From Data to Decisions

Most people don't set out to become data analysts.

They become project managers, operations specialists, program coordinators or supervisors. Then one day they realize they're spending a significant part of their job tracking metrics, building reports, answering questions and helping others make decisions based on data.

As organizations increasingly rely on data-informed decision-making, professionals across industries are expected to do more than collect information. They need to understand it, interpret it and communicate what it means. That's one reason job postings seeking data analytics skills have increased 19% since 2025, according to Lightcast™.

"Organizations have more access to data than ever before, but data alone doesn't create value,” says Molly Hahne, associate director of Professional Development Programs at the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. “They need professionals who can ask the right questions, identify meaningful patterns and translate information into decisions that improve performance. Those skills are becoming increasingly valuable across nearly every industry, whether you’re working in operations, project management, business analysis or program leadership." 

The Growing Need for Data-Literate Professionals

Many professionals interact with data every day without considering themselves data analysts. They maintain spreadsheets, track performance metrics, create reports and monitor operational outcomes. Yet as organizations become increasingly data-driven, these responsibilities often require more sophisticated tools and techniques for data analysis, reporting and business intelligence.

Employers are looking for professionals who can do more than collect information. They need team members who can identify meaningful patterns, evaluate results and communicate insights that support organizational goals.

The challenge is that many professionals have learned data management on the job. While spreadsheets remain valuable tools, they can become difficult to manage as data volumes grow and reporting needs become more complex. Developing a stronger foundation in data analytics can help professionals work more efficiently while producing more reliable and impactful results.

Move Beyond Spreadsheets

For many working professionals, Excel or Google Sheets serve as the starting point for data analysis. While these tools remain essential, organizations increasingly rely on additional technologies to manage, analyze and visualize information.

The University of Minnesota Data Analytics Certificate helps professionals build practical skills in several key areas:

• Understanding how databases store and organize information
• Using SQL to extract, filter and summarize data
• Creating interactive dashboards and reports with Power BI
• Applying Python to automate and streamline analytical workflows
• Using statistical methods to identify trends and evaluate outcomes
• Leveraging AI tools responsibly within established data governance practices

Rather than focusing on advanced software engineering or highly specialized data science applications, the certificate emphasizes practical workplace skills that can be applied immediately across a wide range of industries and roles.

Build Skills That Support Better Decisions

Data analytics is ultimately about improving decision-making and supporting better business outcomes.

Whether evaluating program performance, identifying operational bottlenecks or measuring the impact of a new initiative, professionals need reliable information to guide their actions. Strong analytics skills help individuals move beyond assumptions and make recommendations supported by evidence.

Through four sequential courses, learners build their skills step by step, progressing from understanding how data is organized and extracted to creating visual reports, analyzing trends and communicating insights that support better business decisions. 

"Data doesn't make decisions — people do. Effective analytics isn't just about technology,” says Gina Debogovich, AI strategist and instructor in the Data Analytics Certificate program. “It's about asking better questions, evaluating evidence and turning information into insights that help people make more informed decisions."  

Designed for Working Professionals

One of the distinguishing features of the Data Analytics Certificate is its accessibility. The program is designed specifically for working professionals who want to strengthen their analytical capabilities without pursuing a degree in computer science or becoming full-time data scientists.

Offered 100% online with both daytime and evening course options, the program is designed to fit into professional and personal schedules. Participants also learn alongside a cohort of peers from a variety of industries and backgrounds, creating opportunities to exchange perspectives, share real-world challenges and explore how data analytics, reporting and business intelligence is applied across different organizational settings.

The curriculum is led by industry practitioners who actively work in analytics and business intelligence roles. Drawing on experience leading analytics initiatives, developing reporting strategies and helping organizations make data-informed decisions, instructors provide practical insights that extend beyond the textbook. 

The curriculum is well-suited for:

• rising data analysts seeking formal analytics skills.
• operations specialists looking to improve workflows through data.
• supervisors and project managers responsible for evaluating performance.
• business analysts and program staff who need to communicate insights effectively.
• spreadsheet-proficient professionals ready to advance their analytical expertise.

By combining technical skills with practical business applications, the certificate helps participants become more effective contributors within their organizations while preparing for emerging opportunities in data-focused roles.