Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a small business writer.
Kimberlee Leonard
Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a small business writer.
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Reviewed
Brenna Swanston
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Data-related roles are some of the most versatile and in-demand careers in the United States. With more access to consumer data than ever, companies rely on data analysts to optimize their financial, marketing and production decisions. As a result, demand for data scientists is expected to triple over the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
Data analysts work in nearly all sectors, including government, marketing, insurance, accounting, education and manufacturing. At any scale, they help organizations run efficiently by organizing, managing and interpreting data. Depending on the project scope, they use software, programming skills and machine learning to identify patterns and predict outcomes.
If you enjoy working with numbers, tackling complicated projects and learning new technology, a data-oriented career may suit you. Completing a data analyst certificate online can help you develop competitive skills that all industries need. Below, we’ll explore the 10 best online data analytics certificates.
Our Methodology
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Best Data Analytics Certificates Online
Should You Earn a Data Analyst Certificate Online?
Pro Tip
Online certificates tend to be more affordable than four-year degrees and in-person programs. On the other hand, distance learning requires more organization and self-reliance.
An online data analytics certificate can prepare you for new opportunities in a high-paying, high-demand field. In many cases, you can pursue a beginner-friendly certificate instead of a four-year degree, which might save you significant time and money. However, online college isn’t the right choice for every learner. Consider the following factors before enrolling.
- Your learning style. Flexible asynchronous programs allow you to watch lectures and complete coursework on your own schedule. While this might sound ideal, an asynchronous format requires an extra level of commitment, organization and time management. If you prefer collaborative learning, look for synchronous or hybrid components.
- Your prior commitments. How much time can you dedicate to your education? If you work full time or handle responsibilities at home, you might need to enroll in a part-time program that suits your schedule. On the other hand, seek out full-time or accelerated programs if you want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible.
- Your budget. Online programs save you money on transport, housing and food. Since certificates require fewer credits than full degrees, they offer a more affordable education. However, not all programs accept federal student aid, so assess your budget and total costs before committing.
Accreditation for Online Data Analytics Certificates
To narrow down your search for the best data analytics certificate, check each prospective school’s accreditation status. During the college accreditation process, schools submit to third-party evaluation to assess the quality of their financial management, student outcomes and faculty. You can only access federal student aid if you attend an accredited institution.
Additionally, attending an accredited school makes it easier for your credits to transfer to another college. That’s a crucial factor if you plan to use your certificate as a starting point for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Institutional accreditation comes from accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To confirm a school’s status, consult CHEA’s directory.
Individual departments and programs can also earn programmatic accreditation, which varies in importance depending on the field. Most certificates on our list do not hold programmatic accreditation. However, Texas A&M University’s business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
How To Find the Best Online Data Analytics Certificate for You
Pro Tip
Look at each program’s required courses, electives and projects to determine whether it could help you reach your career goals.
Most data analytics certificates cover basic career skills such as Python programming, data management and data visualization tools. But several of the programs on our list offer specialized curriculums focusing on particular skills, topics or softwares.
Finding the best online data analytics program for you depends on your academic history, interests, goals, timeline and budget. Below, we’ll discuss a few factors to consider.
Consider Your Future Goals
Data analysts can find lucrative work in nearly every industry, including marketing, finance, insurance, healthcare and education. To identify your ideal program, clarify your long-term goals, and research interesting industries and job titles. Evaluate your existing strengths and identify your improvement areas. For example, you might need to become proficient in industry software like SAS or Ersi.
If you already have professional experience, look for schools that allow you to test out of basic courses or pursue new electives. Otherwise, many programs can take you from a total beginner to an entry-level practitioner.
Your enrollment options will be determined by your level of education. Some programs welcome learners with only a GED credential, while others require a bachelor’s degree. The right certificate gets you closer to your academic goals, whether you want to pursue a more advanced degree later or supplement your existing degrees.
Know Your Budget and Financing Options
Earning a data analyst certificate online can offer a more affordable education. Online programs typically cost less than their in-person counterparts, and certificates require fewer credits than full degrees.
Total tuition for the schools on our list ranges from $4,680 to $10,350. Per-credit tuition rates depend on factors like your enrollment status, whether you attend a public or private school, and where you live.
Keep in mind that while our ranked programs only require 12 to 18 credits, you may have to earn a certain number of credits before enrolling, which may incur additional costs. For example, some programs require incoming certificate students to have 30 to 55 transferable credits, which increases your investment significantly.
To lower your overall cost, look for financial aid opportunities. Start by filling out the FAFSA®, which determines your eligibility for federal grants. You can also look for merit- and need-based scholarships from colleges, nonprofit groups and government agencies. Finally, you may consider taking out a loan, but this option requires repayment with interest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Data Analytics Certificates
Which certificate is good for data analysts?
The best data analyst certificate depends on your career goals and current skills. In general, look for programs from accredited colleges that cover foundational skills, including data analysis techniques, Python programming, data visualization and machine learning.
Is a data analytics certificate worth it?
Yes, data analytics certificates can help you advance in your current role or start a new career. Academic certificates range from $4,600 to $10,000 in total tuition, which could eventually pay off in a high-paying, in-demand career.
Can you be a data analyst with just a certificate?
You typically need a bachelor’s degree to work as a data analyst. However, a certificate may help you land an entry-level job or move into a data-oriented role from another field.
Which course is best for data analytics?
Data analytics courses should cover programming languages like Python and R, software like Excel and Tableau, data analysis theory and practice, big data, machine learning and predictive analytics.
