The market for business intelligence (BI) solutions is rapidly growing. Business intelligence combines practices like data mining and data visualization to help organizations make data-driven business decisions. Due to the importance of data in the economy, professionals with business intelligence skills are high in demand.
Business intelligence programs combine theoretical learning with hands-on training to ensure students acquire the skills needed to offer appropriate BI solutions. This article covers the best online business intelligence courses, classes, and training programs along with key information on certification.
What Is Business Intelligence?
Business intelligence is a discipline that consists of applying technology and data-driven processes to transform data into actionable business insights. The goal is to help organizations make informed business decisions. BI combines business analytics, data visualization, data mining, and data infrastructure, among other data-related practices.
Why Online Business Intelligence Courses Are Important for Professional Development
Business intelligence courses combine theory and practice to ensure graduates have the skills necessary to offer powerful BI solutions. Professionals in a variety of industries can benefit from taking an online business intelligence course. Whether you work in data science, data analytics, business consulting, or even accounting, the skills you’ll gain from a BI course will propel your career forward.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Business Intelligence?
Yes, you should attend a coding bootcamp to learn business intelligence. Bootcamps are a great way to learn business and tech skills in a short amount of time. Most bootcamps offer data science and data analytics courses. Data-related courses can help you launch a career in business intelligence as a business analyst or market research analyst.
Overview: The Best Online Business Intelligence Courses, Classes, or Training
If you want to learn more about business processes, management information systems, modern database management systems, and statistical methods in the field of business intelligence, you should consider an online course. The following online courses, classes and training will help you launch a career in business intelligence and analytics.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) | Certified Business Intelligence & Data Analyst (BIDA) | $497-$847 | 150-200 hours | Yes |
| Flatiron School | Data Science | $16,900 | 15 weeks | Yes |
| General Assembly | Data Analytics | $4,065 | 10 weeks | Yes |
| Georgetown University | Data Analytics Bootcamp | $6,995 | 12 weeks | Yes |
| Harvard Business School | Business Analytics | $1,600 | 8 weeks | Yes |
| IBM via edX | Data Analytics Basics for Everyone | Free | 5 weeks | Yes |
| Ironhack | Data Analytics Bootcamp | $12,500 | 9 weeks | Yes |
| NYC Data Science Academy | Data Analytics Bootcamp – Online | $9,995 | 7 weeks | Yes |
| SkillUp | Business Intelligence Fundamentals | Free | 10 hours | Yes |
| Springboard | Data Analytics Bootcamp | $10,140 | 6 months | Yes |
| St. Mary’s University | Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence | $10,000 | 8 weeks | Yes |
| The University of Colorado via Coursera | Business Intelligence Concepts, Tools, and Applications | $49-$79 per course or $399 per year | 22 credit hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Fundamentals Data Analysis & Decision-Making Models – Theory | Free | 34 minutes | Yes |
| University of Arizona | Business Intelligence and Analytics | $11,988 | N/A | Yes |
| Villanova University | Essentials of Business Intelligence | $2,095 | 8 – 24 Weeks | Yes |
In Detail: The Best Online Business Intelligence Classes, Courses, or Training
Certified Business Intelligence & Data Analyst (BIDA) | Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)
- Learning Format: Certification course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Data visualization, data modeling coding, predictive analysis, statistics
The Business Intelligence and Data Analyst (BIDA) program starts with prep courses that build a solid foundation in data science, statistics, and business intelligence. Afterward, students dive into the core courses and learn Python, Power Query, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau. You’ll need to pass all courses with at least a 70 percent score to take the certification exam.
Key Takeaway: This program yields a professional certification issued by the Corporate Finance Institute.
Data Science | Flatiron School
- Learning Format: Full-time or part-time bootcamp
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Data analysis and engineering, SQL, Github, conceptual design, machine learning fundamentals
Data analysis, storage, and management are fundamental aspects of business intelligence. Attending a bootcamp that offers a data science program focusing on business process analysis is a great way to launch a career in business intelligence.
This program takes about 15 weeks for full-time students and about 20 to 60 weeks if taken part-time. During this time, you’ll study SQL and Github and delve into data analysis and engineering, conceptual design, and machine learning fundamentals.
Key Takeaway: This program is a great alternative to a four-year bachelor’s degree for those on a tight budget looking to pick up data analysis, engineering, and machine learning skills.
Data Analytics | General Assembly
- Learning Format: Full-time certificate course
- Level: Beginner, intermediate
- Subjects Covered: SQL, data analysis and engineering, Github
General Assembly offers certificate programs that give students a chance to gain in-demand coding skills to help them launch their careers in tech. This course is delivered by industry experts who have experience working at reputable software companies such as Deloitte, Atlassian, and Capital One.
The program runs for ten weeks, during which students work with the latest data analysis tools and learn best practices. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to transform raw data into actionable business insights.
Key Takeaway: This online program will equip you with in-demand skills to work in entry-level positions.
Data Analytics Bootcamp | Georgetown University
- Learning Format: Part-time bootcamp
- Level: Beginner, intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Data analysis, data visualization, strategic decision, R, Python
This is a 12-week program delivered online on Friday evenings and Saturdays. It covers data analysis and visualization tools and techniques, statistics, Python, and SQL. You’ll study various business processes and how they affect data analysis. By the end of the program, you’ll have statistical analysis, critical thinking, and predictive analytics skills.
This program also provides career services to students. These include workshops, employer information sessions, and career coaching services to help you secure employment after graduation.
Key Takeaway: This is a certificate program from a prestigious institution that will prepare you for a career in business intelligence.
Business Analytics | Harvard Business School
- Learning Format: Certificate course
- Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Data analysis, statistical methods, single variable linear regression
Harvard Business School is one of the most respected learning institutions in the US for business. This program will help you apply data analysis techniques to real-world business problems. This is a statistics-based course in which students start by learning how to describe and summarize data and then move on to sampling and estimation techniques.
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to analyze trends in data, create representative samples, analyze the relationship between two variables, and develop forecasts for values outside the given dataset.
Key Takeaway: Harvard Business School offers a world-class learning facility and curriculum that fuses theory and real-world, case-based learning. This course is ideal for those pursuing an advanced degree, recent business graduates, and mid-career professionals.
Data Analytics Basics for Everyone | IBM via edX
- Learning Format: Certificate course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Extract-transform-load, big data and processing tools, career opportunities in data
This program by IBM is offered online for free through edX, but you’ll have to pay $99 if you want a certificate of completion. You’ll study the difference between relational and non-relational databases and explore data-related careers. The course ends with questions and hands-on exercises to gauge your understanding of the concepts covered in the curriculum.
Key Takeaway: This introductory course is ideal for people eying a career change to data analysis.
Data Analytics Bootcamp | Ironhack
- Learning Format: Full-time or part-time bootcamp
- Level: Beginner, intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Python, advanced data analytics, statistics, Tableau, machine learning
Ironhack’s online and on-campus data analytics program is designed for both beginners and advanced learners and is perfect for recent graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to change careers. This is a rigorous and fast-paced program that will give you an opportunity to gain data analytic skills in a matter of months.
If you are a beginner, you will have to attend a prep course that will help you build a solid foundation as you dive into the world of data. This introductory course takes 60 hours to complete and covers core data tools and technologies like Python, Git, and MySQL.
Key Takeaway: This program helps you to build your data analytics skills and knowledge from the ground up.
Data Analytics Bootcamp – Online | NYC Data Science Academy
- Learning Format: Full-time or part-time bootcamp
- Level: Beginner, intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Data analysis, data visualization, machine learning, data mining for business intelligence
NYC Data Science Academy has helped thousands of graduates start their careers in tech. Most of these students have gone on to work for large firms such as Google, JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, Spotify, and Bloomberg.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
In a matter of weeks, you can launch your career in data analysis as you study from pre-recorded lessons, work on projects, and have regular interactions with expert instructors and fellow students. You’ll learn data analytics using R, Python, and MySQL, among other languages, using real-world business case studies.
Key Takeaway: NYC Data Science is a top coding bootcamp offering an online program designed to help you gain the skills needed to work in several entry-level positions in data analytics.
Business Intelligence Fundamentals | SkillUp
- Learning Format: Certificate course
- Level: Beginner, intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Business intelligence tools, Microsoft Excel, Power BI for data visualization, Tableau for data visualization
This is a beginner-friendly course that has no admission requirements. It is a great option for students looking to start their academic journey in business intelligence. It covers concepts such as data visualization, data mining, data tools, data infrastructure, and business analytics. When you finish this program, you’ll be awarded a certificate of completion.
Key Takeaway: This program can be great preparation for an undergraduate or graduate degree program in business intelligence.
Data Analytics Bootcamp | Springboard
- Learning Format: Certificate course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: SQL, data visualization using Python, business problem analysis
Springboard’s data analytics bootcamp focuses on in-demand tools and technologies and is one of the few programs on this list that offers a job guarantee. It features a hands-on learning experience that will help you develop structured thinking and problem-solving skills. It comes with unlimited mentor support to aid you during the job search.
Key Takeaway: This program can take you from beginner to data analytics and business intelligence expert in just six months.
Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence | St. Mary’s University
- Learning Format: Certificate course
- Level: Beginner, advanced
- Subjects Covered: Business analytics, predictive models, visual analytics, data-based decision making
This is a certificate program designed for students interested in learning how data affects organizations. The course was designed for decision-makers at the workplace, managers, and analysts. Students who complete the program with high grades receive academic credit that counts toward a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Greehey School of Business.
Completing this online program takes just eight weeks. During this period, students will explore and analyze data through various statistical models and open-source programming languages including R.
Key Takeaway: Consider this online graduate certificate program if you wish to complete an MBA program as some of the credits you’ll earn can count toward this degree.
Business Intelligence Concepts, Tools, and Applications | The University of Colorado via Coursera
- Learning Format: Certificate course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Decision making, business intelligence concepts, data visualization, business performance management systems
This is a popular program that has been completed by over 30,000 students. It is part of the Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence Specialization. The curriculum covers business intelligence, data visualization, data analysis, and MicroStrategy.
Key Takeaway: This course is designed for advanced students and will give you a deeper understanding of data analysis, business performance management, and descriptive analytics.
Fundamentals Data Analysis & Decision-Making Models – Theory | Udemy
- Learning Format: Standalone class
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Data variables, data analysis techniques, cleaning and processing data, communication of data
This free course from Udemy covers beginner concepts in data analysis. It starts with an introduction to data analysis and then moves on to the steps involved in data analysis processes. There are no requirements to join this course.
Key Takeaway: This course is best suited for new learners on a tight budget. You can earn a certificate of completion if you enroll in the paid course.
Business Intelligence and Analytics | University of Arizona
- Learning Format: Graduate certificate
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Data mining for business intelligence, data management
According to this school’s official website, the University of Arizona is in the top one percent of higher education institutions. This means that you’ll have access to a world-class faculty and curriculum. This program includes courses such as Enterprise Data Management and Data Mining for Business Intelligence.
Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for professionals in the data industry interested in learning how to derive business insights from data.
Essentials of Business Intelligence | Villanova University
- Learning Format: Certificate course
- Level: Beginner, intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Essentials of business intelligence, mastering data management and technology, data architecture
Villanova University delivers this online program with the help of expert faculty with years of experience in data and business intelligence. You will gain the skills necessary for analyzing data for decision-making and be able to make better risk assessments. The program is designed for anyone working with data including IT professionals, business analysts, and project managers.
Key Takeaway: You’ll receive a certificate in business intelligence from an accredited institution.
Online Business Intelligence Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
In the table above we have included a combination of courses, classes, and training programs. The type of program you should choose depends on a variety of factors, including your availability, budget, and learning style. Below, we take a closer look at each type.
Business intelligence classes are shorter lessons that are often part of a larger course of study, although they can also be a standalone unit. Courses, on the other hand, are longer and generally encompass several lessons.
Finally, “training” usually refers to a hands-on program designed to prepare a student for a particular role or position. The emphasis here is more on practical concepts than theory. A training program can last anywhere from several weeks to several months.
How to Choose the Right Online Business Intelligence Course, Class, or Training Program
Read Student Reviews
You should only consider online courses that have been taken by many students and that have a large number of positive reviews. It is imperative to look at student testimonials and reviews before making a decision. This will help you understand what you stand to gain by enrolling in the course. Make a mental note of students who were able to find work after completing the course.
Look for Peer Interaction Opportunities
Online programs can have a negative effect on your mental health that can spill over to your professional development. Studying for long hours by yourself can be extremely isolating. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are plenty of online courses out there that take advantage of different tools and technologies to promote peer interaction, networking, and group projects.
Weigh Cost Against Value
When choosing your course, your budget and the tuition of the program will be some of the main factors in your decision. You should also carefully consider what exactly you are buying when you purchase the program.
If you are going for a low-priced or free option, don’t expect many extra features. However, if the course of your choice costs thousands of dollars, you should rightfully expect additional services like career support or long-term access to learning resources.
Business Intelligence Course Certificates vs Certifications
The topic of certificate versus certification can sometimes be a confusing one. Let us explain. Business intelligence certificates are issued to students who’ve completed a course of study. In other words, a certificate is simply proof that the student has finished a given class or course. Many of the courses on this list result in a certificate, although some yield a certification.
Certifications, by contrast, are awarded after passing a test. A professional certification demonstrates expertise in a particular field or with a particular tool or technology. Whereas certificates are awarded by learning institutions, professional certifications are given out by neutral, industry-setting organizations.
Importance of Business Intelligence Certifications
Business intelligence certifications are important for students as they prove their competence and abilities in this field. Certification gives the holder a competitive edge in a highly competitive job market. Some of the main providers of business intelligence certification are the companies that design industry-standard BI tools. These companies include IBM, Microsoft, and SAP BusinessObjects.
If you aim to become a business intelligence analyst, or simply want a credential that certifies your BI skills, we recommend the following certifications: Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP), IBM Certified Designer: IBM Cognos Analytics Author V11, and Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate.
Why You Should Take Online Business Intelligence Courses or Classes
Yes, you should consider taking an online business intelligence course if your goal is to get ready for an entry-level position in data analytics or a related field. A career as a business intelligence analyst can bring job security and a high income.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in this industry earn an average salary of approximately $87,660 per year and enjoy a job outlook of 14 percent. In light of these figures, becoming a business intelligence analyst is a solid career choice.
Most online business intelligence courses covered in this article can be completed in just a few weeks or months. This means that you’ll acquire in-demand skills to launch your BI career quickly and efficiently.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
