Frequently Asked Questions

Yes there is and you can request it by using the above e-mail or the "message box" that appears on your screen.

The program begins at a foundational level, making it accessible for you to enter and succeed, even if you have no prior knowledge of the topics covered.  However, you may find the program's content easier to grasp if you possess some experience or a basic understanding of mathematics.

To obtain the "Executive Diploma," all courses must be completed. However, if you are interested in a specific area, you can register for one or more courses individually. In this case, you will receive a verified certificate upon successfully completing the quizzes and projects for that course. If you prefer to attend the course without participating in quizzes or projects, you will receive a Certificate of Completion instead.

 The "Executive Diploma" will be awarded only after completing all SAS-Viya projects and e-learning requirements and successfully completing all other quizzes and projects. To obtain the dual diploma from LAU—Academy of Continuing Education and SAS International— it is mandatory to attend and pass all courses outlined in the program. 

 R is not included in the program. Courses include projects only on Python and SAS Viya.  

 A Python Bootcamp consisting of five sessions, each lasting two hours, is designed for total beginners before the start of the program. This boot camp will help participants acquire fundamental Python coding skills, making learning and applying the concepts introduced in the subsequent courses easier. 

 SAS-Viya will be available for FREE to all participants during the program. 

To earn the Dual Diploma from LAU - ACE and SAS, participants must achieve a Final Grade of at least 60 out of 100. For additional information, please refer to the Grading Rules and Regulations document. 

  The program spans over 10 months with a possibility of 1 month extension.

Courses are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. There will be a 10-day break between each course and two additional 10-day breaks for the summer holiday. To request a detailed schedule, please send an email.

The program's grading system follows international standards. According to the Grading Rules and Regulations document, the lowest course grade will be excluded from the total of nine courses. Additionally, the grade for the final project must be at least 60 out of 100. 

Since the diploma is addressed to already practicing professionals, some flexibility is allowed regarding attendance during the sessions. However, certain ethical limits must be respected.

The courses are delivered live on the LAU Webex portal. However, Python labs, quizzes, exams, and project presentations are conducted in person at the LAU premises in Beirut. 

Traveling might only affect your presential labs and exams. If so, each case is discussed accordingly and a convenient solution is agreed upon without compromising the quality of the deliverables.

Since all sessions are delivered on-live, assisting the complete program from abroad is not a constraint. However, labs and exams are discussed on a case-by-case basis. 

This comprehensive 350-hour program is intended to breed the “best” generation of Data Science and AI practitioners that most prestigious companies will seek in that field. Distinguished students will be highly recommended when asked.

Participants are expected to adhere strictly to the guidelines for completing quizzes and projects independently, similar to the standards set by prestigious universities worldwide, such as MIT and Harvard. Any form of misconduct—such as copying from others, sharing results, or similar actions—will jeopardize the participant's ability to graduate and receive their diploma. Penalties may begin with written warnings and can escalate to complete exclusion from the program in case of a serious code of conduct violation, without any financial reimbursement.

If you cannot complete the program for any reason, you can join the next cohort, finalize the remaining courses, and obtain your Dual Diploma. 

Yes, it is. However, it does not allow you to pursue a Ph.D. since it is not an undergraduate Masters Degree. 

The fees of the diploma can be settled with two payments, increasing the total amount by 20%.