Certificate in Data Analysis
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Print- Introduction to Data Analysis – Learn the fundamentals of data analysis, including how to collect, organize, and interpret data to support decision-making.
- Intermediate Data Analysis – Build on your skills with tools and techniques to clean, visualize, and analyze datasets for deeper insights.
- Advanced Data Analysis – Master complex analysis methods, predictive techniques, and data-driven strategies for solving business challenges.
In today’s data-driven workplace, the ability to interpret and communicate insights from data is one of the most sought-after skill sets. The Certificate in Data Analysis equips you with a practical, progressive foundation in analyzing data for real-world business decisions.
You’ll begin by learning how to collect, process, and analyze basic business data using statistical tools and Excel. Next, you’ll explore how to compare groups, examine variable relationships, and test hypotheses—essential skills for evaluating business strategies, customer behavior, or performance metrics. Finally, you’ll develop the ability to conduct independent research, interpret statistical results, and communicate your findings through visualizations and clear, compelling narratives. Whether you're working in a large organization or managing your own business, this certificate will help you turn raw data into actionable insight and elevate your decision-making capabilities.
Note: Students must have Microsoft Excel installed to complete this certificate. Courses must be taken in sequence: Introduction, Intermediate, Advanced.
Certificate Learning Outcomes
By completing this certificate, participants will be able to:
- Understand foundational data analysis concepts, including data types, collection methods, and basic statistics.
- Analyze and interpret data using probability, trend analysis, break-even points, and statistical modeling.
- Compare groups and evaluate variable relationships using statistical techniques such as Chi-Square and ANOVA.
- Develop and implement structured research questions and select appropriate statistical tools for analysis.
- Create and use surveys responsibly, including ethical considerations and effective question design.
- Use Excel to manage data, build pivot tables and dashboards, and visualize results for professional audiences.
- Present data clearly through written narratives and visual reports, tailored to non-technical stakeholders.
- Professionals in marketing, HR, operations, and administration who work with data or reporting
- Analysts, coordinators, and team leads responsible for evaluating performance or program outcomes
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to make smarter, data-informed decisions
- Students or early-career professionals looking to add high-demand analytical skills to their résumé
- Anyone seeking a structured, business-focused pathway to understanding and applying data analysis
Registration Deadline: Participants can register up to 5 days after the course begins.
Course Access: Offered in partnership with LERN. Log in 24/7—no live meetings.
Course Format: Weekly units include readings, audio-slide lectures, self-quizzes, and discussion forums.
Tips for Success: Log in 2–3 times a week and contribute 2–3 thoughtful posts per unit for the best experience.
Recognized Credentials: Earn nationally recognized CEUs from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association—perfect for meeting professional development goals or licensure requirements.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers this class/certificate in partnership with LERN. Therefore, you may cancel your registration up until you receive your login and password from LERN and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Online courses offered with the Learning Resources Network (LERN) continue to run, as scheduled during inclement weather. If there are changes to meeting status, you will receive an email at the address you provided upon registration informing you of the cancelation.
*exempt-this offering is ineligible for waiver use
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Interim Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.