Business Analytics Certificate

Business Analytics is a highly practical, immediately applicable certificate, which combines business knowledge with the use of the latest technologies, processes and applications such as Microsoft Business Intelligence suite. The program exposes students to the skills needed to improve business decision making through data analysis. Representatives spanning multiple industries including accounting firms, manufacturing companies, banking institutions, health care providers and the non-profit sector were consulted during the development of this program.

Where You Could Go

All courses in the Business Analytics Certificate are included in the Associate of Applied Business in Business Analytics. This degree is also offered fully online and can be a great next step in your educational journey. The need for business-minded individuals with strong technology and analytical skills are common to many area employers that serve all segments of the economy, including manufacturing, service, transportation, retail, government and non-profit organizations.

What You Will Learn

The following courses are included in the Business Analytics Certificate.

Introduction to Business & Entrepreneurship: In this course the student is exposed to a broad view of the business enterprise. Special emphasis is placed upon the role and importance of entrepreneurship and small-business management.The student will gain insight into the necessity and mutual interdependence of such key business functions as management, human resources, operations and quality, marketing, accounting, and finance. Additionally, the topics of globalization and economics are introduced.Throughout this course, the student will gain extensive experience in problem solving by means of applying basic business math skills to typical business scenarios.

Introduction to Data Management for Business: Students are introduced to database management and database tools from a business application perspective. Students will learn the important
role that databases play in organizations for strategic decision-making and business intelligence. This introductory course will include the fundamentals of relational database design and provide students with an understanding of the key concepts of Structured Query Language (SQL). Students will create SQL statements for data storage, data collection, data computation, and data analysis and reporting.

Business Analytics for Data Driven DecisionsAn understanding of data is fundamental to success in the digital age of business. This course provides the theoretical foundation of data analytics as well as the application of data analysis tools. Students will develop competencies to structure data and use data mining techniques in response to business scenario queries. Students will  experience how businesses rely on data analysis every day to make relevant, data-driven decisions. Through projects and simulations, this course enables students to apply their technical skillsets to real-world business situations.

Microsoft Excel: This course is an introductory course in spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for Windows. Through a series of hands-on exercises, the student will create, edit, format, and print
worksheets. Topics include: creating, saving, retrieving, formatting, editing, printing, creating formulas, using functions, naming cells and ranges, creating tables, creating charts, defining range names, validating data, sorting and filtering data, maintaining file organization, and using templates.

Microsoft Access: This course is an introductory course in databases using Microsoft Access for Windows. Through a series of hands-on exercises, the student will create and manage databases. Topics include: creating, saving, formatting, and editing tables; designing reports; creating formulas; working with records; creating forms; writing queries; and establishing table relations.

Microsoft Office Workplace Technology: This course introduces business productivity tools for time management, collaboration, data organization and communication in today’s workplace  business environment. Cloud-based productivity tools will be used to manage group collaboration, organize and share data, and communicate using real-time collaboration tools and advanced features of electronic mail.

Microsoft Excel Advanced: This second level course covers expert Excel features, including formatting with advanced techniques, working with templates and workbooks, working with lists, using analysis tools, managing and auditing worksheets, collaborating with workgroups, and using advanced format functions.

Microsoft Excel Business Intelligence: This course introduces the concepts and application of data analytics in business. A hands-on approach of Microsoft Excel and Power BI (Business Intelligence tools) is used for data analysis, data visualization, modeling, creating dashboards with direct connectivity to data sources.