The University of Winnipeg Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) is launching two new post-degree diplomas in disciplines of Big Data and Machine Learning. The Predictive Analytics Diploma program will be offered for the first time in May 2021 and the first cohort in the Artificial Intelligence Diploma will start in September 2021, with graduates of both programs heading into the workforce in 2022.
“The data landscape is rapidly changing and transforming nearly every discipline, from marketing, financial services, government, and even professional sports,” said Kim Loeb, PACE Executive Director. “As a leader in providing industry-aligned diploma programs, PACE is pleased to launch these programs on the cutting edge of data science that will equip graduates to be leaders in these emerging fields.”
PACE develops programs focused on high-growth career fields in close consultation with industry experts. This ensures our graduates are entering fields with strong employment prospects equipped with the practical skills to succeed.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is one of Winnipeg’s key business sectors. According to Economic Development Winnipeg, Winnipeg comes in as number 9 among the top 10 cities in Canada with tech-talent clusters in Canada, and shows promising growth.
“Graduates of our two new post-graduate diplomas will be among those contributing to the continued growth of the tech sector across in the city and across the province,” says Loeb.
Economic Development Winnipeg also reports that the technology sector workforce has grown 22.6% over the past five years and that the ICT sector contributes $1.7 billion to our GDP.
“The IT shortage in Manitoba has restricted the province’s ability to exploit current economic opportunities and to facilitate the innovation needed for future growth,” said Hugh Grant, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics at UWinnipeg. “AI, and machine learning particular, has the potential to revolutionize every sector of the economy. Literacy in this area is becoming mandatory.”
Both new programs are 13 months in duration, and include a four-week internship for students who excel in their studies. While students examine the theoretical underpinnings as well as the ethical and legal consideration, each program emphasizes the practical application of big data techniques such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
