The Google Advanced Data Analytics certificate helps learners expand their analytic expertise and prepare for more complex data driven roles. Building on the Google Data Analytics Professional certificate, this advanced program explores machine learning, predictive modeling and experimental design for large-scale data collection and analysis.  

Students gain hands-on experience using tools such as Python, SQL and advanced data visualization techniques. The program includes a capstone project to demonstrate the ability to apply these skills to real-world business problems. Designed for learners with foundational analytics knowledge, the program is fully online, self-paced and flexible to fit a busy schedule. According to Coursera, 75% of certificate graduates report a positive career outcome, such as a new job, promotion or raise, within six months of completion. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Apply advanced data analysis and statistical methods 
• Build predictive modeling and machine learning techniques 
• Create dashboards and visualization to communicate insights 
• Integrate data ethics and responsible AI practices 
• Present findings to support data-drive decision-making 

Modules include: 

• Advanced data analysis techniques 
• Predictive modeling and machine learning 
• Data visualization and dashboarding 
• Data ethics and responsible AI 
• Capstone project: Applying advanced analytics 

The Google AI Essentials certificate helps learners build practical, job-ready skills in artificial intelligence (AI). This beginner-friendly program introduces key AI concepts and practical applications for the workplace, including how to use AI tools responsibly and effectively.  

Offered 100% online and self-paced, this affordable program allows learners to gain hands-on experience applying AI to analyze data, streamline workflows and make informed decisions. By completing the program, students can demonstrate AI literacy and confidence using emerging technologies, an advantage that can set them apart in today’s evolving job market. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand core concepts and principles of AI 
• Use AI tools to analyze data and generate insights  
• Apply AI to streamline workflows and improve productivity 
• Evaluate AI outputs for accuracy, bias and relevance
• Build confidence using AI across projects and tasks

Modules include: 

• Introduction to AI and machine learning 
• AI tools and applications for work 
• Data analysis and visualization with AI 
• Responsible and effective AI use 

The Google Prompting Essentials certificate teaches learners how to communicate effectively with generative artificial intelligence (AI) by writing clear and specific prompts. This beginner-friendly, four-course specialization introduces a simple five-step framework to design prompts that save time, simplify complex tasks and unlock AI’s full potential.  

Through hands-on activities, students explore real-world applications such as drafting emails, summarizing documents, analyzing data and building presentations. The program is 100% online, self-paced and requires no prior experience. In under 10 hours, participants build a reusable prompt library and earn a shareable certificate from Google, credentials that demonstrate your ability to leverage AI responsibly and productively across industries. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Write effective prompts for everyday work tasks
• Use AI to speed up data analysis and build presentations
• Design AI agents to role-play conversations and provide expert feedback
• Evaluate AI outputs for bias, errors and usefulness 
• Build a reusable prompt library for future projects

Modules include: 

• Start writing prompts like a pro 
• Design prompts for everyday work tasks 
• Speed up data analysis and presentation building 
• Use AI as a creative or expert partner 

The Google Business Intelligence certificate helps learners strengthen their data analytics skills and develop advanced business intelligence expertise. Building on the Google Data Analytics Professional certificate, this program focuses on transforming data into actionable insights through data modeling, visualization and reporting. 

Learners gain hands-on experience with tools such as SQL, Tableau and BigQuery, preparing them for roles that combine analytical thinking with business strategy. The program is fully online, self-paced and designed for learners with foundational data analytics knowledge. According to Coursera, more than 166,000 business intelligence job openings exist, with a median salary of $96,000 for entry-level roles.  

You’ll learn how to:

• Design data models and database structures 
• Perform Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes 
• Create dashboards and data visualizations 
• Present data insights to stakeholders 
• Use business intelligence tools like SQL, Tableau and BigQuery

Modules include: 

• Foundations of business intelligence 
• Data modeling and (ETL) processes 
• Data visualization and dashboarding 
• Reporting and presenting insights 

Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam, the industry-leading certification for cybersecurity roles. This fully online program provides the skills you need for an entry-level job in cybersecurity, even if you don’t have prior experience. You’ll use industry standard tools like Python, Linux, SQL, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). The course can also help with preparing professionals for the Security+ exam. 

Lightcast reports 213,000 job openings in cybersecurity with a $100,000 median U.S. salary. 

 You’ll learn about: 

• Programming for cybersecurity tasks 
• Frameworks and controls that inform security operations 
• Using security information and event management (SIEM) tools for cybersecurity 
• Detecting and responding to incidents using an intrusion detection system 
• Performing packet capture and analysis 

Modules include:

• Foundations of Cybersecurity 
• Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks 
• Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security 
• Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL 
• Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities 
• Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response 
• Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python 
• Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs 

Gain a working knowledge of essential data analysis platforms, including spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau and R programming, and when to use them in the data lifecycle. You will also develop an understanding of how to translate a business question into a data analysis exercise and to distill findings into actionable takeaways.  

This fully online program provides all the skills you need to find an entry-level job in the field of data analytics, even if you don’t have prior experience. There are 295,000 open jobs in data analytics according to Lightcast, and this program provides the experience needed to work as a data analyst, junior data analyst, associate data analyst, operations analyst, and business systems analyst. Lightcast also reports a $93,000+ median salary for data analytics roles with 0–5 years of experience. 

You’ll learn about: 

• Data types and structures 
• Using data to solve problems 
• How to analyze data 
• Data storytelling with visualizations 
• Using R programming to supercharge your analysis 

Modules include:

• Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere 
• Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions 
• Prepare Data for Exploration 
• Process Data from Dirty to Clean 
• Analyze Data to Answer Questions 
• Share Data Through the Art of Visualization 
• Data Analysis with R Programming 
• Google Data Analytics Capstone: Complete a Case Study 

This fully online program teaches professionals and entrepreneurs the skills needed to acquire an entry-level job in digital marketing, e-commerce and more—no prior experience necessary. 

You’ll learn popular tools and platforms, such as Canva, Constant Contact, Hootsuite, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Shopify, Twitter, Google Ads, and Google Analytics. This certificate is endorsed by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF). 

You’ll learn about: 

• Developing digital marketing and e-commerce strategies 
• Attracting and engaging customers through digital marketing channels like search, social media, and email 
• Measuring marketing analytics and sharing insights 
• Building e-commerce stores, analyzing e-commerce performance, and growing customer loyalty 

Modules include: 

• Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce 
• Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing 
• From Likes to Leads: Interact with Customers Online 
• Think Outside the Inbox: Email Marketing 
• Assess for Success: Marketing Analytics and Measurement 
• Make the Sale: Build, Launch, and Manage E-commerce Stores 
• Satisfaction Guaranteed: Develop Customer Loyalty Online 

This fully online program gives you the skills you need to find an entry-level job in the field of IT support, even if you don’t have prior experience. Understand concepts core to all IT support jobs, and learn how to assemble a computer, write effective support documentation, route paths and subnets, manage device software, and more. 

You also will get experience working with Linux, cloud computing and command-line interfaces.  

Lightcast reports 503,000+ job openings and a $56,000+ median U.S. salary for candidates in IT support, including roles like IT Specialist, Tech Support Specialist, and IT Support Specialist. 

You’ll learn about: 

• Troubleshooting and customer care 
• Networking 
• Operating systems 
• System administration 
• Security 

Modules include: 

• Technical Support Fundamentals 
• The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking 
• Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User 
• System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services 
• IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts 

The Google IT Automation with Python certificate helps learners advance their IT skills and prepare for more technical, automation-focused roles. Building on the Google IT Support Professional certificate, this advanced program focuses on automating common IT tasks using Python, Git and IT automation tools. 

Learners gain hands-on experience writing scripts, managing systems and troubleshooting real-world IT challenges. The program is fully online, self-paced and designed for learners with foundational IT support knowledge. By developing automation and scripting skills, participants can stand out in roles such as IT administrator, systems analyst or DevOps specialist.  

You’ll learn how to:

• Write Python scripts to automate repetitive IT tasks 
• Use Git and GitHub for version control and collaboration 
• Manage IT resources and troubleshooting systems efficiently 
• Apply automation to improve workflows and system reliability 
• Strengthen problem-solving and analytical skills in IT environments

Modules include: 

• Python crash course  
• Using Python to interact with the operating system 
• Automating real-world tasks with Python 
• Troubleshooting and debugging techniques 
• Configuration management and IT automation

Learn how to run traditional and Agile projects and programs from initiation to completion, using a toolbox of templates and artifacts to manage an array of scenarios and project elements, like schedules, budgets, and product requirements. 

You will leave the program understanding organizational structure, process improvement, risk management techniques, and communication and leadership styles. Plus, you will earn over 100 education hours that can be used toto qualify for Project Management Institute (PMI)® certifications. 

You’ll learn about:

• Estimating time and budgets 
• Running effective meetings and managing stakeholders 
• Identifying and managing risks 
• Applying Agile and Scrum frameworks 
• Leadership skills and navigating team dynamics 

Modules include: 

• Foundations of Project Management 
• Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project 
• Guide: Project Planning: Putting It All Together 
• Guide: Project Execution: Running the Project 
• Guide: Agile Project Management 
• Applying Project Management in the Real World 

No background knowledge, prior experience, or degree is required to complete the certificates.

Due to limited license availability, the professional certificates are free for San Jose State University students and eligibility is prioritized. Priority consideration is given to students graduating within the next 12 months. A small portion of licenses is reserved for faculty members who are considering integrating the certificates into their courses. All participants must have the capacity to commit to completing the certificate within the designated timeframe. Anyone not eligible can opt into the public-facing version of the Google Career Certificate program with a monthly fee by registering directly through Google/Coursera.

Google Career Certificates are a non-credit opportunity.

These are flexible, on-demand certificates, but access is time-bound. Participants must commit to completing the certificate by the end of the assigned semester (e.g., August for Summer, December for Fall, May for Spring). The suggested pace for completion is 5–10 hours per week, which allows most certificates to be completed in 3–6 months.

Certificates are on Coursera, a global online learning platform that partners with San Jose State University and Google. Google Career Certificates are completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your instructional videos, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.  

You will have access to a network of employers who specifically recruit Google Career Certificate holders. You will build your resume, gain a credential for your LinkedIn, learn new skills and gain insights into the world of work. You will also save money by participating through this free partnership with San Jose State University.

Click here to apply for a Google Career Certificate license. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and spots are limited. Answer a few questions about your interests and which Google Career Certificates interest you. You will hear back about the program within a week. Please note: responses may be delayed during holidays.