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
Request Information Apply Now Schedule a Time to Talk to Us
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
Business Analytics Certificate Curriculum
Fall 6 hours
ISYS 51003: Data Analytics Fundamentals
Fundamental knowledge and skills in several major areas of business data analytics. Emphasis on the management and use of data in modern organizations, intermediate & advanced spreadsheet topics; relational databases & SQL; and programming (such as Python).ISYS 55003: Decision Support and Analytics
Analysis of the highest level of information support for the manager-user. A study of systems providing analytics-based information derived from databases within and/or external to the organization and used to support management in the decision making. Application of tools in business analytics, problem solving, and decision making.Spring 6 hours
ISYS 58303: Data Management Systems
Investigation and application of advanced database concepts include database administration, database technology, and selection and acquisition of database management systems. Data modeling and system development in a database environment.ISYS 58403: Seminar in Business Intelligence & Knowledge Management
Business intelligence focuses on assessing and creating information and knowledge from internal and external sources to support business decision making process. In this seminar, data mining and information retrieval techniques will be used to extract useful knowledge from data, which could be used for business intelligence, and knowledge management.Frequently Asked Questions
How will a Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Systems help me?
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.What platforms and data sets will I be working with?
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.Are these programs endorsed by a company or academic organization?
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).Will I receive academic credit for completing the courses in the program?
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. Credit earned in the IT Toolkit course may not be applied toward MIS degree requirements.Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE to be considered for a Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Systems program?
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.What is the program schedule?
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)
Do I have the option to take any electives in the Enterprise Systems Certificate Programs?
Yes. Each program involves 3 required courses and 1 elective. If an alternate elective is desired, you may consult the program advisor.Do I need a computer for this program?
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.When are the deadlines for each Certificate Program?
- Enterprise Resource Planning Certificate: May 1st
- Business Analytics Certificate: July 1st
Are there any prerequisites for the Certificate Programs?
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 technologyRelated Degree Program
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.
University of Arkansas: Online
This program is facilitated in partnership with UA’s Global Campus.