Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics

At a glance

Credential: graduate certificate
Credits: 12
Next start: see program details

Get the technical skills and tools you need to analyze, manage and use data with Athabasca University’s online Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics.

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About Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics

At Athabasca University, our online Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics equips you with essential technical skills for analyzing, managing, and utilizing data. The program emphasizes a team-based approach focused on solving real-world analytical problems, covering everything from communication and collaboration to data mining and programming. Plus, you'll be sharing the virtual classroom with students from our Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) program, giving you a diverse and enriching learning experience.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in a related area or equivalent education and experience.

See full Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics admission requirements

Program details

Overview

Get the technical skills and tools you need to analyze, manage and use data with Athabasca University's online Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics.

The Graduate Certificate in 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 in Data Analytics courses are part of the Master of Science in 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 in 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 in Data Analytics, you may apply to the Master of Science in Information Systems program. If you're admitted within 7 years, your Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics credits may be applied towards the Master of Science in 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

The following fees are effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, such as workshops, publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sale items.

program application and admission fees
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies:	$184
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable)	$255
Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once:	$116

fees in Canada and out
Students living in Canada	$1,986 ¹
Students living outside Canada	$2,232 ¹

¹Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $167, a Course Materials fee of $35 per course, and the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fee of $14 per credit.

Estimated program tuition cost (2023 - 2024):

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University would be $7,944 ($1,986 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:	$325/course
Supplemental examination fee:	$116
Course extension fee:	$312
Program extension fee. Same as course tuition fees (see above).
Letter of Permission fee:	$93
Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students)	$250/course
Course withdrawal processing fee ¹:	$423
AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit)	$14
¹The 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 Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024.

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 in 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 in 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

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

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