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Professional Development & Continuing EducationData Analytics Certificate Program

Skills and techniques for today’s data leaders to advance organization’s ability to perform data-driven decision making.

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About the Course

The Data Analytics Certificate Program provides you with the strategic skills and techniques needed to advance your organization’s ability to perform data driven decision making. Discuss and widen your depth of knowledge in data governance, data mining , data visualization and data quality among other subjects in this comprehensive course.

The 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.

Pre-Requisites (Qualifications)

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 in managing a data analytics team or project

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 6-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.

Schedule and Module Topics

Class meets VIRTUALLY via Microsoft Teams, for 1.5 days per month

Wednesdays – 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Eastern
Thursdays – 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Eastern

Student Orientation

Thursday, October 19, 2023 (Time TBD)

Orientation will consist of meeting the program instructor, Harrisburg University programming team, as well as meeting the cohort participants.

Module 1: Introduction to Analytics & Machine Learning

November 1-2, 2023

Recognition and awareness of Data Analytics & Machine Learning (ML) is essential for Decision Makers to shape their organizations, be proactive and agile, and gain a competitive edge using data driven decisions.

Module 2: Building a Data-Driven Culture & Organization

December 6-7, 2023

Success in today’s business world necessitates transformation to a data-driven culture, building teams within the organization that can shift from an instinct-driven enterprise to one that is based on data and insights is key.

Module 3: Data Governance & Quality

January 10-11, 2024

Building the proper foundation for accountability and enterprise-scale data quality (applying DataOps) is an indispensable investment that organizations must make if they truly want to become data driven.

Module 4: Communication & Visualization of Data

February 7-8, 2024

Organizations must design and enable a culture of collaboration to deploy and maintain an effective communication-minded visualization model that will be accepted enterprise-wide

Module 5: Tools of Machine Learning & Intelligent Automation

March 6-7, 2024

Drivers of change are making it imperative for organizations to improve operational efficiency, giving rise to the need for / and adoption of intelligent automation enabled solutions.

Module 6: Limits and Risks of ML / AI Applications

April 3-4, 2024

While Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence have the potential for powerful innovations – decision makers must be cognizant of their limitations to recognize misconceived benefits, predictive inaccuracies, and biases in algorithms.

Capstone Presentations & Graduation

May 1-2, 2024

May 1: Capstone Presentations / May 2: Graduation (Times TBD)

Course objectives are synthesized into an applied project – for example: the student will develop a written analytical maturity assessment report including an executive summary and formal classroom presentation describing results and an action plan.

Additional Information

Expectations & Class Attendance Policy

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.

Certification of Completion

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:

Analytics at Work: Smarter Decisions, Better Results by Thomas H. Davenport and Jeanne G. Harris

Tuition Fee

2023-2024 Tuition Fees*

Private-Sector/For-Profit Organizations/Self-Employed: $3,745
Public-Sector/Non-profit Organizations: $2,745

*Those accepted into the program or their organizations are responsible for the per-participant cost of the program. Tuition fee is not collected at time of application. Accepted applicants of the program will receive a tuition invoice at a later date.

Application Process

CANDIDATE APPLICATION

Interested candidates should complete the application form by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. The application 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/SUPPORT 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, “DACP Nomination Letter for [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME]”

APPLICATION DEADLINE / ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

All applications and nomination/support letters are due by the Application Deadline date
Applicants will be notified regarding whether they have or have not been accepted into the program.

Application deadline and notification dates are listed below under KEY DATES

Applications for the 2023-2024 are now Closed.

If you are interested in applying for a future cohort, please email us at ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu to be added to our email list to receive announcements and updates.

KEY DATES

Application deadline:
Friday, October 6, 2023

All applications and nomination letters are due by this date
See the “Application Process” above for detailed information

Acceptance Notification:
On/By Friday, October 13, 2023

All applicants will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program by this date

2023-2024 Cohort Schedule

Student Orientation – Thursday, October 19, 2023 – TIME TBD

Module 1 – Wednesday/Thursday – November 1-2, 2023

Module 2 – Wednesday/Thursday – December 6-7, 2023

Module 3 – Wednesday/Thursday – January 10-11, 2024

Module 4 – Wednesday/Thursday – February 7-8, 2024

Module 5 – Wednesday/Thursday – March 6-7, 2024

Module 6 – Wednesday/Thursday – April 3-4, 2024

Capstone Presentations & Graduation – Wednesday/Thursday – May 1-2, 2024

Graduate Testimonials

This is an excellent program for both analysts and leaders who want to learn how data analytics can propel their organizations forward. The course is taught by an exceptional professor who is passionate about the topic. The best practices I learned during the class as well as the connections I made with classmates will help my organization grow in analytical maturity.

Craig Troop | Deputy Director of Research Pennsylvania Lottery

This program offered much more than expected. I was pleased with the in-depth training provided by Dr. Anderson – her enthusiasm and expertise kept the class exciting and engaging. As an analyst/statistician, I was provided with a wealth of information concerning the world of analytics I was not aware of previous to this class.

Valerie Scott | Program Analyst 3 PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

ADA Statement: HU is committed to providing equal education opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is HU’s policy that no qualified person be excluded from participating in any HU program or activity, be denied the benefits of any HU program or activity, or otherwise be subject to discrimination regarding any HU program or activity. Should you potentially require an accommodation under the ADA to participate in this program, please email ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu. Please send your request for an accommodation at least 5 business days in advance of the event or program.