Data drives our world. Every day, our digital behavior produces inconceivable amounts of data that is distributed, gathered, and carefully analyzed to extract actionable business insights. Known as the data economy, this powerful digital ecosystem underscores several groundbreaking technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Unprecedented volumes of data have the potential to uncover solutions to some of today’s most pressing problems, but there’s a caveat: This data means little unless it is properly interpreted. Like the physical book left unread on the shelf, data-driven insights will only make a difference if they are actively studied by experts who recognize what that data means and how it can be used.
This is where data analytics comes in. Think of data analysts as the arbiters of big data. They bring a structured approach to collecting and organizing huge volumes of data. They also play an integral role in conveying this complex data so that its core takeaways can be understood and used to drive strategic decision-making.
Data analytics skills are incredibly important in the modern data economy, but unfortunately, they are also difficult to acquire. These skills are technical and comprehensive, with data analysts expected to demonstrate proficiency with quantitative analysis, predictive modeling and even natural language processing. Add core competencies like, problem solving and business communication to the mix, and it’s clear that it takes years of concentrated study and preparation to succeed in this field.
A structured approach to skill development is a must, ideally guided by experienced data analytics experts who understand the true scope of data analytics. Many excellent training opportunities are available, and no single approach is right for every aspiring data analyst.
Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics – A Pathway to Career Advancement
UTC’s data analytics graduate certificate provides a valuable pathway to career advancement. Spanning twelve credits, it offers a deep dive into important topics such as data mining, database management, big data management and prescriptive analytics. It can be pursued alongside an MBA, and together, these complementary programs deliver the preparation needed to succeed in many data-driven careers, ranging from business to marketing analytics and beyond.
The Need for Data Analytics Skills in Different Industries
Data analytics is an in-demand practice, with data-driven strategies implemented across a wide array of sectors. From marketing to healthcare and even agriculture, hospitality and education, every field can benefit from implementing data-driven strategies. These bring clarity to a variety of organizations, revealing not only how they are performing in real time, but also which strategies are most capable of driving improvements in productivity and customer satisfaction.
Due to the far-reaching relevance of data analytics, professionals with exceptional analytics skills can leverage their talents to find compelling (and often, lucrative) work in many fields. An ability to align personal interests, passions and experiences with day-to-day analytics responsibilities is one of the most noteworthy benefits of working in data analytics.
Understanding the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Do you think you could benefit from targeted data analytics training? Depending on how you want to develop — and eventually, utilize — critical data analytics skills, you could be a strong candidate for a graduate-level certificate program. This approach is worth considering, especially if you already have your bachelor’s degree but want to get a leg up in data analytics or the business world.
No two data analytics certificates look exactly alike, so it is crucial to examine the details as you determine which program is right for you. Should you pursue this certificate through UTC, you will have the unique opportunity to combine it with an MBA. This powerful combination could equip you with an ideal blend of technical and leadership skills while preparing you to thrive no matter which direction you choose to take your data-driven career path.
Upon completion of the certificate, students may also choose to apply to UTC’s MS Data Analytics (MSDA) program to continue their analytics studies and potentially use up to 100% of their certificate coursework towards the MSDA curriculum requirements. As a result, these certificate graduates could start the MSDA program with 1/3 of the required MSDA coursework already completed.
Admission and Prerequisites
Once you decide to pursue a graduate certificate in data analytics, the next step is to apply for (and get accepted to) a reputable program. The basic requirements for admission at UTC include a bachelor’s degree and an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.70. No matter your previous major, you can apply if you meet the GPA threshold. Be prepared to send official transcripts as you complete your application.
Following admission, you may be expected to complete prerequisite coursework, such as a business statistics course. Candidates with relevant coursework or professional experience are sometimes able to waive this prerequisite. Another option? Completing an online statistics module.
Duration and Delivery Options
Busy students often require flexible certificate programs that allow them to seamlessly manage the demands of both school and work. This is a hallmark of the data analytics certificate, which, depending on student needs and preferences, can be completed in two, three or four semesters. The certificate can be combined with the MBA program which involves 36 additional credits and typically takes two years to complete. Or, it can be followed up with the MSDA program, which would involve taking as little as 32 additional credits.
Tuition and Financial Aid
While financial aid is not available for this program, many successful graduates strongly believe that the resulting career benefits make the cost of this program more than worthwhile. Still, it is important to look at current tuition requirements, as this can impact whether you pursue the program and may also dictate your preferred timeline.
For the data analytics graduate certificate, tuition is determined on a per-credit basis, which may change over time. Fee schedules are also influenced by format and, with the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, may incorporate differential fees above and beyond the standard tuition fee schedule for graduate students. The certificate totals 12 credits across four courses.
Keep in mind that, at UTC, a data analytics certificate can be pursued alongside an MBA, so overarching tuition considerations will reflect not only the certificate program but also the overarching graduate degree. That being said, three of the classes from the certificate program can count toward MBA course requirements.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a vital component of verifying the quality of any certificate program. Proper accreditation provides valuable peace of mind, as you will know that you are being trained by the field’s best and brightest professionals. Be mindful of whether the program in question is accredited as well as which body is responsible for providing that accreditation.
With data analytics, your best bet is to attend a program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Committed to “creat[ing] the next generation of great leaders,” AACSB aims to spark innovation and growth throughout the business community by helping programs develop competent and confident professionals.
AACSB accreditation conveys a strong commitment to “excellence in teaching, research, curriculum development, and learner success.” UTC is proud to offer one of the area’s only AACSB-accredited data analytics certificate programs.
At UTC, we are also proud to have our data analytics certificate program co-sponsored by SAS, which is self-described as the “founder and future of analytics.” This strategic partnership means we are uniquely equipped to help our students prepare for important credentialing opportunities such as the SAS Base Programmer and SAS Advanced Programmer certification exams.
Benefits of Earning a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
A graduate certificate in data analytics provides a strong path forward for ambitious professionals who hope to pursue data-driven career opportunities. While this program is notable for its technical skill development, it also emphasizes several soft skills that today’s employers value. These include:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Communication
These skills are emphasized through data analytics coursework and throughout the accompanying MBA. Graduate-level business programs encourage students to leverage both technical and soft skills that, used together strategically, can drive impressive insights and exceptional workplace performance.
Equipped with a comprehensive skill set, graduates should be thoroughly prepared to tackle the many challenges and opportunities that this quickly evolving field presents. The certificate itself can make it easier to score these jobs in the first place, as it conveys the inherent credibility of an MBA along with a clear commitment to the data-driven strategies that so many employers are seeking to implement.
Start Your Certificate in Data Analytics at UTC
Are you intrigued by the possibility of building data analytics into your dream career? It’s time to develop relevant business and data analytics skills so you can take on a variety of data-driven opportunities. UTC’s Business Analytics Certificate Program provides a solid start. Reach out today for more information or to start the application process.
