The University of California (UC) Irvine Extension's Business Analyst Certificate Program offers training for individuals who want to sharpen their skills and those who seek new opportunities in the industry. The program teaches students the skills required of project managers, systems integrators and stakeholders. Students typically are professionals who already serve as business systems analysts, product marketers or quality assurance analysts. Students have five years to complete the program, which includes 12.5 units of core classes and 2.5 units of electives. Classes cover topics such as communicating technical requirements; business analysis planning and project management; and testing, verification and validation. Courses are available in the classroom and online, and an accelerated format of a class also might be available. Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is accredited by the senior commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It also is an International Institute of Business Analysis charter endorsed education provider, according to the IIBA. (http://www.theiiba.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Sponsorship/AboutIIBASponsors/default.htm). The program cost in 2010 was between $4,700 and $4,900 depending on whether online or classroom courses were selected.
University of California Irvine Extension
Pereira Drive West of East Peltason Drive
Building 234
Irvine, CA 92697
unex.uci.edu/certificates/business_mgmt/business_analyst/
Northwestern University in Illinois offers a business analysis certificate program through the School of Continuing Studies. The program's four courses include the changing role of the business analyst; initiating projects and elicitation of requirements; developing process-centric business requirements through process models and use cases; and the principles of business process management. The content of the program is aligned with the IIBA. In addition, courses can last two days to six weeks long. Founded in 1851, the private Northwestern University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Each class in 2010 cost $1,195.
Northwestern University
School of Continuing Studies
339 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(847) 491-3225
scs.northwestern.edu/pdp/npdp/analyst/
Capella University in Minneapolis offers a master's degree in information technology, with a specialization in business analysis. The program is 48 quarter credits. The specialization courses include solution analysis and modeling; business modeling; business solution assessment and validation; and strategic business analysis. Students also learn current trends in IT and complete a capstone course in business analysis. Through the Capella University program, students are trained to implement and monitor IT solutions that meet businesses' goals. Founded in 1993, the private online university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The tuition per credit in 2010 was $548.
Capella University
Capella Tower
225 S. 6th St., 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(866) 933-5860
capella.edu/schools_programs/business_technology/masters/business_analysis.aspx