School of Business & Continuing Studies

Data Analytics for Business 

The Data Analytics for Business Certificate is designed to lead and advance data literacy skills among learners who are already employed. It embeds essential skills in existing workplaces, without the need for employees to take time off to attend class. It is designed to provide an intensive learning experience for employed individuals, enhancing their ability to transform the workplace data they already have into practical intelligence that can be used to inform decision making. Individuals will benefit from enhanced analytical skills transferable between roles and industries. Employers will benefit from enhanced strategic decision making and efficiency, by building analytical skills among existing employees.

Learners will gain skills and knowledge in data literacy, strategic communications, marketing and social media analytics, and data analysis and visualization. They receive approximately 150 hours of online learning and 480 hours of on the job training over two semesters. The program is asynchronous, delivered completely online, in a cohort format. The program concentrates learning in short bursts, with the field placements interspersed throughout. This way, learners develop new skills in a supportive environment and then apply new knowledge to their jobs to solidify their skills.

The certificate is centered around the interactive relationship between the learner (an employee), an industry sponsor, and a Workforce Coach. They work together to lead the organization into a new era of data-enhanced decision making. Because the learner will be gaining skills that are new to the organization, the role of the Workforce Coach and industry sponsor are to help the learner identify how those skills can be applied in the workplace to transform the way business is conducted. The Workforce Coach will provide guidance and training to the industry sponsor so that they can coach the learner throughout the field placement.