The Continuing and Professional Education team continuously reviews our programs to ensure we are meeting the needs of the learners and employers we serve.

This month, we analyzed the data to see which professional development certificates, short courses and certifications were most popular this year. Here is what you wanted to learn in 2022.

• Coding Boot Camp: Become a full-stack web developer in 12 or 24 weeks.
• Digital Marketing Certificate: Earn industry-recognized credentials and get ready to start your digital marketing career in just ten weeks.
• Cannabis Certificate Program: Prepare to join a thriving industry with a certificate in the Business of Cannabis or Cannabis Health Care and Medicine.
• Spanish/English Translation: Study business, medical, or legal translation (or all three!) in the Spanish/English Translation Certificate Program.
• AutoCAD: Acquire fundamental AutoCAD 2D and 3D skills in this fully online self-paced program that includes a free one-year AutoCAD license.
• Paralegal Certificate Course: Learn the essential skills you need to start a career as a Paralegal.
• Data Analytics Boot Camp: Master in-demand technologies like intermediate Excel, Python, JavaScript, SQL Databases, Tableau, and more.
• Human Resources (SHRM) Certification Exam Prep: Verify your Human Resources expertise with a SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) or SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certification.
• Legal Nurse Consultant Training: Turn your health care experience into an exciting new career in the medical field. 
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Prep: Prepare to earn the most in-demand project management credential. Self-paced and live, instructor-led options available.

All of these courses will be offered again in 2022. Click the catalog links above to learn more and see upcoming class dates.

The University of Arizona Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam Preparation course is this year’s recipient of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) West Region Outstanding Non-Credit Program Award.

UPCEA, the leader in professional, continuing and online education, annually recognizes outstanding achievement by individuals and institutions across its regional member network. The FE Exam Prep course stood out based on the audiences the program serves and the dedication of the instructional team in preparing students to pass the exam.

Passing the FE Exam is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). The FE exam is challenging, covering topics as wide-ranging as chemistry, mathematics, electromagnetism, material science, fluid mechanics, economics, professional ethics, and more. According to the most recent data available from NCEES, less than 2/3 of candidates who take the Civil or Other Disciplines FE Exam actually pass the exam. 

To prepare participants for FE Exam success, FE Exam Prep provides a comprehensive review of every topic on the FE Civil Engineering and Other Disciplines exams, plus practical exam-taking and problem-solving strategies to increase their likelihood of passing the exam. Participants can also choose to attend optional weekly live instructor-led study sessions, either in-person in Tucson or live online via Zoom.

The subject matter expert and instructor for the course is Bill O’Brien, the president and principal engineer of NextGen Engineering. He says:

"At NextGen Engineering, we strive to provide quality water resource and civil engineering services while engaging with the community through education and pro bono work…I’m excited about this award because it affirms our mission to train and educate the next generation of engineers.”

Read the full announcement.

Learn More About FE Exam Prep

We are excited to announce that Carla Holloway has joined the division of Online, Distance and Continuing Education (ODCE) as Executive Director for Distance and Continuing Education.

Among Carla's responsibilities will be the leadership of credit-based programs and operations offered via the University of Arizona Near You Network at distance campuses (Yuma, Chandler, Gilbert, Nogales, and Douglas), and noncredit programs offered via the office of Continuing and Professional Education.

Carla Holloway joins the University of Arizona from Northern Arizona University where she served as an Associate Professor of Practice in Finance and Area Coordinator in the W.A. Franke College of Business (FCB).

In addition to delivering holistic educational experiences to upper-division learners, Carla guided the management and operation of the finance area, chaired the FCB Curriculum Committee, served on the Strategic Enhancement Committee, and was a member of the inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee that developed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy for FCB.

As area lead, Carla was instrumental in forging internal and external partnerships that galvanized the launch of non-credit online programs serving adult learners and working professionals

Prior to joining NAU, Carla served as Lead Faculty Member and Program Coordinator at Milwaukee Area Technical College where she steered accreditation efforts, drove curriculum initiatives, and assessed programs for technical skills attainment. Carla successfully launched an online Financial Services certificate, technical diploma, and innovative dual-credit Banking certificate in partnership with the American Bankers Association.

She is committed to serving the needs of underrepresented populations and breaking barriers to education and has collaborated with fellow educators, businesses, and community leaders to ensure high school students were college, career, and future ready. She also served as a board member of the National Academy of Finance.

Carla earned a B.S in Accounting and a M.S. in Management with a concentration in Finance from Purdue University-West Lafayette; and a M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technologies from Arizona State University.

Welcome, Carla!

University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education (CaPE) is now an ISACA® Accredited Partner.

CaPE will offer training and exam preparation courses for Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®) and Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) to equip Arizona information technology and information systems professionals with in-demand certifications.

This collaboration provides Arizona information technology and information systems professionals with new opportunities to earn globally-recognized ISACA credentials. It also offers organizations a convenient pathway to upskill their current employees.

“Part of the mission of the land grant university is to serve the community,” says Dr. John DeLalla, University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education Program Director. “With a growing demand for cybersecurity, providing the education and training locally allows our state residents to earn the in-demand certifications required to advance in their career. With ISACA credentials being one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry, this is a great benefit for Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma, and Phoenix residents to access our world-class training without leaving the area.”

About University of Arizona CISA and CISM Courses

Each ISACA exam preparation course includes

• High-quality, relevant, up-to-date training and preparation to earn top IT credentials
• Comprehensive exam review
• Live instruction from an ISACA Authorized Trainer
• ISACA membership
• Exam voucher

Classes will be offered at several University of Arizona locations throughout Arizona, including Tucson, Sierra Vista, and the Phoenix Metro area (Chandler).

To learn more about each certification and see upcoming class dates, visit the University of Arizona CISA and CISM pages.

Group discounts and custom training are also available for employers who need to train their teams to defend against the ever-growing threat of cyber attacks.

Contact Dr. John DeLalla at 520-626-6389 or jd@arizona.edu to learn more.

What is a Certified Information Systems Auditor?

CISA® stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor®. CISA is a globally-recognized credential from ISACA® that demonstrates expertise in the following domains:

• The process of auditing information systems
• Governance and management of IT
• Information systems acquisition, development and implementation
• Information systems operations and business resilience
• Protection of information assets

Why should I get an information systems auditor certification?

For employers, CISA validates that an employee or prospective hire has the knowledge and skills to audit, control, monitor and assess IT and business systems, efficiently and effectively.

That is why CISAs are in high demand (and command high salaries).

CISA is consistently one of the top-requested IT certifications in Arizona and across the country, and the average salary of CISA credential holders is over $149,000.

CISA is also a DoD 8570-approved baseline certification, required for many federal government IT/IS roles, including contractor roles.

Is there demand for CISA certification in Arizona?

Yes. CISA is one of the top IT certifications requested in Arizona job postings. Demand is particularly high in the Phoenix Metro area.

The top Arizona employers hiring CISAs include:

• Wells Fargo
• Deloitte
• USAA
• Banner Health
• KPMG
• Dell Technologies
• Charles Schwab
• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Verizon Communications

Arizona job postings that ask for CISA certification pay over $123,000 per year on average.

Source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of job postings through July 31, 2022

Is there demand for CISA certification in the U.S.?

Yes, CISA is in demand nation-wide (and even world-wide). It is consistently one of the top IT certifications requested in job postings across the country.

Source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of job postings through July 31, 2022

How is CISA different from other information security certifications?

As you might expect from the name of the certification, CISA is more focused on information systems auditing compared to other IT certifications.

CISA demonstrates your ability to audit, control, monitor and assess IT and business systems using a risk-based approach.

How do I get CISA certified?

To earn your CISA, you must pass the CISA exam and demonstrate that you meet the education and work experience requirements. Applicants must also agree to follow the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics, Information Systems Auditing Standards and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Policy.

CISA certification requires a minimum of five years of professional information systems auditing, control or security work experience (or a combination of education, work experience and other credentials). 

Per ISACA, the following can be substituted for up to three years of the required work experience:

• A maximum of one year of information systems experience OR one year of non-IS auditing experience can be substituted for one year of experience.
• A 2-year degree or 60 completed university semester credit hours can be substituted for one year of experience
• A 4-year degree or 120 completed university semester credit hours can be substituted for two years of experience
• A master's degree in information security or information technology from an accredited university can be substituted for one year of experience.

It is important to note: you do not need to meet the experience requirements before taking the exam. Once you pass the CISA exam, you have five years to meet the experience requirements and apply for CISA certification.

Learn more about CISA requirements.

How can I prepare for the CISA exam?

The CISA exam is challenging because it tests candidates’ knowledge and skills across a broad range of technology and auditing topics.

Those with technical backgrounds may struggle to shift from an “IT mindset” to an “auditor” mindset. The reverse can also be true: CISA candidates who come from an auditing or financial background may not have the core technology knowledge to succeed on the exam. A CISA Exam Prep course can help fill those knowledge gaps.

Even those who have experience in both IT/IS and auditing may benefit from an exam prep course.

Certification exams are meant to be challenging. That is why earning a certification is a meaningful achievement. An exam prep course that includes practice exams and practical test-taking strategies will help you master not just the material but also how to take the exam.

Taking an exam prep course is an investment of time, effort and money. You want to make sure you are getting high quality training that will help you succeed on the exam. If you choose ISACA-accredited training and exam prep, you can be sure you are receiving the up-to-date, relevant information you need to pass the exam.

Learn about CISA Exam Prep

How much does the CISA exam cost?

As of September 2022, the exam cost $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. Some exam prep courses (including the University of Arizona CISA course) include a free ISACA membership and CISA exam voucher.

We are excited to announce that our popular Basic Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety training is back this fall!

Why Get HACCP Certification?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1 in 6 Americans gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases each year.

HACCP is an internationally recognized system to identify and manage food safety-related risk.

Federal food safety regulations for meat and poultry mandate that each manufacturer must rely on a trained individual who has received instruction in the application of HACCP principles. Those trained individuals must perform a periodic reassessment of the ongoing adequacy of the HACCP plan.

The Basic HACCP course directly fulfills these regulatory expectations, as well as provides additional practical and technical instruction to assist food manufacturers in producing safe product.

This course is appropriate for anyone wanting to better understand HACCP, especially individuals who either are working or want to work in any aspect of food production, distribution, or preparation.  

Did you know? Depending on interest, Basic HACCP can potentially be taught in other locations across Arizona or offered as a group training for your employees. Basic HACCP can also be taught in Spanish. Let us know you are interested and we will see how we can help.

The office of Continuing & Professional Education will be moving to a new location in fall 2022.

Effective July 29, 2022, the current Continuing & Professional Education office at 1955 E. Sixth Street in Tucson will be closed. 

All Continuing & Professional Education staff will be working remotely starting August 1 until we move into our new office space. Unfortunately, that means we will not be able to meet with you at our office or accommodate walk-in inquiries during this transitional period. 

How to contact us:

• Registration will stay open during this time. Explore our catalog of short courses and certificate programs to find the right program to meet your career goals.
• Have questions or need assistance? Please use the contact form, email or phone (520-626-5091) to contact us. 
• We will continue to receive postal mail at our current mailing address: 1955 E. Sixth Street, Tucson, AZ 85721 until we move to our new office.

We look forward to seeing you in person in the fall!

Do you enjoy solving business problems? Have you considered a career as a Business Analyst?

Business Analysts use their analytical skills to help organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase revenues, and meet their organizational goals.

What does a Business Analyst do?

Business Analysts help organizations become more effective by using data to solve problems, drive growth and make better, data-informed decisions.

For example, at a retail company, a Business Analyst might analyze customer feedback data to identify opportunities for improvement in the company's products or processes. Or they might analyze customer purchase data to identify new revenue opportunities.

An Information Technology (IT) Business Analyst might interview stakeholders across the organization to understand and document their requirements for a new system or software package, research and compare potential solutions, and make strategic recommendations for solutions that would meet the requirements. They may also test the new system, develop processes and reports to monitor system performance, or create training and documentation for system users.

Is there demand for Business Analysts?

Yes. According to Burning Glass, there were over 300,000 Business Analyst job openings in the U.S. in the past year. And the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of business analyst jobs will grow about 14%, almost twice as fast as the average for all roles in the next 10 years.

Business analysts are in demand in almost every industry, from finance and insurance to manufacturing to retail to health care, and many other industries.

In Arizona, the top employers hiring business analysts include Wells Fargo, USAA, Deloitte, Accenture, Bank of America and UnitedHealth Group.

What skills or training does a Business Analyst need?

Most business analyst jobs require a bachelor's degree. The most commonly-requested program of study in Business Analyst job postings is Business Administration/Management, although not all job postings specify a program of study.

Business Analyst job postings more often list specific business analysis skills, rather than a specific degree program.

So, what skills do employers look for in a Business Analyst?

• Data skills: Business Analysts use a variety of data analysis and visualization tools, such as Excel, SQL and Tableau to gather, analyze and visualize data.
• Business and industry knowledge: Business Analysts need to understand the industry and the organization they work in. For example, the business goals, opportunities and challenges at a healthcare organization are very different than they would be at an insurance company or a manufacturing company.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Business Analysts work with a wide variety of individuals and teams to gather data. They must also be able to communicate their findings clearly and effectively to different audiences, including leadership.

How much is a Business Analyst salary?

As of May 2022, the median salary for a U.S. business analyst was over $79,000. In Arizona, the median salary is over $76,000.

Ready to add business analytics skills to your resume?

The University of Arizona Business Analytics Certificate program teaches you the fundamental data and business analytics skills that employers need.

Learn Business Analytics

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. 

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.

Explore the Business Analytics Certificate