• You’ll learn extract, transform, load (ETL) and spreadsheet analytics tools, becoming a pro at data extraction from various sources (cloud services, web and others), running real-time reports from various data sources, and conducting spreadsheet analysis and data modeling.
• Data visualization and exploratory data analysis course content enables you to create the digests of data insights that employers need and includes experience with pivoting and exploratory data analysis, high-impact visualizations and interactive dashboards, and designing data stories for effective communication of analytics findings.
• Business data management courses, covering relational database design, administration and data security, big data and NoSQL databases (like MongoDB), get you ready for a variety of higher-level tasks and positions. 
• You’ll learn the AI that matters most to a career in analytics with machine learning and data mining techniques at the forefront of your coursework, including descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, as well as popular analytical techniques such as classification, clustering, regression, association analysis and text mining.
• Through course projects, you’ll develop the project management skills employers cite as critical in a business environment, particularly in technical fields.

The graduate certificate in business analytics can be taken as a standalone credential or paired with the WMU MBA. By taking business analytics courses as electives for the MBA degree, you can earn both credentials simultaneously, giving you a true edge in the workforce. 

How does a WMU MBA build skills that will help you stand out in the job search or qualify for a promotion? 

• You’ll gain a thorough background in all areas of business and be able to easily translate your analytics knowledge to different functional areas or industries. 
• The MBA’s focus on communication and team projects helps you grow your skills in navigating team dynamics, delegating work by skill set and providing precise, clear communication about the status of projects. 
• The WMU MBA has a focus on relationships, fostering student connections, faculty mentorship and opportunities to develop a network of professional contacts.

As a business analytics student, you’ll get the flexibility of hybrid courses backed by the quality of an AACSB-accredited business school. The flexible program format allows you to attend classes online (synchronously) or in person, giving you the balance you need for your busy schedule. The courses are designed to maximize connections and collaboration between students who attend online and in person so that you still get the full benefits of classroom interaction. 

Candidates should connect with Renuka Phillips, director of graduate programs to ensure completion of prerequisites including the recommended MBA 6003: Data Analytics for Managerial Decision-Making course and to discuss educational background and course progression. 

To apply to WMU’s business analytics graduate certificate program, start your application, which will include: 

• A resume or curriculum vitae
• Official transcript from the institution where you received your undergraduate degree, as well as a transcript from the institution(s) where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken or completed
• A written statement, which summarizes your academic or professional experiences in information technology or business analytics, indicating how your background makes you an ideal candidate for the business analytics graduate certificate. Note any exceptional accomplishments or projects and professional certifications. Address how you see this certificate aligning with your professional goals. This statement should be double-spaced and between 500 to 1,500 words and should demonstrate your communication and writing skills.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for international students

Business analytics is a fast-growing field with the need for experienced professionals who can address today’s data challenges and be prepared for the evolving needs of the industry. Talented analytics professionals will be competitive for roles in Fortune 500 companies, midsized companies, startups and more. Since nearly every company needs to distill data insights, business analytics provides the flexibility to seek out positions in multiple industries.