Graduate Certificate Programs in Analytics
Analytics focuses on the acquisition, organization, and interpretation of data, a process commonly referred to as data mining. Professionals in analytics use mathematical concepts, statistical methods, and computer software to subject various types of data to algorithmic analyses in order to derive evidence-based insights, actionable intelligence, and descriptive and predictive models. These models can then be used to inform and improve decision-making processes in business, government, healthcare, sports, and many other fields.
Working as a data analytics professional requires a strong background in mathematics, an understanding of statistical methodologies, a knowledge of modern database systems, and familiarity with one or more of the computer programming languages commonly used in analytics, such as Python, R, SQL, and Java. Analytics graduate certificate programs provide a means for bachelor’s program graduates and early- and mid-career professionals to acquire and cultivate these proficiencies in preparation for entry and/or advancement in a specific analytics profession, such as business analytics/business intelligence, data warehousing, data engineering, data mining, data science, financial analytics, government analytics, healthcare analytics, marketing analytics, sports analytics, and web analytics.
Analytics graduate certificate programs are typically offered by computer science departments and/or schools of business at accredited colleges and universities. In addition, some schools may have a dedicated data analytics or data science division offering these programs. A graduate certificate program in analytics generally consists of a relatively small cluster of graduate-level courses (three, four, or five) tailored to address specific professional applications of data mining and analysis skills. These programs take roughly half the time and cost less than a full master’s degree in analytics, allowing students to receive the training needed to pursue a career in analytics in six to 12 months, as opposed to the 12- to 24-month completion time that is common for master’s programs.
Many graduate certificate programs offer courses online and/or schedule classes in the evening and on weekends in order to accommodate students who work full- or part-time. In addition, while a graduate certificate program does not confer a graduate degree, it gives students the opportunity to complete graduate credits that, depending on the program, may be applied toward an eventual master’s degree in analytics or a related field, for those who decide to pursue further graduate studies in the future.
Graduate Certificates in Analytics
Learn more about graduate certificate programs in analytics by exploring the programs listed below.
Graduate certificate programs in business analytics are designed to prepare college graduates and mid-career professionals to work with big data, perform complex data mining operations, and use analytics tools and technologies to inform decision-making in business operations. These programs can typically be completed in less than a year by students who hold a bachelor’s degree.
Graduate certificate programs in data analytics provide practical, career-oriented training and instruction in statistical modeling, data mining, computer programming, database systems, data visualization, and other aspects of the analytics profession. These programs typically consist of four or five graduate courses designed to prepare college graduates for careers that involve working with big data.
Graduate certificate programs in data science offer targeted training and instruction in the computer programming, data mining, and mathematical and statistical modeling skills required to work in the field of data science. These programs require students to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and many require or suggest that students have prior training in computer programing and statistics.
Graduate certificate programs in geographical information systems (GIS) provide career-oriented training and instruction in the principles and practices of geospatial science and the use of GIS technologies in cartography, civil and environmental engineering, geology, public health, and many other fields.