Business Analysis Certificate Programs

Business analyst at work.

Business analysts are professionals that dissect a business process or processes to determine the cause behind specific outcomes in an effort to improve those processes. Business analysts must be able to determine the needs of their end-users so the information can be communicated technically to the process designer. Oftentimes, it is software-driven technology that is being analyzed, with feedback provided to a programmer or Web developer.

Types of Certificate Programs

There are multiple types of certifications available for students at all levels of education and training. Bachelor's- and master's-level certificate offerings will have educational and or testing requirements for entry into the program. A bachelor's certificate often requires the presence of a previously earned bachelor's degree. A master's certificate will also require the presence of a previously earned bachelor's degree, with some additional qualifications listed by each granting institution. These additional requirements may include testing, prerequisite course offerings or just simply having earned a bachelor's degree. There are also non-degree programs offered through trade and vocational schools. These programs have less difficult entry requirements.

Watermark Learning

Watermark Learning is a classroom and online-based private learning company that offers a master's certificate in business analysis in partnership with Auburn University. The program consists of five primary courses and one elective course requirement that must be chosen from a list of 10 courses. The cost of this program taken in a traditional classroom is $11,370 versus approximately $8,700 when taken online.

Villanova University

Villanova University offers a master's-level business analysis certificate online and at its continuing studies center located on campus. Villanova is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Villanova's program requires the completion of two required courses and one elective course. The cost for this program is $5,295. Entry into this program requires the prior completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

University of California at Davis (UC Davis)

The University of California at Davis offers a bachelor's-level certificate in business analysis. This university is part of the University of California System and is a sister school to the University of California at Berkley (UC Berkley) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). This certificate program is offered through the UC Davis extension program and can be taken online or in several locations throughout California. This program requires the completion of six required courses and two elective courses. This program requires a number of prerequisite classes as well as a prior bachelor's degree or enrollment in a current bachelor's degree program with a regionally accredited college or university. The cost for this seven-class program is $5,150 to $5,500, depending on what semester you enroll in. There is a $45 enrollment fee as well.

References

• Business Dictionary
• Watermark Learning
• Villanova University