Campus | Start Date | Tuition/Fees |
---|---|---|
Online | April 2025 (Online Delivery) | Domestic | International |
Businesses gather immense amounts of data to help them make decisions and improve performance. Scientists and researchers also use data to verify or disprove models and theories. Data analysts perform a critical role in data gathering, building tools to analyze and interpret data, visualizing results, and making recommendations on business solutions.
The Data Analytics graduate certificate is an intensive program of study that will prepare you for a career in this growing and dynamic field by teaching you the business intelligence and analytical skills necessary to support evidence-based decision-making.
With the Data Analytics program, you can study from a location of your choice, while being able to meet other commitments, such as work. Each term, you will have one or more online courses with scheduled evening classes each week and independent work that you can take according to your own schedule (days, evenings, and weekends). You should expect a minimum of 20 hrs. per week of student participation in online instruction, tutorials and assignments.
Important Note for International Students:
Since this program has been designed to be delivered entirely online, it is not eligible for a study permit nor a post-graduation work permit.
Click to view more program details and schedule.
The requirements for this graduate certificate program may be achieved within one year of study.
Profile F
Data analysts play a crucial role in the modern business landscape, transforming vast amounts of raw data into information that helps organizations make decisions and improve performance. Data-informed decision making isn’t a trend; it’s becoming the standard, and as a result, data analyst career opportunities span across various industries including finance, healthcare, IT, technology, marketing and many more. Graduates who are versed in the latest technologies such as machine learning have an added advantage.
Common roles include business analysts who identify patterns and interpret data gathered from company systems to identify patterns and potential issues that could affect the business; logistics analysts who gather and organize supply chain data to improve efficiencies; systems analysts who use data to improve IT processes, and marketing analysts who develop marketing strategies from consumer data.
As your experience grows, some data analysts will progress to management positions that focus more on overseeing the company’s overall data strategy and managing other analysts. Other data analysts continue their education and become data scientists, machine learning engineers or data architects. No matter the analytics path you choose, the data shows that pursuing a future in data-driven decision making is a decision that can earn you a great living.
It is recommended that students have a solid foundation in Excel and statistics. Students who do not have experience in these subjects are encouraged to upgrade their skills through separate courses, workshops or online tutorial sites such as Khan Academy or LinkedIn Learning prior to beginning this program.
Technology Requirements
°ÄÃź컢ͼ is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.
Courses are subject to change.
Data analysis is the process of inspecting, cleansing, transforming and modelling data in order to support better decision-making. Data analysts work with a diverse range of data and leverage various software and tools to turn data into reports and visual representations for stakeholders.
This course introduces students to the data analyst profession, including its history, trends, roles, and responsibilities. Students gain a deep understanding of data literacy and explore the data analytics pipeline. Foundations of Data Analytics examines the importance of governance and ethics in the profession. In addition, students have the opportunity to work with foundational data analyst tools.
Every data analysis project begins with a goal, otherwise known as a question. This question addresses a business inquiry or concern, acts as a framework for an analysis project, and allows an analyst to scope and structure a plan.
This course teaches students how to work with stakeholders to determine a project goal by asking the right questions. Students explore statistical analysis theory in order to translate their goals into analytical questions. In addition, students learn how to create an analysis plan, establish proper workflow, and how to scope a project.
Obtaining data is the procedure of gathering evidence to answer an analytical question. During this process, an analyst may encounter various forms of data from several sources; therefore, they must know how to handle diverse datasets. In addition, analysts should know how to perform extractions in a way that ensures accurate, quality data, aligned to their project goal.
This course provides students with the knowledge required to interpret laws and regulations and comply with professional ethics and data governance. Students examine database theory and the necessary steps to perform a statistical investigation. Using R and Tableau, students will organize, format, and manipulate data to prepare for the next phase of the analysis pipeline.
Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) is the process of using visualizations and summary statistics to gain a feel for a dataset. During this process, an analyst will populate graphs and tools in order to explore data. Leveraging visualization techniques, analysts can quickly identify outliers and look for trends and patterns within the data. In addition, this process allows an analyst to rapidly generate and test hypotheses to establish leads for the analysis phase.
This course teaches students how to explore and define the characteristics of a dataset using statistics and visualization tools. Students learn to identify potential problems that might affect the analysis and how to lay the groundwork for running models during the next phase.
Preparing and cleaning data is an essential step in the analysis pipeline. This step ensures input data is organized and error-free, allowing for a more streamlined, accurate analysis.
​
In this course, students learn to prepare for analysis by cleaning and transforming datasets. Students will learn how to handle outliers, identify and reconcile errors and validate data. In addition, students will explore data aggregation, filters, dedupes and joins. Students will advance their skills in R, Tableau, and SQL.
Analyzing data using models and tests is the most critical part of the analysis pipeline. During this phase, analysts revisit stakeholders to refine business requirements as they gather, manipulate and organize data. Analysts work to plot and visualize plot data to feed statistical tests and models.
This course teaches students how to use models in R and Tableau to examine their data. Students learn how to visualize data to gain deeper understanding and frame their data stories. In addition, students will ensure reproducible results using proper documentation methods.
Presenting findings is the procedure of summarizing and communicating the story a dataset has to tell using text, tables, and graphs. During this step, an analyst uses visualization best practices to organize and chart data into consumable outputs that guide and inform stakeholders.
​
In this course, students learn how to determine proper presentation output based on their audience and data. Students explore graphic design theory to ensure intuitive visual communication. In addition, students study how to create and deploy interactive dashboards and learn business presentation skills.
This course allows students to work through the lifecycle of a data analytics project from beginning to end by applying what they learn in class. Working with faculty, students select a topic based on an area of interest. Working independently, students formulate an analysis goal and begin mapping out their project to the analysis pipeline. Using this class time, students have the opportunity to explore and gain a deeper understanding of data analytics theory, best practices, software applications and procedures.
​
This course culminates with a final presentation of the full project and findings. The presentation should make use of data visualization and presentation techniques.
A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.
21211 - Data scientists
21221 - Business systems specialists
Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.