A graduate certificate in data analytics can help strengthen your resumé and broaden your skillset. A data analyst certificate program focuses on advanced knowledge of data collection, processing, visualization, and analysis.
An online analytics certificate can benefit professionals in the field who want to advance their careers as well as recent graduates who are hoping to break into the industry.
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In a matter of months, a data analytics graduate certificate may help you take the next step in your career.
Online Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics Programs
If you have a bachelor’s degree, a graduate certificate in analytics offers an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills without committing to a lengthy master’s degree program.
Most online certificate programs, such as on online data analytics certificate or an online AI certificate, have flexible schedules and can be completed in a year or less.
Data analytics involves gathering and analyzing raw data, so graduate certificate programs in this field focus heavily on math and technology skills. Some of the subjects you can expect to study include:
- Multivariate statistics
- Machine learning
- Regression
- Bioinformatics
- Data retrieval
- Data storage
- Data visualization
After completing a graduate certificate in data analytics online, you may be well-prepared to take on a career in data analysis or science. Data analytics experts offer essential services in areas like information systems management, market analysis, and database administration.
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As a data analytics professional, you can analyze company data and clearly communicate your insights. Organizations across industries rely on data to inform their decision-making processes, so a wide range of employers seeks professionals with data analytics skills.
Some of the potential employers who hire data analytics professionals include:
- Retail companies
- Insurance agencies
- Banks, credit lenders, and other financial services
- Technology start-ups
- Healthcare facilities
- Telecommunications companies
- Manufacturing companies
With a background in data analytics, you may also be suited to work as a self-employed consultant. In this type of position, you could provide services for a variety of clients rather than working exclusively for one company.
Data Analytics Careers and Salaries
Professionals with experience in data analytics are highly sought-after in a number of industries, including retail, government, and healthcare. Earning a graduate certificate in data analytics may help you qualify for positions with a variety of employers.
A data analytics certificate is also versatile since it can help prepare students for different kinds of roles. Depending on your interests, you may choose to focus on data analytics related to technology, management, operations, or finance.
Other professionals in the field focus on data science or advance to management positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some common areas of employment for data analytics professionals.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $131,490 |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $101,000 |
| Data Scientists | $100,910 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $99,270 |
| Financial Analysts | $95,570 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
Many of these positions are projected to experience growth over the next ten years which is much faster than average. Employment for data scientists, for example, is expected to grow at a rate of 36% (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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Other career opportunities that are expected to grow quickly include operations research analysts (23% job growth), computer and information systems managers (16%), and management analysts (11%).
Data Analytics Online Certificate Curriculum & Courses
Most data analytics certificate programs emphasize the collection and analysis of data, but the required courses differ. Common classes include:
- Data Analytics: This course offers an overview of the quantitative methods used to analyze data, with a focus on subjects like parametric and non-parametric tests, simulation, and categorical data analysis.
- Big Data: In this class, you’ll explore data engineering and the techniques used to collect, store, retrieve, and process data.
- Large Data Visualization: Students in this course learn how to visualize and communicate data analyses from large data sets, and they’ll practice using open-source data visualization software.
- Machine Learning: This class includes the study of machine learning algorithms and focuses on the use of statistical tools and methods like multiple regression, logistic regression, and survival analysis.
- Web Mining and Graph Analytics: In this course, you’ll explore text mining, clustering, and graph analytics, particularly graph analysis algorithms.
- Data Mining: Students in this class study concepts of data mining, including data preparation, classification, and clustering.
- Principles of Artificial Intelligence: This course centers on the concepts and techniques of AI, including problem-solving, expert systems, natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning.
- Network Theory: You’ll learn about the tools, methods, and algorithms used to analyze computer networks, social networks, and power grids.
- Applied Marketing Analytics: In this class, you’ll learn about the process of collecting and analyzing business data to improve decision-making capabilities within organizations.
- Social Media Analytics: The focus of this course is the study of online data acquisition, particularly related to social media platforms, and how this data can be processed to improve business performance.
Some certificate programs include courses targeted toward specific career goals, such as data science or applied analytics. Some may also require the completion of a capstone project at the end of the program.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements to a graduate certificate program are often quite similar to those for a master’s degree. These are some of the most common criteria:
- Official transcripts from your undergraduate institution
- Resumé, including all relevant academic and professional experience
- Personal statement explaining your future goals and interest in the program
- Recommendations from former instructors or supervisors to describe your strengths
- GRE scores (not required by all schools)
Data analytics certificate programs may also require you to have completed certain advanced mathematics or computer coursework during your bachelor’s program.
Accreditation
When applying to graduate certificate programs, it’s strategic to consider accreditation. Schools can apply for national or regional accreditation, both of which indicate a high level of academic quality.
Regional accreditation is generally regarded as the gold standard because of the stringent standards that schools must meet. Employers may look more favorably on your certificate if it was awarded by a school with regional accreditation status.
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In addition, earning a graduate certificate in data analytics can be a starting point for a master’s degree. Credits from a regionally accredited program are more likely to transfer to on-campus or online masters in data science or data analytics programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
While a certificate program does not usually entail the same level of financial commitment as a degree, some programs may still fall outside of your budget. There are several types of aid available that could help offset the cost of tuition.
You can begin by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines how much federal aid you are eligible to receive. Your state government may also have aid programs available to in-state students. If you are currently working in the field, you could speak to your supervisor about the possibility of tuition reimbursement or assistance programs.
Many employers support students pursuing certificates as a form of professional development. Scholarships are another vital source of financial aid. You can search an online scholarship database or speak with your school’s financial aid office to inquire about scholarships designed for your program or personal background.
What Can You Do with a Data Analytics Certificate?
A data analytics or business analytics graduate certificate is a beneficial credential for students hoping to pursue careers in data science or data analysis.
After earning your certificate, you may be well-qualified for a position as a data analyst. Types of analysts can include operations research analysts, financial analysts, and management analysts. Some graduates may pursue roles as data scientists or database administrators.
Data analytics professionals are desirable to many kinds of employers, including businesses in technology, finance, insurance, marketing, healthcare, and scientific research.
Some graduates of certificate programs may decide to continue their educations and earn a masters or even an on-campus or online PhD in Data Analytics.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Certificate in Data Analytics?
Most online certificates in data analytics programs take between 6 months and 1 year to complete. Graduate certificate programs typically require around 4 to 6 classes, which students may earn over the course of two or three semesters.
Depending on the flexibility of the program, you may have the option to complete your coursework more quickly by enrolling in several courses in a single semester. If you have other obligations, such as work, you may require a longer timeframe to graduate with your certificate. You may be able to take one course each semester to accommodate your schedule.
What’s the Difference Between an Online Data Analytics Certificate vs. Certification?
Both data analytics certificates and certifications can be valuable for the workforce, but here are some of the key differences between them.
| Data Analytics Certificate | Data Analytics Certification |
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Some data analytics certificates are designed to help students prepare to take a certification exam.
Is a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics Worth It?
Yes, a graduate certificate in data analytics is worth it for many professionals. Employment in data analytics is growing rapidly.
Employees with experience in data analytics can seek positions with a large pool of potential employers. The skills you can develop during a certificate program are also versatile and can apply to positions in data science, information science, and management.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that employment in data analytics is likely to grow at above-average rates for the next ten years. This includes employment for operations research analysts (23% job growth) and financial analysts (9%).
Universities Offering Online Graduate Certificates in Data 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 College offers a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics. The curriculum consists of 4 courses. Each course is fully online and 8 weeks long. Potential courses include Data Analysis, Econometrics, Big Data Econometrics, and Predictive Analytics and Forecasting. The program can typically be completed in 8 months. It offers start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.
Boston College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Boston University’s online Data Analytics Graduate Certificate program requires the completion of 16 credits. It can typically be finished in 8 to 12 months. Classes are small and utilize real-world projects and case studies to teach how to apply knowledge in practical ways. Boston University aims to provide a supportive online community.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Colorado State University offers a Data Analysis Graduate Certificate that requires the completion of 10 credits. On-campus classes use livestreams of lectures, which may be watched in real time or on a students’ own schedule. Online students can also collaborate via discussion boards.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kansas State University offers a 15 credit, online program for a Data Analytics Graduate Certificate. The program is customizable. Potential courses include Principles of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition, and Business Analytics and Data Mining. The curriculum also includes a capstone course.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Louisiana State University offers an online program for a Graduate Certificate in Analytics. This flexible program requires the completion of 12 credit hours and can typically be finished in less than 1 year. The curriculum focuses on applications of data analytics in business. Potential courses include Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Analytics Methods, and Visual Analytics.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northeastern University offers an online program for a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics. Courses are taken part-time and may be started in the fall, spring, or summer. The program can usually be finished in 8 months to 1 year. Credits earned may be applied to a master’s degree in bioinformatics, health informatics, urban informatics, or applied quantitative methods and social analysis.
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Purdue University’s Applied Data Analytics Graduate Certificate program is available 100% online and designed to allow students to work at their own pace. The program requires the completion of three courses for a total of 9 credits. Potential courses include Data Literacy, Data Analysis, and Data Visualization. Courses are 8 weeks long during the fall and spring terms and 12 weeks long during the summer.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Central Florida offers an online program for a Data Analytics Certificate. The curriculum explores how to use data to make critical business decisions. The program is designed for students who have a background in computer science or a related field. Credits in the program may be counted toward an MS in Data Analytics.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill offers a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics and Decision Making that can be earned 100% online. The program requires the completion of 5 courses and can typically be finished in 6 to 18 months. Potential courses include Analytical Tools for Decision Making, Data Analytics, Business Modeling, Pricing, and Python for Business Analytics.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Texas offers a Data Analytics Graduate Academic Certificate. The curriculum consists of 5 courses that are designed to be applied toward an MS in Advanced Data Analytics. The program can potentially be finished in 7 months if two 8 week courses are taken at a time.
The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Data Analytics Graduate Certificate Online
If you love crunching numbers and using data to improve the way things work, a graduate certificate in data analytics may be a natural fit. This certificate program enables you to develop valuable skills that are relevant across multiple industries.
Data analytics professionals are in high demand and excel in mathematics, critical thinking, and communication. Earning an online analytics certificate may help you expand your qualifications for a rewarding new career. In most cases, you can earn a data analytics certificate in under a year.
You can begin this next step in your educational journey by researching accredited schools that offer online graduate certificate programs in data analytics.
