Business analytics helps examine an organization’s data and performance. Professionals with specialized training in analytics can organize and analyze business data to:
- uncover hidden patterns
- reveal consumer trends
- improve real-time data driven decision making
- solve complex business problems
Online certificate programs can provide professionals with advanced analytical training in a convenient and flexible format. Certificate programs are focused and offer a specialized series of courses aimed at teaching professionals how to use methods and technologies in analytics and data science in a business context. Students gain fluency in business data strategies in a variety of industries including supply chain management and digital product management. These programs take less time to complete than a master’s degree and are a great choice for students on a budget.
See Also: Top 20 Online Master’s Degree Database Administration
We created this ranking of the top online graduate certificates in business analytics to showcase some of the top programs in the country. We focused our ranking on programs offered by regionally accredited universities. To compile our list, we sought out certificate programs that have a strong curriculum in analytics with little to no on-campus residency requirements. We included both standalone programs and those that can be used for credit toward a master’s degree. Before choosing an online certificate program in business analytics, students should look closely at the curriculum to determine if coursework meets their unique professional needs. Below are our 30 most affordable top online graduate certificates in business analytics.
#30 -Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
Program Tuition: $18,257.40
The Kelley School of Business features one of the best business analytics certification programs online. Students to enhance their skillset in just one year. The curriculum emphasizes three components including:
- Decision Capabilities
- Analytical Capabilities
- Informational Capabilities
The program consists of four required courses. The first course provides students with an overview of the field. The remaining courses focus on one of the three components. Students can apply certificate credits to one of Indiana University’s executive degree programs.
#29 -University of St. Thomas – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Online
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Program Tuition: $15,054
The Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas created the low-cost certificate in business analytics online for students who want to learn to harness the power of data analysis. The program was developed by industry experts and employers. Students can feel confident the skills and knowledge they gain in the program are relevant to the industry and in-demand by leading employers. The 12-credit curriculum includes courses like:
- Statistics
- Data Narratives
- Data Life Cycle for Analytics
- Introduction to Business Analytics
Students can choose their program plan and complete their certificate in just two or four semesters. While financial aid is not available, some employers do offer tuition reimbursement programs.
#28 -University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Massachusetts
Online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
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Program Tuition: $13,500
The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst offers an inexpensive online graduate certificate in business analytics with a combination of required courses and electives. This 15-credit hour certificate includes diverse electives in areas like:
- marketing analytics
- machine learning
- ecommerce logistics
Students will learn how to retrieve and manipulate data to help leaders make better business decisions. New students are accepted for the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
#27 -Mercyhurst University – Erie, Pennsylvania
Business Analytics and Intelligence Graduate Certificate (Online)
Program Tuition: $13,000
The high-value online graduate certificate in business analytics and intelligence from Mercyhurst University is a four-course program designed for working professionals. Students complete three core classes and a business intelligence elective course. Required courses include:
- Business Writing and Visual Presentation
- Data Analytics for the Private Sector
- Intelligence and Business Strategy
Students can apply credits from the three required courses to an allied intelligence master’s degree at Mercyhurst. Courses are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format which allows students to log into courses at convenient times. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree or work experience in a business-related field.
#26 -George Mason University – Smithfield, Rhode Island
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Online
Program Tuition: $12,891
The affordable online graduate certificate in business analytics from George Mason University is a hands-on program for students coming from a variety of professional and academic backgrounds. Students will learn to conduct data analysis through modeling and other techniques using the latest software tools. This four-course certificate includes courses in:
- Data Mining for Business Analytics
- Marketing Research
- Advanced Data Mining for Business Analytics
Marketing Analytics Online courses are taught by the same experts who teach on-campus courses. Graduates are prepared for a variety of leadership roles including senior consultant and project manager.
#25 -Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts
Online Applied Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
Program Tuition: $12,795
The best-value online applied business analytics graduate certificate from Boston University is a 16-credit hour program that takes just nine months to complete. Students will gain industry relevant training in data analytics concepts and techniques. Courses cover areas like:
- Text and data mining
- Visual analytics
- OLAP tables
Courses are taught by expert faculty from the Department of Administrative Sciences. Tuition rates are affordable to accommodate part-time students. Students can apply course credits to several different Metropolitan College management degree programs. Financial aid in the form of scholarships and loans is available.
#24 -University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Graduate Certificate Online-Business Analytics
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Program Tuition: $12,000
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee features a high-value online graduate certificate in business analytics that can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or as part of a master’s degree within the Lubar School of Business. This 15-credit hour program is comprised of one required course and three electives that allow students to customize their program. Electives include:
- Marketing Analytics
- Business Intelligence Technologies and Solutions
- Web Mining and Analytics
Students use a variety of tools used in the industry including SPSS and SQL Server BI Development Studio. The program is a great choice for students working as data scientists or a related field. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.75.
#23 -The University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona
Business Intelligence and Analytics Graduate Certificate
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Program Tuition: $11,988
The high quality online graduate certificate in business intelligence and analytics from The University of Arizona is a nine-credit hour program. It’s designed for a variety of professionals including project managers and business analytics. The curriculum includes:
- Enterprise Data Management
- Data Mining for Business Intelligence
- Business Intelligence
In addition to critical training, students will also gain managerial and strategic analytics skills in-demand by the industry.
#22 -Loras College – Dubuque, Iowa
Graduate Certificate in Applied Analytics Online
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Program Tuition: $11,175
The cost-effective online graduate certificate in applied analytics is offered at Loras College. This Iowa graduate certificate in business analytics was designed by analytics leaders to provide students with the technical skills and tools needed to make a positive impact in their current or future job. Courses are held in a live, synchronous format just one night per week. This format supports the needs of working professionals. Course offerings include:
- Data Science
- Machine Intelligence
- Data Visualization
Students can complete their certificate in just nine months.
#21 -Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Online
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Program Tuition: $10,800
The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University features one of the most affordable online business analytics certificate programs. It teaches students how to manage big data. Students will learn how to build data models that leadership can use to make effective business decisions. The curriculum is comprised of two required courses and two electives, allowing students to create a customized experience. Electives include:
- Business Decisions with Predictive Modeling
- Tech Aspects of Big Data
- Application Development for Emerging Technologies
Students will also learn how to load and cleanse data for analysis. Graduates have the advanced skills needed for career advancement.
#20 -University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida
Certificate in Business Analytics Online
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Program Tuition: $10,800
The Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida offers one of the best business analytics certification programs that prepares students for a variety of professional roles. This four-course program gives students a strong foundation in areas analytics and business intelligence. Courses include:
- Analytical Methods for Business
- Statistical Programming for Business Analytics
- Data Warehousing
Students who complete courses that use the SAS analytics package can earn a SAS approved Certificate in Business Analytics.
#19 -Marist College – Poughkeepsie, New York
Advanced Certificate in Business Analytics Online
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Program Tuition: $10,440
Marist College features an affordable advanced analytics online certification for part-time students. This two-semester program is available to students without a computer science or technology background. Students can advance their analytics skills in areas like business performance management and data mining. Four courses are required to earn the certificate including:
- Data Management
- Introduction to Data Analysis and Computational Statistics
- Decision Support Systems
- Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
Students can apply course credits to Marist’s Master of Science in Information Systems.
#18 -San José State University – San Jose, California
Certificate in Business Analytics Online
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Program Tuition: $10,200
Businesses rely on their data to make good decisions. The best-value business analytics certification online from San Jose State University can provide students with the advanced training they need to turn terabytes of data into useful information. This four-course certificate program is offered in a flexible asynchronous format, ideal for working professionals. Course offerings include:
- Introduction to Business Analytics
- Business Research
- Data Mining for Business Analytics
Students can apply up to 12 credits from the program to the MBA program offered through the Lucas Graduate School of Business.
#17 -Pennsylvania State University World Campus – University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
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Program Tuition: $9,414
Penn State World Campus features a budget friendly business analytics certification online. It teaches students a practical approach to analytics in a variety of business environments. Courses cover the full spectrum of analytics activities including:
- Descriptive Analytics for Business
- Predictive Analytics for Business
- Prescriptive Analytics for Business
These three courses are part of the MPS in Data Analytics-Business Analytics specialization. Students who complete their certificate and are later accepted to the MPS program can apply these nine credits to their degree.
#16 -California University of Pennsylvania – California, Pennsylvania
Online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
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Program Tuition: $9,384 in-state and $9,714 out-of-state
California University of Pennsylvania features an inexpensive online graduate analytics certificate that helps students turn marketplace information into business success. This 18-credit hour program is taught by MBA faculty who understand the needs of online learners. Students will learn in-demand skills in areas like forecasting and predictive modeling. Course offerings include:
- Applied Data Analysis for Business
- Forecasting and Predictive Modeling
- Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Decision Support Systems
To complete their certificate, students choose a graduate level business elective. Business analysts have the skills needed to use data to make better business decisions.
#15 -University of Massachusetts – Boston, Massachusetts
Business Analytics Online Certificate
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Program Tuition: $8,800
The cost-effective business analytics online certificate offered by UMass Boston uses cutting edge technology to help businesses achieve their strategic goals. Both full and part-time program options are available. The flexible online format is ideal for working professionals. Students complete four courses including:
- Enterprise Business Intelligence
- Enterprise Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence
- Enterprise Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
- Information Storage Management
Students who begin the program in the spring can complete all four courses online in one semester. Business analysts have the skills needed to implement, analyze, and manage a variety of data technologies in almost any industry. Thinking about earning a graduate degree? Students can continue their studies for two additional semesters and complete an MBA or MS in business analytics or information technology!
#14 -University of Maryland Global Campus – Adelphi, Maryland
Foundations in Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
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Time to Complete: 12 credits
Program Tuition: $8,328
The University of Maryland Global Campus features a state-of-the-art online graduate certificate focused on the foundations in analytics. The program was designed with input from top employers to provide students with the education and training they need to excel in the job market. The 12-credit hour program includes just two required courses:
- Decision Management Systems
- Data Management and Visualization
Students will learn to handle structured and unstructured data sets using software applications like SPSS Modeler and Tableau. Applicants should have a background in software programming and statistics or complete additional coursework to develop those proficiencies.
#13 -Old Dominion University – Norfolk, Virginia
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate Online
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Program Tuition: $8,265 in-state and $8,925 out-of-state
The high-quality online business analytics certification program from Old Dominion University is a 15 credit-hour program for students who want to learn how to make sense of big data through business analytics. This six-course program includes courses in:
- Introduction to Statistics
- Statistics for Managers
- Multivariate Statistical Methods for Business
- Advanced Business Analytics/Big Data Applications
- Database Management Systems
- Prescriptive Analytics of Management Science OR Simulation Modeling for Business Systems
Courses may be delivered in asynchronous or synchronous formats that can be accessed online from any location. Students can complete the certificate as a stand-alone program or apply their credits toward ODU’s MBA program.
#12 -Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
Online Business Intelligence Graduate Certificate
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Program Tuition: $7,803
Professionals in any industry can complete the low-cost online certificate in business intelligence at Colorado State University Online. They learn how to harness the capabilities of business intelligence. Students will understand the importance of data mining while learning standardized data mining processes and methodologies like CRISP-DM. Students can select three courses from the following:
- Business Intelligence
- Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business
- Business Data Visualization
- Business Database Systems
Students can complete their certificate in just two to three semesters. Courses can be applied to CSU’s master’s in computer information systems.
#11 -University of Nebraska – Omaha, Nebraska
Business Analytics Online Graduate Certificate
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Program Tuition: $7,800
Do you want the knowledge and skills needed to leverage data in any industry? The high-value online business analytics certificate at the University of Nebraska is a 12-credit hour program that can open the door to career advancement opportunities. Students will learn cutting-edge software and programming languages like R and SQL. The curriculum is comprised of two required courses and two electives. Elective courses include:
- Risk and Simulation Modeling
- Data Mining and Descriptive Analytics
- Advanced Analytics and Big Data
- Prescriptive Analytics
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. New students are admitted for the spring, fall, and summer semesters.
#10 -Texas Tech University – Lubbock, Texas
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
Program Tuition: $7,429.50
Texas Tech University features an affordable online graduate business analytics certificate. This 15-credit hour program is comprised of five required courses including:
- Statistics for Data Science OR Advanced Statistical Methods
- Big Data Strategy
- Big Data Security
- Scripting Languages
- Database Concepts
Students will learn how to effectively collect, filter and store data for analysis. Graduates have the skills needed by organizations and consulting companies to analyze data to support decision making.
#9 -University of South Dakota – Vermillion, South Dakota
Online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Program Tuition: $6,764
The University of South Dakota offers a top value graduate business analytics certificate online with a robust curriculum. Students will develop an understanding of the science and technology that underly analytics. The 15-credit hour program is comprised of five required business analytics course offerings including:
- Quantitative Analysis
- Data Management and Warehousing
- Data Mining for Managers
- Data Mining for Competitive Advantage
- Operations Analytics
Students will learn how to use data to strengthen the decision-making process. Real world simulations enable students to learn how to use analytics to solve business problems in key areas like marketing and finance. Students who complete their certificate can apply their credits toward an MBA with a business analytics specialization at USD.
#8 -Colorado State University Global – Greenwood Village, Colorado
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Program Tuition: $6,000
The top online graduate certificate in business analytics from CSU Global is a specialized program that can help students elevate their business career. Students will learn how to:
- Collect and Analyze Statistical Information
- Drive Strategic Plans that Guide Organizational Success
- Acquire Solid Redistributed Data and Interpret IT Accurately
- Spot Trends and Make Projections
Courses are delivered in a 100% online format ideal for working professionals. There are no set log in times and monthly start dates allow maximum flexibility. Students can apply their credits toward a full degree at CSU Global.
#7 -Northwestern University – Chicago, Illinois
Certificate in Business Analytics Online
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Program Tuition: $5,985
The top value online certificate in business analytics from Northwestern University is focused on helping students develop a comprehensive and practical understanding of how big data and analytics are used to gain valuable business insights. The program is for managers and professionals who create or utilize analytics. The three-course curriculum includes:
- Introduction to Business Analytics
- Modeling Methods
- Analytics Communication and Management
Students can choose to complete an additional course in advanced modeling methods. There is no programming required as part of the program although supplemental coding material is provided for students interested in that area of analytics.
#6 -Dakota State University – Madison, South Dakota
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
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Program Tuition: $5,645.40
The affordable business analytics online graduate certificate from Dakota State University can help students optimize their career. The 12-credit curriculum includes courses like:
- Data Warehousing and Data Mining
- Predictive Analytics for Decision Making
- Advanced Data Mining Applications
- Information Retrieval OR Advanced Database
Students will learn how to use advanced data processing tools to transform data sets of all sizes into a suitable format for analysis. Case studies and hands-on learning opportunities teach students how to select appropriate analytics techniques and tools to solve complex problems. Students can apply their course credits to a related master’s program at DSU.
#5 -The University of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Data Analytics for Business Professionals
Program Tuition: $5,400
The University of Chicago offers an inexpensive online certificate in data analytics for business professionals that can teach students how to use data-driven insights to inform business decisions. This part-time program takes just six months to complete. It uses case studies and software tools. Students will learn how to manage analytics teams and complete data analysis activities that can be used to develop evidence-based business objectives. Business analytics courses include:
- Data Understanding and Preparation
- Data Visualization and Storytelling
- Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning
Courses are sequenced following the CRISP-DM methodology. Students use the same dataset and case study throughout the program, developing an actional toolkit that easily transfers to real-world situations. Courses include a mix of self-paced learning and synchronous sessions delivered through Zoom.
#4 -University of St. Francis – Joliet, Illinois
Business Analytics Online Certificate
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Program Tuition: $4,788
The budget friendly online graduate certificate from the University of St. Francis can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or applied toward a graduate degree. Students complete coursework in an online supported learning environment. Courses are taught by instructors with relevant, real-world experience. Students work with a variety of analytical models and decision-support tools, applying them to large data sets and interlinked data-inputs in a variety of contexts. Required courses include:
- Business Forecasting and Econometrics
- Enterprise Resource Computing
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Data Mining
Students have three years to complete their certificate. Graduates have the advanced skill set needed for higher level roles.
#3 -University of Illinois – Springfield, Illinois
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
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Program Tuition: $4,041
The University of Illinois Springfield offers a low-cost online graduate certificate in business analytics for business and technology practitioners. The program is comprised of three courses:
- Management Information Systems
- Management of Database Systems
- Data Mining for Business Analytics
Students learn how to gather, store, and access internal and external data to help leaders make informed business decisions. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must earn a B or better to earn credit for each course.
#2 -Arizona State University – Phoenix, Arizona
Executive Certificate in Business Analytics Online
Program Tuition: $2,673
The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University offers a three-course online business analytics certificate. It’s in partnership with the W. P. Carey School of Business. Students will learn how firms compete with data analytics while gaining advanced quantitative and analytical skills. The program was designed to meet the needs of a diverse audience that includes data handlers and emerging leaders. Each course is broken down into modules. Modules include:
- Data Mining Concepts
- Real Time Business Intelligence
- Relational and Dimensional Data Models
- Management Information Systems and Data Quality
Each course is four to eight weeks and students earn their master certificate upon competition of all three courses.
#1 -The University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Business Analytics: From Data to Insights
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Program Tuition: $2,600
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers our cheapest online analytics certificate. The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights certificate program is a three-month certificate that teaches students how to analyze data and identify insights. The program is a great choice for C-suite executives, mid to senior level managers, and others who want to understand how analytics play a role in performance. The program is comprised of nine modules covering areas like:
- Descriptive Analytics
- Predictive Analytics
- Prescriptive Analytics
Students can expect to spend six to eight hours a week:
- engaging in live and recorded online lectures
- completing individual assignments
- working through real-world examples
- learning how data analysts describe results to diverse audiences
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