A graduate certificate in business analytics can teach you the necessary skills to assess data and communicate your findings to members of an organization. This program may be beneficial for recent graduates or mid-career professionals looking to increase their marketability.
While these are non-degree awards, earning an online certificate in business analytics could increase your knowledge of data and allow for greater career mobility.
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These programs involve the study of mathematics, statistics, and analytics to gain insights that can improve business operations, production, and marketing. Read on to see if this type of program can help you reach your goals.
Universities Offering Online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Boston University
Boston University offers an online program for a Graduate Certificate in Applied Business Analytics. The curriculum teaches skills relevant to those who work in management, market research, finance, and related fields. This 16 credit program can be completed in online, on campus, or in a blended format. Students can typically finish the program in 9 months.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
George Mason University
George Mason University offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics that can be earned 100% online. To earn the certificate, students must complete four courses.
The curriculum consists of courses like Data Mining for Business Analytics, Marketing Research, Advanced Data Mining for Business Analytics, and Marketing Analytics. The courses emphasize hands-on learning and technology usage and are taught by the same faculty members who teach on campus.
George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics that can be earned 100% online. The program aims to help students learn how to interpret data and use it to make business decisions. Students take two asynchronous courses at a time and can usually finish in 2 semesters. The time commitment required is typically about 12 to 15 hours per week.
Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ohio University
Ohio University offers an online program for a Business Analytics Certificate. It requires the completion of three courses.
The curriculum consists of courses such as Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, and Business Intelligence. The curriculum is designed to help students develop skills in SQL, Solver Analytics, and Excel. The courses use an asynchronous format, and students take one course at a time in 7 week blocks.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers an online program for a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. It requires the completion of six courses.
The curriculum includes courses such as Statistics for Managers, Multivariate Statistical Methods for Business, and Advanced Business Analytics and Big Data Applications. Some classes have live meeting times, and others do not, but all classes follow the same academic calendar that is used on campus.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. This 9 credit program can be completed online. The curriculum is designed to help students develop skills in using software such as Microsoft Excel, Silver Decisions, and RStudio. All courses can potentially be counted toward a Master of Science in Data Analytics with an option in Business Analytics.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
University of Maine
The University of Maine offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics that can be earned online. Students must complete two required courses and three electives. The curriculum consists of courses such as Foundations of Business Intelligence and Analytics and Data Management and Analytics. The program uses a rolling admissions process, and test scores are not needed to apply.
The University of Maine is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online program for a Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Business Analytics. The certificate requires the completion of two 6 credit courses: Decision Management Systems and Data Management and Visualization. The program aims to prepare students for IBM Certified Developer and Tableau Desktop Specialist exams.
University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
The University of Massachusetts—Lowell offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. The program aims to teach skills relevant to those who work in management, market research, data science, and related fields. Prospective students can apply to begin at any time, and the program can typically be finished in 9 months. Credits may be applied to either an MBA or an MS in Business Analytics.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
University of West Florida
The University of West Florida offers an online program for a Business Analytics Certificate that requires the completion of four courses that are each 7 weeks long. The curriculum consists of courses such as Advanced Business Intelligence Applications, Advanced Business Data Management, and Big Data Mining: A Managerial Perspective. Multiple start dates are available each year, and the program can typically be finished in 1 year.
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Programs
Earning an online business analytics graduate certificate testifies to a student’s level of education. It means that you have learned how to use and apply analytic tools, technologies, and techniques to problem solve for a business or organization.
Those who pursue an online business analytics certificate tend to have a desire to thrive in business settings. They may do so by providing this essential skill to the organization they join. An online business analytics certificate program can generally be completed between 6 and 12 months, depending on a variety of factors.
The certificate you receive upon completion does not hold the same value as a masters degree, but it does rank higher than a bachelors degree. Professionals who earn an online business analytics graduate certificate program may take many positions within a business setting. Here are some sample professions in this field:
- Risk analyst
- Marketing strategy consultant
- Healthcare analyst
- Technical manager
These jobs only offer a glimpse of what may be available to you, but they are positions that are commonly held by business analytics graduates.
Many graduates from a business analytics program take positions as data analysts. These professionals are responsible for taking complex data insights and communicating them to members of other departments in a simple, digestible way.
An online business analytics certificate program offers a specialized education. You’re likely to take courses on topics like:
- Data mining
- Data-driven decision strategies
- Data visualization and presentation methods
- Predictive modeling in business analytics
Every school structures its business analytics program differently, but these are commonly covered topics. It can be helpful to research different programs to see whether or not you’re likely to have more of an interest in some courses than others.
Business Analytics Careers & Salaries
Attaining an online graduate certificate in business analytics could help you expand your professional qualifications and opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career paths, along with their median salaries, related to the study of business analytics.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Data Scientists | $100,910 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $99,270 |
| Financial Analysts | $95,570 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 |
| Budget Analysts | $79,940 |
| Insurance Underwriters | $76,390 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $64,120 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
| Fundraisers | $60,660 |
Each career listed above requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A graduate certificate could help you develop your analytics expertise in your chosen career track.
It should be noted that a degree or certificate does not guarantee a certain position or salary. The jobs that are available to you can depend on a number of additional factors, such as your location, industry, prior experience, and prospective employers.
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate Curriculum
The courses in a business analytics certificate program can vary from school to school, but the courses listed below may give you an idea of what to expect from your curriculum:
- Advanced Corporate Finance: This course can give you a deeper understanding of corporate finance, like how firms strategize for and fund their operations.
- Managing Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship: This course can give you an understanding of innovation management, research and development, corporate entrepreneurship, and similar concepts of how organizations manage innovation.
- Analytics for Executives: This course may encourage you to take an executive’s approach to advancing a business by investing in people systems, and data.
- Shopper Analytics: You’ll complete a series of projects that assess your knowledge of readings, assignments, guest speakers, and concepts.
- Advanced Decision Technologies: You can learn how to analyze numerous cases within today’s competitive environment and how to implement commercial software packages.
- Data Mining: This class teaches the value of extracting information from data, including statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence models.
- Database Management: This course will provide you with an introduction to database design, databases, design objectives, and the cost and benefits associated with management systems.
- Forecasting: You can learn how to interpret forecasting methodologies and understand general forecasting practices.
- Descriptive Analytics: This class can teach you how to summarize and manage data in software settings that are common within the business.
- Predictive Analytics: This class teaches you advanced methods of pre-processing, predictive modeling, and techniques that are used in a software setting.
Every school has its own curriculum, but the courses that you encounter may bear similarities to the ones listed above.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for a graduate certificate program in business analytics can vary by school, but here is a list of some of the general requirements you may encounter:
- Application and fee
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Minimum GPA of 3.0, on average
- Official transcripts
Since admission requirements can vary, it’s always helpful to do your research and verify that you can meet the specific requirements of a prospective program.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is a process and status that is highly valued among academic institutions as well as employers. During this process, an institution is examined by an accrediting agency to determine whether it meets a high standard of education.
In the hiring process, employers may give precedence to candidates who have earned a certificate from an accredited school because they can trust that their education was quality and rigorous. So, earning your certificate from an accredited college or university may increase your marketability. Attending an accredited school can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
While the cost of an online business analytics degree or grad certificate is regularly increasing, there are numerous options that can help qualifying students finance their education.
There are different types of aid that are offered to prospective and current students, with one of the most common forms of aid being federal aid. You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for need-based assistance.
Graduate students may also pursue scholarships or grants from their school as well as outside organizations. Some employers also offer development programs or tuition reimbursement programs to help their workers further their education.
What Can You Do with a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics?
The digital age has caused there to be an abundance of data that requires trained professionals to study, digest, and convey its information to team members. Earning an online business analytics graduate certificate can help you increase your skill sets in this area.
Organizations today are investing in data analysis to gain valuable insights for their business, so demand for employees with this type of expertise is likely to increase. Professionals use their knowledge of business analytics in a range of positions. For instance, some work as social media networks analysts, healthcare analysts, risk analysts, and marketing strategy consultants.
After earning a graduate certificate, there are options offered by a growing number of universities to earn an online PhD in business analytics. In some cases, credits earned in the graduate certificate program may even transfer to the PhD program.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Analytics Graduate Certificate Online?
Earning a business analytics certificate online usually takes between 6 months and 1 year. These programs usually consist of 12 to 16 credits of specialized classes.
Online programs often allow for a greater degree of flexibility. Many offer shorter 6 week or 8 week terms. Studying full-time and year-round may enable you to finish your certificate program sooner. Earning a graduate certificate also may let you start working in the field sooner than earning a graduate degree, such as an online masters degree in business analytics, for example.
Part-time studies tend to let you go at your own pace. While this could be beneficial for working professionals, it could also extend your overall time to completion.
What’s the Difference Between a Business Analytics vs. Data Analytics Graduate Certificate?
Business analytics and data analytics graduate certificate programs are often confused with each other. The table below may help separate the two fields.
| Business Analytics | Data Analytics |
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The area of study that’s best for you will likely depend on your professional interests and goals.
What’s the Difference Between a Business Analytics Graduate Certificate vs. Masters Program?
Here are some of the differences between a graduate certificate and a master’s program in business analytics.
| Graduate Certificate | Master’s Program |
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Each academic path has its benefits, depending on your career goals. Credits from a graduate certificate may even count toward a masters degree in the same field.
What’s the Difference Between a Business Analytics Certification vs. Certificate?
Here are some of the key differences between a professional certification and an academic certificate.
| Business Analytics Certification | Business Analytics Certificate |
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There are various professional certifications within the business field. Some can demonstrate your proficiency in a certain skill or software, while others may be more broad.
Is a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Worth It?
Yes, a graduate certificate in business analytics is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for business and financial occupations is expected to rise by 7% over the next ten years, which is considered as fast as average.
Data analysis is an increasingly important field due to the abundance of data that exists online today. With a growing number of organizations investing in this field, these skills are likely to be in demand. Organizations need professionals who can digest large amounts of information and convey it others in order to help organizations make informed decisions.
Getting Your Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Online
Obtaining a business analytics graduate certificate online can be a strategic way for recent graduates or working professionals to increase their marketability while advancing their skills.
Graduate certificates can be a relatively quick way to increase both your knowledge and earning potential. This certificate program helps you develop in-demand skills without having to commit to a master’s degree. Online learning is also known for its convenience and flexibility. Only you can decide if a business analytics graduate certificate is right for you.
Exploring accredited schools can help you determine if there are available analytics certificate programs that fit your needs and goals.
