Overview
Get the technical skills and tools you need to analyze, manage and use data with Athabasca University's online Graduate Certificate - Data Analytics.
The Graduate Certificate - Data Analytics program uses a team-based model, and aims at solving real-world analytical problems. You will gain skills in:
- communication
- idea sharing
- collaboration
- integrative thinking
- object structure and programming
- data mining
- learning and knowledge analytics
As Graduate Certificate - Data Analytics courses are part of the Master of Science - Information Systems (MScIS) program , you will take your courses with MScIS students.
Application deadlines and start dates
| Application deadline | Start date |
| March 1 | Oct. 1 |
| Every Sept. | Every Jan. |
Most courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates
The Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics is a 12-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 6 credits through Athabasca University.
Routes and options
Ladder to a degree
Once you have completed the Graduate Certificate - Data Analytics, you may apply to the Master of Science - Information Systems program. If you're admitted within 7 years, your Graduate Certificate - Data Analytics credits may be applied towards the Master of Science - Information Systems degree.
Learn more about laddering to an MScIS degree Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1.5 years of full-time study. You can take up to 2 years to complete all requirements.
Tuition and fees
Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.
Financial aid and awards
We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.
Explore financial aid and awards Fees
A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.
The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
program application and admission fees | Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies: | $197 |
| Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable) | $255 |
| Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once: | $124 |
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
fees in Canada and out | Students living in Canada | $1,988 1 |
| Students living outside Canada | $2,233 1 |
1 Graduate Certificate – Data Analytics (GCDA) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $167 and Course Materials fee of $37 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fee of $14 per credit.
Estimated program tuition cost (2024 - 2025):
The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $7,952 ($1,988 x 4, three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees, the Course Administration and Technology fee, and the Course Materials fee are included in the above calculation. Application and admission fees are not included.
Other fees
other fees | Transfer credit evaluation fee: | $348/course |
| Supplemental examination fee: | $124 |
| Course extension fee: | $334 |
| Program extension fee. Same as course tuition fees (see above). |
| Letter of Permission fee: | $100 |
| Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students) | $250/course |
| Course withdrawal processing fee 1: | $453 |
| AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit) | $14 |
| 1 The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to Course Withdrawal. |
Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.
Courses
In this program, you'll complete four courses that employ a team-based approach to tackle real-world analytical issues. Your studies will cover a broad range of skills, from communication and collaboration to technical abilities like data mining, using software tools like R, SAS, and Tableau.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Certificate - Data Analytics.
Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Program regulations
Courses to explore
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
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Career options
After completing the Graduate Certificate - Data Analytics, you'll be well-equipped for various career paths in fields like health care, business, and education where data-driven decision-making is key. You could find opportunities as a data analyst, business intelligence specialist, or even move into managerial roles where analytical skills are highly valued.
Depending on your experience and goals, some careers may include:
- data analyst
- business intelligence analyst
- business analyst
- data scientist
- data architect
- operations analyst
- quantitative analyst
- research analyst
- analytics manager
- systems analyst
- project manager with a focus on data analytics
- data visualization specialist
- statistical analyst