Business Analytics (CERT)

Business Analytics is the application of statistical techniques using software to gain insights on business data for the purpose of making strategic business decisions. The focus is on helping students interested in business learn the basics of predictive and prescriptive techniques, using popular business visualization software such as Tableau, and analyze data using programming languages such as R. 

A certificate in business analytics can enhance your degree program by adding a desirable data analytics skills set to your core competencies.

Students who wish to pursue technology-related careers in business could   benefit from adding a certificate in business analytics to their resume. 

16 Credit program

Students with previous credit should consult with the Finance Department Chairperson before starting the certificate. Transfer students pursuing this certificate must complete at least 50% (one-half) of the coursework at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

For more information contact Dr. Ishuan Li Simonson, 507.389.5753. To declare this certificate visit or contact the College of Business Student Center, MH 151.

Learn more about the Business Analytics Advisory Board here>>>

Course Updates for 2023-2024: 

Program Requirements, Major Common Core:  

  • Business Statistics ECON207 or STAT154
  • Business Analytics FINA375
  • Business Analytics II FINA475 

Major Restricted Electives: choose two

  • Intro to Business Applications MGMT404 
  • Marketing Research and Analysis MRKT324 (prerequisite requires MRKT 210)
  • Financial Modeling using Excel FINA400 
 
*ATTENTION imageNote: the below-listed courses reflect the 22-23 academic year requirements.  MGMT 385 can be substituted with MGMT 404

Program Requirements

Major Common Core

Basic statistical methods including measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, probability distributions, sampling, problems of estimation and hypothesis testing in the case of one and two sample meaans and proportions. Chi-Square, one-way analysis of variance, simple regression and correlation analysis, and brief introduction to multiple regression analysis. Use of computer statistical packages required.

Prerequisites: MATH 112 or equivalent

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-04

Introduction to analytic tools and techniques using business applications.Grading Method

Prerequisites: ECON 207, STAT 154

Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-04

Major Restricted Electives

Choose 6 Credit(s).

This course is designed to cover basic tools in time series analysis and to equip students with quantitative skills to analyze the financial market.Fall

Prerequisites: ECON 207

In this course, students will examine the role of research in decision making and the basics of scientific research, including the preparation of research proposals, design of data collection instruments, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

Prerequisites: MRKT 210, STAT 154 or ECON 207

4-Year Plan

First Year

Fall - 4 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Spring - 6 Credits

Introduction to analytic tools and techniques using business applications.Grading Method

Prerequisites: ECON 207, STAT 154

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Second Year

Fall - 6 Credits

This course introduces concepts and skills in unsupervised data mining, prescriptive analytics, and an introduction to unstructured data analytics (text). Students will learn basic coding in R, Python, database management using SQL, and visualization with Tableau.

Prerequisites: FINA 375

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits