form, and (3) three letters of recommendation. The assistantship is likely to be half-time. The application package can be downloaded from http://www.cst.cmich.edu/units/mth/gradinfo/fellowships.htm

  Completed a minimum of 20 semester hours of mathematics including MTH 233 (Calculus III) or its equivalent, and one course in either linear or abstract algebra. A grade point average of 2.7 overall and a 2.7 in mathematics are required.

• For graduate assistantships in Department of Geography, the application deadline is March 15th. Application forms are available at http://www.cst.cmich.edu/units/geo/Graduate_materials.htm.

• For graduate assistantships in Department of Computer Science, information can be found at

  http://www.cps.cmich.edu/AAA-ebFiles/CPS/spring_07/student/index.htm.

• Scholarships. There are a limited number of scholarships available (maximum $1000 each.). The deadline for the application is April 15th.

• What are the criteria for awarding scholarship?

• The academic credential such as GPA and course work at undergraduate or graduate level.

• Documentation of financial need.

• Other student assistantship or internship may be available at the Center for the Applied Research & Technology in Central Michigan University Corporation Inc. or nearby companies.

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Program Committee

Carl Lee, Professor (Program Director)

Pearce Hall Room # 109, Department of Mathematics

e-mail: carl.lee@cmich.edu, Phone: (989) 774-3555




Jay Murthy, Professor

Pearce Hall, Room # 418, Department of Computer Science

e-mail: murth1sn@cmich.edu, Phone: (989) 774-4473




Xiaolan Wu, Assistant Professor

Dow Science Building Room # 276, Department of Geography

e-mail: wu2x@cmich.edu, Phone: (989) 774-2917

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