Businesses and organizations across the public and private sectors are increasingly reliant on data analysts, which has led to an increase in their employment rate. Those seeking entry-level positions or hoping to advance their careers in the rapidly expanding fields of big data and data science can choose from a variety of data analytics certificates to help them do so.
Through a data analytics college certificate program, you will learn about data mining, machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization in great detail. This article outlines what a data analytics certificate program is, how it differs from a professional certification, and which universities and colleges provide the top certificate programs in data analytics.
What Is a Data Analytics Certificate College Program?
A data analytics certificate college program is a short, non-degree program offered by colleges and universities to provide proficiency in the data analytics field. Certificate programs are often used as a stepping stone to entry-level jobs or corresponding degree programs.
Many schools allow credits from a data analytics certificate program to be transferred to a degree program. The certificate also works well as a stand-alone education in that it can open graduates to more job opportunities and career growth.
What’s the Difference Between a College Data Analytics Certificate and Professional Certification in Data Analytics?
A college data analytics certificate provides you with basic foundational courses and skills in data analytics, but it does not prove that you have the ability to put those skills to use in a practical way in the field.
This is where professional certification comes in. To become certified in data analytics, you will need to pass a test issued by a third-party administrator to prove that you meet the standard for applied knowledge and skills in the field.
Data Analytics College Certificate vs Data Analytics Certification: Key Differences
| Data Analytics Certificate | Data Analytics Certification |
|---|---|
| Offered by colleges and universities | Offered by independent organizations |
| Normally requires 15-30 credits of coursework | Most certifications do not require coursework |
| Often does not require an exam | Requires an exam |
| Provides knowledge and skills | Proves competency and ability |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Data Analytics Certificate at College?
It takes six months to a year to get a data analytics certificate, depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Most undergraduate certificate programs consist of 15 to 18 credit hours of coursework, which requires a full semester or two to complete.
Best Data Analytics Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate University | Undergraduate Certificate in Data Analytics | $660/unit |
| Grand Valley State University | Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Data Analytics |
$500/credit |
| Husson University | Undergraduate Certificate in Data Analytics | $398/credit |
| Kansas State University | Data Analytics Undergraduate Certificate | $375/credit |
| Northeastern University | Undergraduate Certificate in Analytics | $541/credit |
| UNT Online – University of North Texas | Data Analytics Undergraduate Certificate |
$330/credit |
| University of Pittsburgh | Certificate Program in Business Analytics | $888/credit (in state); $1,601/credit (out of state) |
| University of Richmond | Certificate of Applied Studies in Data Analytics | $550/semester hour |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Business Analytics Undergraduate Certificate |
$312/credit (in state); $499/credit (out of state) |
| Wilmington University | Undergraduate Certificate in Data Analytics | $399/credit |
Best Undergraduate Data Analytics Certificate Programs: Explained
There are many universities and colleges in the US offering undergraduate certificates in data analytics. Some of the factors we used in deciding which schools to include on our list were program cost, duration, and format. You can find all of this information and more on each program below.
You can choose from among six certificates, depending on the specific skills you want to pursue, in this certificate program from Golden Gate University. Two core courses and one elective in a programming language of your choice are required for each nine-unit certificate. Tableau, HQL, Python, R, SAS, and SQL are the six electives available.
Undergraduate Certificate in Data Analytics Details
- Cost: $660/unit
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Admission application and fee
This Grand Valley State University program in data analytics teaches students how to manipulate numbers and statistics and extract valuable information using different data analyzing techniques. Fundamental skills like data visualization and data predictive methods are taught through Python and R.
Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Data Analytics Details
- Cost: $500/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: On campus
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: ACT/SAT, high school transcript
This online curriculum is short, economical, and delivered by qualified teachers at Husson University to give you an edge in the data analytics industry. The undergraduate certificate program can be taken alone or in conjunction with a degree program. It fits into most bachelor's degree programs.
Undergraduate Certificate in Data Analytics Details
- Cost: $398/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
- Other Requirements: Criminal background check, English and math placement
Both data science and analytics are covered in this Kansas State University program, for a well-rounded education. The data science courses teach you to save, retrieve, manage, parse, and compute data using various methods and algorithms. The data analytics courses enable you to apply computational tools to business issues and challenges.
Data Analytics Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $375/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: High school GPA of 3.25 or higher or ACT composite score of 21/SAT ERW+M score of 1060 or higher, application fee of $40
This certificate from Northeastern University is an excellent way for professionals in any sector to improve their analytical thinking and professional project data analytics skills. You'll learn programming and data visualization tools like R, Python, Tableau, Qlik, and Power BI. If you decide to pursue a BS in Analytics or a BS in IT, you can apply your certificate credits toward it.
Undergraduate Certificate in Analytics Details
- Cost: $541/credit
- Length: 24 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: High school diploma/GED
- Other Requirements: Current resume, statement of purpose, references
Students who complete this online certificate program at the University of North Texas will gain a solid foundation in modern data analytics approaches, as well as hands-on expertise in machine learning and data mining technologies for collecting, manipulating, and learning from big data. Students learn how to apply theory and techniques to real-world business challenges.
Data Analytics Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $330/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: SAT/ACT scores
This program from the University of Pittsburgh teaches students the concepts, procedures, and tools of business analytics in organizations. Students will learn evidence-based problem diagnosis and solution development. They will design statistical models, measure data, interpret results, and synthesize findings to have the skills to improve organizational performance.
Certificate Program in Business Analytics Details
- Cost: $888/credit (in state); $1,601/credit (out of state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: On campus
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: ACT/SAT
Through this program, students can choose from a wide range of electives in data analytics and data visualization to fill in any gaps in their studies and enhance their career development. Upon completion, you will have a diverse set of abilities that can be applied across a variety of fields. Earning digital badges is an additional perk of the program, which can help advance your career prospects before completing your certificate.
Certificate of Applied Studies in Data Analytics Details
- Cost: $550/semester hour
- Length: 18 semester hours
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.0
- Other Requirements: TOEFL scores for non-native English speaking applicants
There are many majors that this University of Maryland Global Campus certificate complements through teaching the fundamentals of data science, data processing, and data visualization. For example, it is a good fit for majors in biotechnology and environmental management because it teaches the principles, concepts, and applications that underlie these fields.
Business Analytics Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $312/credit (in state); $499/credit (out of state)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: State-approved or regionally accredited high school diploma
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcript
Excel and SQL are two of the most commonly used tools for data analysis, and this certificate from Wilmington University is designed to teach students how to use both. Analytical fundamentals, such as how to modify and query massive data sets, are taught in-depth to instill the basics of data analytics.
Undergraduate Certificate in Data Analytics Details
- Cost: $399/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA in completed coursework for any secondary or post-secondary institution
Data Analytics College Certificate Program vs Data Analytics Associate Degree
Data analytics college certificates are short programs of study that you can take at a college or university on their own or as part of a college degree. To get the certificate, students are required to complete a set of courses that provide basic knowledge relating to data analytics.
A data analytics associate degree is a two-year undergraduate program in the data analytics field. An Associate Degree in Data Analytics will prepare you for an entry-level data analysis job or a relevant bachelor’s degree program. Here are a few factors that differentiate these two programs.
- Program length. A data analytics associate degree is normally a two-year program while a certificate program is shorter, ranging from about six months to one year.
- Career scope. A professional with a data analytics associate degree can launch a career in the fields relating to data science, big data, data mining, data analytics, and many more. Certificate holders have fewer career options in the data science field.
- Cost. A data analytics college certificate is a relatively less expensive option as compared with an Associate Degree in Data Analytics.
- Niche. Degree programs are more comprehensive and their curriculum includes courses in diverse areas of study, while certificates can be very niche specific.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Data Analytics Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate data analytics certificate is worth it because it is a cost-effective way to learn how to manipulate numbers and statistics via data mining and visualization. The duration of the program is also shorter than a degree program and you are still able to get an entry-level job in the data industry after graduation.
Best Data Analytics Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| George Mason University | Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics | $889/credit (in state); $1,769/credit (out of state) |
| Iowa State University | Business Analytics Graduate Certificate | $2,156/course |
| Kansas State University | Data Analytics Graduate Certificate | $511/credit |
| Oregon State University | Data Analytics Graduate Certificate | $560/credit |
| Pennsylvania State University | Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics | $1,046/credit |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics | $925/credit |
Best Graduate Data Analytics Certificate Programs Explained
Students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics might get a data analytics job in a high-paying entry-level position. But in order to be eligible for the top positions and upskill themselves, a more specialized education is required. Here are some schools that provide the best graduate data analytics certificate programs in the country.
Business analytics is the process of turning data into insights that can be used to make decisions. This George Mason University program helps analysts and managers in any field use data more effectively by teaching them how to use popular software tools for data modeling and other techniques. Certificate course credits can also be used to fulfill MBA degree requirements.
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Details
- Cost: $889/credit (in state); $1,769/credit (out of state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Application fee, unofficial transcripts, resume
Tailored for business professionals, this Iowa State University graduate certificate program provides a strong foundation in data processing, predictive analysis, modeling, and data visualization and communication. For recent graduates interested in learning more about the growing role of analytics in today's corporate world, this program is a perfect fit.
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $2,156/course
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Resume, college transcripts, statement of purpose
In this K State University certificate program, you will learn how to mine, manage, and understand big data. Data analytics helps businesses and is thus a vast field that requires expertise in both technical data science and applied data analytics. This program includes coursework in both areas, giving you a well-rounded education.
Data Analytics Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $511/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0
This graduate certificate program from Oregon State University will help you chart a new course in your career, whether you are an experienced analytics professional or just starting out in the field. It is specially developed for ambitious individuals who want to improve their statistical and analytical knowledge and who want to move up the corporate ladder or into a new role.
Data Analytics Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $560/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
- Other Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, transcript(s), resume, three letters of recommendation, cover letter
As a business analyst, you will study and analyze data from a variety of descriptive, analytical, predictive, and prescriptive perspectives. It is not just theoretical knowledge that you will obtain by studying optimizing and forecasting techniques in this Penn State program, but also the ability to conduct a variety of business-related duties such as marketing and logistics.
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Details
- Cost: $1,046/credit
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Application fee, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose
In this UMass Amherst program, you will learn how to collect data, manipulate it, and then analyze and display it using the most current software available. Credits from your coursework can be applied toward the MS in Business Analytics (MSBA).
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Details
- Cost: $925/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree or currently enrolled in final undergraduate semester
- Other Requirements: Application, unofficial transcript, resume/CV, personal statement
Data Analytics Graduate Certificate Program vs Data Analytics Master’s Degree
With a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics, you will discover cutting-edge approaches to working with data. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to work with top organizations that are constantly innovating and experimenting with new approaches to data analysis.
Completing a graduate certificate program gives you an advantage over your peers, without having to pursue a degree beyond your bachelor’s degree. You’ll have more clout in your field without the additional costs of time and money involved in obtaining a degree. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between these two programs.
- Career scope. A master’s degree provides a broader education, which will result in more job opportunities than a graduate certificate provides. However, a graduate certificate can help you land a niche job faster.
- Career advancement. Both programs will allow you to advance in your career. However, because a certificate requires less of a time commitment, it can provide a quicker path to advancement.
- Cost. Because a certificate program is generally shorter than a degree program and requires fewer credits, it usually costs less.
- Curriculum. Unlike a graduate certificate, a master’s degree emphasizes more in-depth research. Holders of a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics could thus be more inclined to think outside the box when solving problems using data visualization or comprehension.
- Expertise. With a graduate certificate in data analytics, you do have more training and knowledge in the field than bachelor’s degree holders do, but those with a master’s degree will have an edge in expertise due to their more involved programs.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Data Analytics Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate data analytics certificate is worth it because it enhances your professional and technical skills and knowledge. With a graduate certificate in data analytics, you have a significantly better chance of getting a job than someone with only a bachelor’s degree does. Plus, obtaining a certificate is more affordable and requires less time commitment than other advanced education options do.
Data Analytics Certificate Program Coursework
Students will learn the basics of data analytics in a certificate program. This typically includes courses in industry-standard technology and methods, including data science’s theoretical underpinnings and query language. The following are common courses in a data analytics certificate program.
Data Visualization
This course gives an overview of the essential principles of data visualization in business and data science contexts. Data visualizations of various kinds of data, such as time series or multidimensional data, are produced using interactive charts, geospatial data, infographics, and dashboards.
Data Mining
Rules-based reasoning, decision tree algorithms, clustering, and association rule mining are some of the techniques covered in this course. Students learn to use sophisticated data-mining techniques and machine learning models for successful pattern classification and insight discovery in massive datasets. Students learn how to use data analysis software to examine, analyze, and document the methodology and findings of case studies.
Introduction to Data Analytics
Statistical inference, analytics problem framing, predictive analytics, and simple data visualizations are the primary focus of this course. Students learn the methods, procedures, and requirements for using data science to solve real-world problems and meet business needs. The course emphasizes the application of fundamental statistical ideas in the context of business problem framing.
Introduction to Statistics
You will learn how to analyze the reliability of statistical results, compile data into graphical and tabular forms, and summarize, analyze, and present findings, all while applying inferential statistics concepts and scalable data models. Percentile distributions, probability distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing are just some of the topics covered in this course.
Foundations of Data Science
Challenge identification, query language, data collection, data analysis, choice of analytic approach for business problems, and model construction to solve analytics challenges are all taught in this course. Programming languages like Python and NumPy are used for information gathering and preparation, and tools like Pandas and SciPy are used in the analysis process.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Data Analytics Certificate from College?
With a data analytics college certificate, you can get job opportunities in a variety of fields. Some of the positions available to someone with a certificate in analytics include data scientist, project manager, business intelligence analyst, and statistician. According to PayScale, data analytics certificate holders make a median salary of $62,970.
Best Data Analytics Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Management Analyst | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $82,360 |
| Financial Analyst | $81,410 |
| Budget Analyst | $79,940 |
| Market Research Analyst | $63,920 |
Best Data Analytics Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
A bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum education required to compete for data analytics jobs in most industries. However, professionals with data analytics undergraduate certificates often have the foundational skills and knowledge required for entry-level positions. Those with a graduate certificate can compete for top positions, along with master’s degree holders.
The following offers a closer look at some of the best jobs open to data analytics certificate holders, including the minimum required education, average salaries, and anticipated job growth over the next several years.
Management analysts are responsible for providing recommendations for how an organization can increase its efficiency. Although companies prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, you can get an entry-level position with your certificate credentials and start working on an analytics project.
- Average Salary: $93,000
- Job Outlook: 14% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and less than five years of experience
These professionals employ statistics and reasoning to assist in the resolution of difficult problems. Analysts who specialize in operations research may enter the industry using their data analytics certificate credentials and often go on to earn a degree as they progress in their careers.
- Average Salary: $82,360
- Job Outlook: 25% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Financial analysts spend most of their work hours advising companies, organizations, and people on how to best spend their money in order to maximize profit. Professionals with a data analytics certificate have an advantage in landing this job due to their in-depth knowledge and expertise in the field.
- Average Salary: $81,410
- Job Outlook: 6% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Budget analysts provide assistance to both public and commercial entities in the process of financial planning. They give recommendations and predictions regarding the financial situations of the companies or markets they serve. Certificate holders can enter this job market by using their credentials to earn the required bachelor’s degree in the future.
- Average Salary: $79,940
- Job Outlook: 5% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Market research analysts assess the current state of the market in order to forecast future demand for a product or service. The solid foundations in mathematics and analytical thinking provided by a data analytics certificate make holders of one attractive to those hiring for this position.
- Average Salary: $63,920
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Should I Also Get a Data Analytics Certification?
Yes, you should also get a data analytics certification if you want to increase your chances of landing lucrative positions such as data scientist, management analyst, or business intelligence professional.
A data analytics certification program is typically specialized for a particular field with a very practical purpose. For example, if you earn a certification in data mining, big data, or financial analytics to track business performance, it is likely that you will secure a job related to these fields faster than your peers who have only earned degrees.
Best Data Analytics Certifications
- CompTIA Data+. This is the only certification available for just $239 for data analysts that includes fundamental data analytics process capabilities, evaluates practical skills, and is independent of specific vendors.
- CCA Data Analyst. This certification demonstrates an SQL developer’s ability to pull and generate reports using Impala and Hive in Cloudera’s CDH environment. You need to pass the certification exam (CCA159) to receive the certification.
- MCSE: Data Management and Analytics. This certification demonstrates that you have the skills necessary to run a technologically efficient and advanced data center. You need to pass at least one of the five prerequisite certificates and eight exams to earn this certification.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Data Analytics Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for data analytics is worth it because the job outlook for some of the most popular careers in this field is very good. For example, the need for operations research analysts is anticipated to grow by 25 percent in just 10 years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
These professionals also earn an average salary of $82,360. This makes data analytics one of the highest-paid, fastest-growing sectors in the overall job market. Certificate holders in data analytics can start working as entry-level analysts and go on to gain more experience and skills to be eligible for higher positions and salaries in their field.
Data Analytics Certificates FAQ
Certificates are quicker to get than degrees but you will acquire more education through a degree program. Certificates are better if you are interested in quickly getting an entry-level job in the industry.
Yes, data analytics certificates are helpful in getting a job. They offer all the knowledge and abilities needed to secure an entry-level job, while graduate certificates can help professionals advance in their careers. In addition to a college degree, college certificates are something employers increasingly expect applicants to have.
There are many professional certifications in data analytics that are in demand today. Certifications from Google, IBM, Cloudera, and CompTIA prove an individual’s comprehensive expertise needed to excel in the market.
Yes, data analytics is a good career in terms of job outlook and salaries. Across the globe, the demand for data analysts is increasing, and the educational and career opportunities in the field are too.
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