UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Business professionals now have another opportunity to gain in-demand business analytics skills through Penn State World Campus.
For the first time, students interested in earning the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics can enroll in Penn State’s spring semester.
The new application deadline is Nov. 1 and allows students to enroll in the spring 2022 semester, which starts on Jan. 10. Previously, students could only begin the program during Penn State’s fall semester, which starts in August.
The 9-credit graduate certificate consists of three courses from the Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics – Business Analytics option that are taught by the same faculty who teach for the Smeal College of Business at Penn State’s University Park campus.
The certificate curriculum covers descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics practices. Students will also learn about the quantitative and managerial skills needed to analyze large data sets and make data-driven decisions.
“As the demand for business professionals with analytics skills continues to increase, we recognized the need to make our Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics program more accessible,” said Chris Solo, clinical assistant professor of supply chain and analytics.
“With a second entry point into the program, prospective students — often busy working professionals — will be better able to integrate this graduate education program into their busy schedules. It’s our hope that this change will help us reach a wider audience and further grow our established analytics programs," said Solo.
Students who enroll in the certificate have the option to apply to the Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics program. If accepted, they may apply the nine credits from the certificate toward the degree.
In the master’s program, students can gain further expertise in the complete spectrum of analytics activities and prepare to work in various areas of business, such as marketing, supply chains, operations, forensics, and risk.
Both programs are offered online through Penn State World Campus in partnership with Penn State Great Valley and the internationally ranked and AACSB–accredited Penn State Smeal College of Business.
Visit the Penn State World Campus website for more information on the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics program.