The Data Analytics Certificate Program is specifically designed for employees who are leading or will be participating in a program that involves data analytics.  You will learn the essential elements needed to chart the path to take your data analytics program to the next level.  The certificate program is designed to:

• Empower employees to identify the components of a successful data analytics program
• Discriminate between some of the analytical buzzwords like ‘artificial intelligence,’ ‘machine learning,’ and ‘internet of things.’
• Summarize the relationship among data governance, data quality and data management.
• Learn how to create data visualizations that are appealing to a wide variety of users.

Led by Harrisburg University Analytics faculty, program facilitators, individual seminars are presented by subject matter experts, and include guest speakers, and interactive group exercises.

The Data Analytics Certificate Program is specifically designed for employees who are leading or will be participating in a program that involves data analytics. 

The 7-module curriculum consists of a combination of presentations, industry guest speakers, case studies, and hands-on exercises.  The key areas of focus are on the components of implementing and maturing a successful data analytics program that include a data analytics culture, data quality, and data governance.  In addition, advanced topics such as data visualization, big data, data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence will be covered.

A Capstone project, applying the program’s core curriculum to a data analytics assessment project will be produced and presented by participants.  Or, the Capstone project can be customized to meet specific data analytics challenge you would like to address.  Each learning module is linked to the Capstone to ensure you are assessing every aspect of your organization’s data maturity.

The class includes lecture and discussion, case studies, exercises, and discovery.

Classes meet in person, 1.5 days a month for 7 months:

• Thursdays: 1:00 – 4:30 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

In addition to the module sessions, there is a 1-hour orientation and full-day graduation.

Schedule Overview

Orientation

Module 1: Introduction to Data Analytics

What is analytics and how can it transform an organization; identifying and framing the data analytics problem.

Module 2: Building a Data Analytics Culture and Organization

Data culture and teams; importance of trustworthy data; data literate employees; how to build an effective business case for data analytics program

Module 3: Data Governance

Impact of poor data quality and need for data governance; purpose and foundation of data governance; best practices for data governance; security issues related to data governance.

Module 4: Data Quality

Role of data quality in a data analytics program; define data quality and master data management (MDM); implementation of MDM

Module 5: Data Communication & Visualization

How to communicate data with appropriate data visualizations; best practices for dashboards and data storytelling

Module 6: Big Data, Data Mining, and Predictive Analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence

Define and understand the differences among these ‘buzz words’; what type of applications are appropriate for each of these techniques

Module 7: Tools & Technologies

How to evaluate different analytical platforms; how to select the best analytical platform for your needs; how does open source software compare to commercial-based software

Capstone Presentations & Graduation

To be considered for the Data Analytics Certificate Program, an employee must be nominated by their supervisor and have:

• Experience in an organization working with data and analytics OR
• Experience managing a data analytics team or project

Previous knowledge of analytical methods is helpful, but not required.

Participants will be expected to complete readings and some written work prior to sessions.  Additionally, each participant is expected to complete the Capstone project outlined in the “Curriculum” section.

Attendance at a minimum of 90% of the sessions is required.

Awarding of a certificate of completion will be based on a pass-fail assessment of the program’s curricular, attendance, and project-based requirements.

Materials

The following materials are included in the cost of the course:

• Course syllabus
• Analytics at Work: Smarter Decisions, Better Results by Thomas H. Davenport and Jeanne G. Harris 
• Light breakfast, lunch, and beverages on Fridays. Lunch and beverages on Thursdays.

All print materials will be distributed the first day of class.

The following are not included in the cost of the course:

• Parking fees

Fees

• For-profit organizations: $3,745
• Non-profit organizations and government: $2,745

The tuition fee includes breakfast and lunch for full-day sessions, an opening reception, and graduation reception.

Parking is not included in the enrollment fee.

For information on parking in the Harrisburg University garage, and to view current hourly rates, please visit Standard Parking’s website at: www.parkharrisburg.com

Cancellation & Refunds

Harrisburg University reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses/events at its discretion. Should a program or event be cancelled by the University, a full refund will be issued.

If you need to cancel your registration and would like a refund, please email MMafnas@HarrisburgU.edu. Please attach the confirmation email that you received at time of registration.

• A refund of 100% will be issued within 7 business days of your registration date.
• A refund of 50% will be issued up until 8 days prior to the start of the course/event.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 or less days prior to the start of the course/event.

CANDIDATE APPLICATION

The application form allows candidates to present their learning goals, past experiences, expertise, and knowledge they will bring to the cohort for consideration.  Candidates will be notified in a timely manner as to their acceptance into the Data Analytics Certificate program cohort.

NOMINATION LETTER

Candidates will demonstrate the support of their senior leadership by submitting a letter of nomination written on their behalf.  The nomination letter should include current position and responsibilities, along with skills, knowledge, and any special projects in which you are responsible.

The nomination letter should be addressed to “Data Analytics Certificate Program Directors” and emailed to ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu with the subject line as, “Data Analytics Certificate Program Nomination Letter for [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME]”  

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

Applicants will be notified regarding whether they have or have not been accepted into the  program.

See the specific deadlines under “Next Class” at the bottom of the page.