Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is designed to develop the quantitative and managerial skills needed to analyze complex data sets and support data-driven business decisions. This online program provides a practical approach to deploying analytics in areas such as marketing, supply chain management, operations, and risk management.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.
• The program consists of 9 credits, with a cost of $1,078 per credit.
• The program is designed to be completed in 8-16 months, with three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall).

Required Courses

• BAN 830: Descriptive Analytics for Business (3 credits)
• BAN 840: Predictive Analytics for Business (3 credits)
• BAN 850: Prescriptive Analytics for Business (3 credits)

Prerequisites

• Previous work experience and/or academic background with statistics.
• A foundation in statistics is required; if absent, the program may require the completion of a fundamental STAT course prior to entry.

Career Opportunities

• The knowledge gained from this program can be used to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on individual goals.
• Penn State World Campus Career Services provides resources and tools to support students in their career development.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which a student registers.
• Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year are $1,078 per credit for 11 or fewer credits, and $12,933 per semester for 12 or more credits.
• Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program.

Accreditation

• The Penn State Smeal College of Business is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

Faculty

• The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in business analytics, including:
  • Ferdi Eruysal, Ph.D.
  • Cheryl Horten, MBA
  • Rashmi Sharma, Ph.D.
  • Chris Solo, Ph.D.
  • Serkan Yilmaz, Ph.D.

Application Instructions

• Application deadlines: July 20 for fall semester, November 15 for spring semester.
• Required materials: official transcripts, test scores (GRE or GMAT not required), English proficiency scores (if applicable), vita or résumé, statement of intent.
• Application process: create a Penn State login account, complete the online application, upload required materials.

Additional Information

• The program is offered in partnership with the Penn State Smeal College of Business.
• The program is designed to provide students with a solid head start toward a full master's degree.
• Penn State World Campus has a history of more than 100 years of distance education and is a leader in online learning.