Zachary Smith

208.467.8373

gradbusinessinfo@nnu.edu

Business Analytics

Graduate Certificate

In today’s data-driven business world, having the skills to understand and navigate is crucial. NNU’s 12-credit graduate business analytics certification program provides the tools and knowledge to excel in this field. With immediately applicable courses, you’ll be well-prepared for any challenge. Whether you aim to grow your business or advance in your career, this affordable certification program sets you apart and helps you achieve your goals.

Business analyst certifications tackle real-world business challenges to help inform business decisions.
  • 4 to 9 MONTHS to completion
  • 12 CREDITS in four courses
  • FULLY ONLINE for your convenience

Transform and Innovate with a Business Analytics Certification

Take your career to the next level with the business analytics certification. This graduate certificate program provides a unique opportunity to enhance your resume and expand your potential with just a 4-9 month commitment. With a focus on the interpretation and application of data, this program equips you with the tools necessary to make informed decisions and direct your company toward solutions. By aligning goals and outcomes and utilizing metrics, you can track and predict results more precisely than ever. Don’t leave your success to chance—transform and innovate with a business analytics certification.

Tuition Costs

$695 per credit

The Benefits of a Certificate in Business Analytics

  • Our program has gained a reputation for producing high-quality, ethical leaders
  • Gain the skills to analyze data and make data-driven decisions for businesses of all sizes quickly and cost-effectively
  • Immerse yourself in an advanced business analytics course curriculum from a Christ-centered university
  • Invest in yourself with a program that fits your budget and time frame
  • NNU’s business program is regularly evaluated and fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) 
  • NNU is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Professors have professional experience in the business world and use that experience to inform their teaching
  • Supportive faculty and staff are available to students and willing to take the extra time to help each student succeed
  • NNU’s graduate business program has been training professionals for over 25 years through the MBA degree
  • Enjoy the flexibility of studying from wherever you choose with our fully online format

Goals and Outcomes for Business Analytics Students

  • Identify, analyze and evaluate the ethical aspects of the business environment to articulate an ethical framework and make sound decisions
  • Demonstrate competency in foundational concepts and practices of a specific area of business (based on the certificate program selected)
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of a specific area of business (based on the certificate program selected)
  • Develop critical thinking and demonstrate practical analytical and problem-solving skills using qualitative and quantitative approaches

Additional Information About the Business Analytics Certification Program

List of Courses

Core Courses (9 credits)

  • BSNS6201 Applied Business Analytics (3)
  • BSNS6211 MIS Strategy, Innovation, and Analysis (3)
  • BSNS6221 Business Analytics in Action (3)

Elective Courses – Choose one (3 credits)

  • ACCT6301 Business Analysis and Valuation (3)
  • BSNS6162 Ethics and Integrity in Decision Making (3)
  • BSNS6994 Special Topics in Business (3)

For full course descriptions, please see our Graduate Catalog.

NOTE: Classes taken as part of this certificate program can be applied toward earning your master’s degree.

Flexible Scheduling

Scheduling features include:

  • Fall and spring start dates—you are not “locked in” to a cohort
  • Option to take one or two classes per 8-week session, based on course offerings and your personal preference
  • Access to an NNU advisor who will help you build a schedule to fit your needs
Application Requirements

You can apply to our Graduate Business Certificate program with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. To apply, you will need:

  • Online application
  • Two letters of recommendation (sent automatically to your references when you complete the application)
  • A professional essay on an assigned topic
  • Official copies of all previous transcripts

Consideration for acceptance is based on the following criteria:

  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.7 in all academic coursework
  • Evidence of writing competency
  • Official transcript of undergraduate degree and completed graduate work
  • Two professional recommendations
  • A favorable recommendation from the College of Business Graduate Admissions Committee
  • An acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not an applicant’s native language (If a student has completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution within the United States or has completed at least 30 credits in such an institution, the TOEFL or IELTS requirement is waived.)

Note that graduate students in the College of Business do not have to sign an NNU Lifestyle Covenant—this requirement is waived to promote diversity at the graduate level. Professors and staff support the NNU Lifestyle Covenant but seek to welcome all races, religions and lifestyles. Please see our Statement of Faith to learn more about NNU’s religious affiliation.

Thomas Center exterior in snow

Career Paths with a Certificate in Business Analytics

Business analytics is crucial in making informed decisions and driving growth from finance to marketing. With this certification, you can explore a variety of career paths, including business analyst, data analyst, marketing analyst, financial analyst and more.

Management Analysts

Financial Analyst/Manager

Budget Analyst

Data Analyst

Meet Our Faculty

What I loved the best about [NNU’s MBA] professors is they were experts in their field. Generally, you might get a professor at other schools that they teach—they enjoy teaching, but never have actually had real world experience, and that wasn’t the case at NNU.
Stephanie Renk

MBA

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Business Analytics Certificate Program

Here are some common questions we receive about our graduate business analytics certification program at Northwest Nazarene University.

What topics are covered in the business analytics certification program?

If you’re looking to delve into the exciting world of business analytics, Northwest Nazarene University offers a comprehensive Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics program that equips professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this emerging field.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics at NNU is designed to enhance your professional experience by providing the tools and techniques to analyze and apply data effectively in your industry. This program covers a range of topics that are essential for success, including predictive analytics, customer behavior, business problems, business decision-making, financial and functional data and key concepts of business data analytics.

One of the critical areas of focus in this program is learning how to align goals and outcomes with data analysis. You’ll explore methodologies and strategies to ensure accurate and reliable data inform your decision-making. Connecting your business objectives with data-driven insights allows you to make more informed decisions and drive your company toward practical solutions.

Additionally, the program covers topics related to interpreting data and using metrics to track and predict results. You’ll learn to leverage data analytics tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights and make data-driven recommendations.

At NNU, we believe that success in business analytics relies on a solid foundation in statistical analysis, data visualization and data management. Through this program, you’ll develop expertise in these areas, enabling you to effectively analyze, interpret and communicate complex data sets.

Investing in your professional development through the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics program at NNU will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly evolving data analysis landscape. Join our vibrant community of learners and gain the confidence to harness the power of data to propel your career forward.

How will a certificate in business analytics help my career prospects?

A certificate in business analytics from Northwest Nazarene University can be a game-changer for your data analytics career track. In today’s data-driven world, businesses across industries rely on business analytics skills to make informed business decisions and drive growth. By obtaining this certification, you open up a world of exciting opportunities in business analytics specialization.

With a certificate in business analytics from NNU, you gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this emerging field. This program enhances your professional experience, equipping you with the tools and techniques to analyze and apply data effectively in your industry. The demand for professionals who can translate complex data into actionable insights is rapidly growing, and this certification positions you at the forefront of this trend.

By completing the certificate program, you’ll comprehensively understand business analytics initiatives, methodologies and technologies. This knowledge allows you to unlock the potential of data to drive decision-making, identify patterns and trends and optimize business strategies. Whether you aspire to become a business analyst, data analyst, marketing analyst or financial analyst, this certification provides a solid foundation for various career paths.

Furthermore, a certificate from NNU carries weight in the job market. Employers recognize the value of specialized certifications, particularly in a field as critical as business analytics. A certificate from NNU demonstrates your dedication to professional development and commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. It showcases your ability to leverage data to inform strategic decisions and create positive organizational outcomes.

Investing in a certificate in business analytics from NNU can transform your career trajectory. Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to excel in this dynamic field and become a sought-after professional capable of driving data-informed success.

What types of businesses can benefit from data-driven decisions?

Data-driven decisions have become vital to the success of businesses across various industries. Northwest Nazarene University’s graduate certificate program in Business Analytics equips students with the skills and knowledge to collect, analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions that drive positive outcomes.

Businesses in diverse sectors can benefit tremendously from data-driven decision-making. In today’s competitive landscape, organizations constantly seek ways to gain a competitive edge, improve operational efficiency and make strategic choices. By leveraging data analytics, businesses can unlock insights to achieve these goals.

Industries such as finance, healthcare, marketing and supply chain management are just a few examples of sectors where data-driven decisions have proven to be transformative. In finance, for instance, data analytics can help identify patterns and trends in market behavior, enabling financial institutions to make informed investment decisions and manage risk effectively. In healthcare, data-driven decisions can improve patient outcomes, better resource allocation and more efficient care delivery.

Moreover, data-driven decision-making is invaluable in marketing. Businesses can tailor their marketing strategies by analyzing customer data and market trends to effectively reach and engage their target audience. This can increase customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and business growth.

The Business Department at NNU is committed to providing students with a strong foundation in business principles and equipping them with the necessary analytical skills to thrive in today’s data-driven business environment. Our faculty members are industry experts who understand the evolving demands of the business world and incorporate real-world applications into their teaching.

Whether you aspire to work in finance, healthcare, marketing or any other industry, our Business Analytics program prepares you to harness the power of data and make strategic decisions that drive success. Join us at NNU and gain the skills to transform businesses through data-driven decision-making.

How long does it take to complete the program?

When pursuing a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at Northwest Nazarene University, you’ll be pleased to know that you can enhance your resume and expand your potential in as little as 4 to 9 months. This program offers a flexible scheduling option, allowing you to personalize and fit your learning experience into your busy life.

With NNU’s Business Analytics program, you can choose between fall and spring start dates, ensuring you can begin your journey at a time that suits you best. Unlike rigid cohort-based programs, NNU’s approach allows for more flexibility and ensures you’re not “locked in” to a specific group.

To cater to your personal preferences and workload, the program provides the option to take one or two classes per 8-week session, depending on the course offerings and your availability. This customizable structure empowers you to tailor your learning experience to your unique circumstances, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.

Throughout your academic journey, you will also have access to an NNU advisor who will assist you in building a schedule that aligns with your needs. Their guidance and support will help you navigate the program smoothly and maximize learning outcomes.

By committing just a few months to this program, you can acquire valuable skills and knowledge in Business Analytics, positioning yourself for success in this exciting field. Take the leap and explore the endless possibilities that await you with NNU’s graduate certificate program in Business Analytics.