Business Analytics Certificate Program FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions about the University of Arizona Business Analytics program.
What will I learn in the Business Analytics Certificate Program?
The University of Arizona Business Analytics Certificate program is designed to equip you with core business analytics skills, including: developing KPIs and business objectives, data modeling fundamentals, accessing data with SQL, Microsoft Excel, data visualization, using Tableau, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning for business analytics.
Successfully completing the program will give you practical, workplace-ready skills. In fact, 94% of learners who completed the program say that they are applying what they learned back on the job.
Do I need previous Business Analytics experience?
You don't necessarily need prior experience to succeed in the program. Some material may be more advanced if you don't have any previous experience, in which case, the course mentors can work with you to help fill the knowledge gap.
This program is ideal for:
- Recent college graduates
- Business professionals looking to improve their analytics skills
- Experienced professionals re-entering the workforce
- Working professionals looking to make a shift into business analytics
- Entrepreneurs seeking to grow their business by utilizing a set of analytics tools
Does the program include Tableau training?
Yes, the Business Analytics course includes training and hands-on practice using Tableau to organize and visualize data. It also prepares you to take the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification exam.
Explore the full Business Analytics curriculum.
Will I get a Tableau certification?
Tableau is one of the top data visualization tools in the world. Earning the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification verifies that you have the foundational skills to use Tableau Desktop to organize and visualize data.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be prepared to take the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification exam. Taking the exam is optional (though highly encouraged) and is not required for successful completion of the course.
Does the program include data visualization training?
Yes, the program teaches you the fundamentals of data visualization. You will also get practical, hands-on experience using Microsoft Excel and Tableau Desktop to organize, explore and visualize data.
Learn more about the Business Analytics curriculum.
Does the program include SQL training?
Yes, the program includes an introduction to SQL, including developing SQL queries and performing basic SQL operations.
View the Business Analytics curriculum.
Is this a Data Science course?
While the course does include an introduction to data analysis and data modeling concepts, as well as hands-on practice with different data analysis and visualization tools, this is not a data science course.
Data science is a much more technical field than business analytics. Data science includes topics such as advanced statistical analysis, machine learning, advanced mathematics, and various programming languages.
Does this course give me a Business Analyst Certification?
This course does prepare you for the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification exam, an important employer-recognized credential.
However, the course is not designed to prepare you for a Business Analyst Certification exam, such as those offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and Project Management Institute (PMI).
How is Business Analytics Different from Data Analytics?
Business Analytics and Data Analytics are similar, in that both fields use data, and both require data analytics skills.
A Data Analyst role is often more technical than a Business Analyst role. The two roles also tend to have a different focus.
| Data Analyst | Business Analyst |
|
More technical role, often focusing on the data itself. |
More business-focused and strategic role, using insights gleaned from data to solve problems and identify opportunities for improvement. |
|
Often has knowledge of the various programming languages and data visualization tools but is not necessarily an expert. |
How is a Business Analytics course different from a Data Boot Camp?
Data Boot Camps are generally focused on developing technical skills, such as Python, R programming, and SQL queries. Boot Camps generally last three to six (or more) months and tend to very intensive.
Data Analytics Boot Camps may be full-time or part-time. They generally require a very significant commitment of time and effort, up to 20-30+ hours per week. Because they are so intensive, Boot Camps can also be costly.
A Business Analytics course is usually shorter and less intensive (and therefore less expensive).
Business Analytics courses will teach you core data analysis skills and tools, with more of an emphasis on using those skills to solve problems in a business context.
Which is better, a Data Boot Camp or a Business Analytics Certificate?
There is no "one size fits all" answer to that question.
It depends on your background, interests, and career goals, as well as the amount of time you can commit to your professional development. Cost may also factor into your decision.
- If you want to develop extensive "hard" technical skills in data management and analytics, a Data Analytics Boot Camp might be the right choice for you.
- If you want to use data to make better strategic business decisions, a Business Analytics program might be a better fit for you.
How do I register for the Business Analytics Certificate Program?
Visit the Business Analytics enrollment page to start your enrollment.