| Department: | |
| Hours Required: | 12 (3 core + 9 electives) |
| Categories: | Certificate / Endorsement, Graduate |
| Completion Time: | Typically completed in 1 year at 1–2 courses per term (including summer) * |
| Delivery: | Hybrid, On-Campus, Online |
* Based on 2 classes per semester including summer
The Data Analytics Graduate Certificate at Southern Arkansas University is a stackable credential that equips professionals with essential skills in data visualization, analytics, and emerging data technologies. Designed for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in data-driven decision-making, this certificate program offers a flexible learning format to accommodate working professionals.
Three Key Selling Points About the Program
AACSB-accredited business school (reaffirmed 2025)
Flexible format — online, on-campus evenings, or hybrid
Stackable credential & data analytics focus — graduates gain skills in visualization, analytics, and emerging data technologies
Learning Goals
- MBA students will be effective communicators, using information technology to enhance decision making through better communication.
- MBA students are prepared to be socially responsible, effective business leaders with an awareness of cultural and diversity issues and the ability to make ethical decisions.
- MBA students will be critical thinkers who are able to use concepts from strategic management to integrate relevant information, decision-making techniques, and concepts from multiple business disciplines to make decisions in new or unfamiliar circumstances.
- MBA students can effectively and legally access and use information to prepare an effective written report that supports decision making.
- MBA students will be competent in the business discipline.
Graduate Certificate Outcome
Graduates earning the Data Analytics Graduate Certificate are better prepared for roles such as Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Data Visualization Specialist. The program equips professionals to analyze and interpret complex data, enabling informed decision-making in various organizational settings.
Data Analytics Certificate (12 Hours)
Students completing a Data Analytics certificate at the graduate level are required to complete 12 hours of coursework. Prior to enrolling in a computer science elective course, students are required to complete a coding and programming course or demonstrate evidence of a prior equivalent course.
Core Requirement (3 Hours):
IS 5313 – Data Visualization
Business Elective (3 hours)
Select 3 hours from the following:
MGMT 6043 – Business Analytics
SCM 6003 – Enterprise Resource Planning
Computer Science Electives (6 hours)
Select 6 hours from the following:
MCIS 6263 – Big Data
MCIS 6273 – Data Mining
MCIS 6283 – Machine Learning
Admission Requirements
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Prerequisites for non-business majors (or equivalent undergraduate prep): 3 hrs finance (Junior level or above), 3 hrs statistics (Junior level or above), 3 hrs marketing (Junior level or above), 3 hrs management/organizational behavior (Junior level or above); 3 hrs microeconomics
GPA: Applicants must meet the School of Graduate Studies GPA standard for the program
