Business Analytics Certificate
The Sam M. Walton College of Business' Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics provides students with a solid foundation in the effective management and use of relational and dimensional data, the application of statistical decision-making theory, and the exploration and utilization of data through advanced data mining tools and techniques.
Industry Exposure. Hands-On Experience
In the growing world of “big data,” business analysts must be able to take those massive data sets that are too large or varied for conventional tools to manage and mine effectively, and make sense of all the pieces of information.
Once the large amounts of data are extracted, the information must be grouped and presented in a way that can be understood and used to make business decisions.
The need to effectively analyze big data is growing at an amazing rate, but corporations are finding that they lack enough skilled professionals to fill those roles. Industry analysts predict that the United States will soon face a vast shortage of people with deep analytical skills as well as the managers and analysts qualified to make decisions based on that data.
Designed for both business and non-business graduate students, this certificate program allows students to gain knowledge of and hands-on experience with:
- Fundamentals of analytics, decision support and estimation models
- Data management concepts
- Data mining
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
Program Length: 9-12 months
Program Start Date: Fall
Application Deadline:
July 1
Curriculum Overview
View a Course Listing
Admissions Information
View Info and Requirements / F.A.Q.
Required Test: N/A
Program Cost
View Cost of Program
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Inside the Business Analytics Certificate Program
Unparalleled
The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is differentiated by a unique combination of features:
- Weekend Delivery - one Saturday a month
- Gain hands-on experience using large, real-world data sets from some of the world’s most prominent companies
- Leverage enterprise platforms and tools from IBM, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, and Teradata
- Complete 12 hours of graduate coursework over 2 semesters with an option to transition into the Professional MIS program or the Professional Master of Applied Business Analytics program upon completion
Real-World Datasets
Our multiple enterprise systems platforms coupled with large, real-world datasets play a very important role in the curricula at the Walton College.
Business Analytics Certificate Curriculum
| Fall |
| Spring |
Admissions Information
Application Requirements for Graduate Certificates
Application Form - Apply Online. - You will not submit academic documents or letter of recommendation information with the application for admission. The Graduate School of Business will send you an email outlining how to activate your Applicant Center in UA Connect to upload documents and recommender information. Please allow up to five business days for email notification.
Application Fee (non-refundable) - A $60.00 application fee must accompany application materials. The fee must be made payable to the University of Arkansas in U.S. dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank. The application fee is non-refundable and no application will be processed without the fee.
Résumé - A current résumé is required. Be certain that your résumé indicates your full-time and part-time employment history, extracurricular collegiate, professional, and community activities, honors and awards, and foreign language proficiency.
Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded for initial review, but official transcripts must be received to finalize any admission offer. Official transcripts from each college or university you attended, undergraduate and graduate, are required. Course work completed at one institution and posted on the transcript of a second institution is not acceptable. A transcript from the original institution is required (this includes summer course work, exchange programs, etc.). Official transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes.
Letters of Recommendation - Three letters of recommendation are required in support of your application. *One should come from an individual who is familiar with your scholastic record and one should come from an individual who is familiar with your professional performance. The third letter can be from either a second academic or professional reference or from someone who knows you well and is familiar with your potential as a graduate student.Letters of recommendation are confidential, and will not be released to the applicant.
Statement of Purpose - Please provide a thoughtful essay response to the following questions. Please limit your response to two pages, double spaced.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals? How will the master’s degree program you wish to complete help you achieve these goals?
You are welcome to include any unique events, life experiences, and qualifications you feel distinguish your candidacy as well.
Application Instructions
Click on the “Apply for Admission” button to start your online application.
On the first screen, select “I am applying to the Graduate School of Business” and select your citizenship.
The second screen will have an overview of the application instructions. Read through the information then click “Continue”.
The final screen will contain spaces for you to fill in your personal information. When you get to the Application Details section, you will need to select:
- Application Term “Fall (August)”
- Academic Level “Graduate Certificate”
- Program Delivery Type “Online”
- Online Course Attendance "50-99% are Online" - (this includes the one Saturday per month blended format)
- Academic Plan (Major) “Enterprise Systems-Business Analytics(GC)”
Once you finish the rest of the application, hit the “Submit Application” button. After your online application is complete and you have paid your $60 application fee, you will need to email your resume to our admissions account (gsb@walton.uark.edu), and request a copy of your official transcripts from every university you have attended. Transcripts need to be in their original sealed envelope or sent electronically directly from the university.
Application deadline
Application Deadline is July 1st for the Fall semester.
Late applications may be considered on a space available basis. Email gsb@walton.uark.edu to schedule a call with an admissions advisor.
Business Analytics Learning Objectives
View the PDF Learning-Objectives to learn about the skills that will be acquired during this program, to include Decision Support and Analytics, Data Management, Business Intelligence, and Knowledge Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will gain focused knowledge and hands-on experience in a high-demand area of information systems. Whether you are interested in managing and leveraging your organization’s data resources using analytics, integrating and optimizing your organization’s processes using ERP, or transitioning into a career in the information systems field, you will be exposed to enterprise computing platforms and real-world data sets that will give you a competitive edge.
Nearly every course involves hands-on experience with one or more enterprise computing platforms and/or real-world data sets. Enterprise platforms include IBM (z13/DB2/zLinux), Microsoft (SQL Server/BI Studio/Visual Studio), SAP (FI/MM/SD/PP/SM/BI/ABAP), SAS (Enterprise Guide/Enterprise Miner), and Teradata (SQL Assistant/Warehouse Miner). Data sets have been provided from companies such as Sam’s Club, Dillard’s, Tyson Foods, and Acxiom.
These are credentialed certificate programs approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Additionally, the curriculum for each program has been reviewed and endorsed by one of our enterprise computing partners. Students who complete a certificate program may be eligible to receive a certificate endorsed by Microsoft (Enterprise Information Systems), SAS (Business Analytics – additional project requirement applies), or SAP (Enterprise Resource Planning).
Yes. The courses are offered as graduate-level classes by the Sam M. Walton College of Business, an AACSB accredited business school. Up to 12 hours of graduate credit received during one of these programs may be applied towards a 30-hour MIS degree program, which may be pursued part-time or full-time. Credit earned in the IT Toolkit course may not be applied toward MIS degree requirements.
No. Undergraduate GPA and work experience will be considered. If you choose to pursue the MIS program after completing your certificate, the GMAT or GRE may be required at that time.
The program is offered in a weekend/online delivery format with face-to-face meetings approximately one Saturday per month. Certificate programs take between 9 and 12 months to complete, depending on your program, start date, and desired pace. In order to complete a program in the shortest amount of time, the following start dates are suggested:
- Business Analytics Certificate: Begin in August, finish in May (9-12 months)
- Enterprise Resource Planning Certificate: Begin in May, finish in May (12 months)
- Blockchain Enterprise Systems Certificate: Begin in May, finish in May (11 months)
Yes. Each program involves 3 required courses and 1 elective. If an alternate elective is desired, you may consult the program advisor.
Yes, access to a computer and a high-speed internet connection is required for all courses in the program. A laptop will be required for in-class exercises in some courses. A web cam, headset, and microphone will be required for synchronous online class meetings.
- Enterprise Resource Planning Certificate: May 1st
- Blockchain Enterprise Systems Certificate: May 1st
- Business Analytics Certificate: July 1st
Students entering our certificate programs are expected to have: an undergraduate degree from a 4-year institution; experience using Microsoft Windows and Office (Word, Excel, Access) software; and an aptitude and passion for learning and working with technology
Related Degree Programs
The Professional MIS program, as opposed to the full-time MIS, can be completed in less than 2 years. Students take 6 hours each semester and meet approximately one Saturday every month.
The full-time MIS program, as opposed to the part-time Professional MIS, can be completed in one year.
University of Arkansas: Online
This program is facilitated in partnership with UA’s Global Campus.
