Discover the growing field of data analytics, where professionals convert raw data into valuable insights for businesses. With a high earning potential and a projected 35% growth rate, it's a wise career choice—particularly in Miami, which boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.
Key Insights
- Data analysts are in high demand in sectors like healthcare, business and financial services, IT, and marketing and can earn an average salary over $100,000.
- Miami has a thriving job market for data analysts, with numerous opportunities in its health district, international travel hub, and various business sectors.
- Data analytics certificates help professionals transition careers or enhance their skills by teaching them to use tools like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Python, and SQL.
- Noble Desktop offers two comprehensive online certificate programs in data analytics and data science, complete with 1-on-1 mentoring sessions and the option to retake classes for free.
- The University of Miami's part-time certificate program provides students with hands-on experience in data analysis technologies and includes job planning assistance.
- Other notable certificate programs are offered by MIU City University Miami, Miami Dade College, Florida Atlantic University, the University of Texas at Austin, Harvard Extension School, and Amazon.
Data analysts are in high demand and can be found in several job sectors, including health care, business and financial services, insurance, information technology, marketing, and manufacturing.Â
According to national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data analysts (referred to by the BLS as data scientists) have a high earning potential, with an average annual salary of a little over $100,000. The career outlook is also stellar, with 35% projected growth from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average. The median annual salary for data scientists/analysts in Miami is $108,470.Â
With one of the lowest unemployment rates of any U.S. city, there are plenty of job opportunities for data analysts in Miami. The city is home to a large and renowned Health District where several world-class hospitals and research facilities are located. It's also an international travel hub, with one of the largest airports in the U.S. and one of the world's largest seaports for tourism. Other thriving sectors in Miami include business and financial services, information technology, and logistics/distribution, all of which employ data analysts.Â
If you are transitioning careers or looking to improve your analytics skills in your current profession, a certificate program will prepare you. Data analytics certificates teach you how to use various platforms like Microsoft Excel and Tableau, as well as programming languages Python and SQL, to help turn large sets of data into actionable insights. If you are already working as a data analyst, becoming certified by passing an exam will validate your knowledge and skill set.Â
Noble Desktop: Data Analytics Certificate
Key Information:$4,995,6 weeks full-time (weekdays) or 24 weeks part-time (evenings), remote learning, free retake option, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, no prerequisites required.
Learn in-demand job skills such as data analysis, business intelligence, and database management with Noble Desktop's Data Analytics Certificate. In this online program, you'll learn how to gather, wrangle, analyze, and visualize data to provide insights that assist businesses in their decision-making. Looking at real-world case studies, you'll explore both predictive (examining past data to predict future outcomes) and prescriptive analytics (optimizing decision-making with constraints).Â
The data analytics tools and techniques you'll learn include Python, Excel, SQL, Tableau, and machine learning, among others. You'll also create a portfolio of work to showcase to prospective employers and clients. No prior knowledge or experience is required, making this an ideal program for individuals looking to launch their career as a data analyst or build their analytics knowledge in their current job.Â
In addition to 156 hours of class instruction, you'll receive eight one-on-one mentoring sessions with an expert who will help you polish your resume, build your portfolio, assist with challenging concepts, and provide professional career advice. If you miss a class or need a refresher of the curriculum, Noble Desktop allows you to retake any module or the entire program for up to one year. There are also class recordings posted online within one day of each session.Â
Noble Desktop: Data Science Certificate
Key Information:$3,995,4 weeks full-time or 20 weeks part-time (evenings or Saturdays), remote learning, free retake option, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, no prerequisites required.Â
Noble Desktop's Data Science Certificate program provides hands-on training in Python, machine learning, data visualizations, and database queries with SQL. In this beginner-friendly program, you'll learn the skills and techniques necessary for entry-level data science and Python engineering employment. Learning objectives include creating graphs and visualizations, making predictions with linear regression, evaluating the performance of machine learning models, and writing programs in Python.Â
Projects included in class include applying data science techniques to real-world case studies and building a portfolio of work. In addition to 114 hours of instructions, you'll receive six one-on-one mentoring sessions with an expert who will help you polish your resume, build your portfolio, review challenging concepts, and provide professional career advice. Upon completion of the program, you'll receive a NY state-licensed certificate validating your mastery of the subject.Â
Miss a class or need a refresher on the curriculum? Noble Desktop offers a free retake option which allows you to retake any module or the entire program for up to one year. You'll also find recordings of each class session posted online after class.Â
The University of Miami: Data Analytics Certificate
Key Information:$12,495,6 months part-time, remote learning, job planning assistance, no previous experience required.Â
The University of Miami Division of Continuing & International Education offers an online, part-time certificate program in data analytics that teaches students how to conduct analysis on a variety of real-world issues. Students learn various technologies used in data analysis like Excel, Python, SQL, Tableau, machine learning, R, and Git/GitHub, among others. Projects include collaborating with other students and working individually on real-world case studies. You'll also build a portfolio of your work to showcase to prospective employers.Â
The classes in this program are conducted live online and are designed to be interactive, as opposed to a lecture format. For help with your resume and job planning, you'll have access to a career director and advisor after the program. An official certificate is awarded upon completion, as well as a digital badge that can be posted on social media sites like LinkedIn.Â
MIU City University Miami: Data and Business Analytics Certificate
Key Information: Contact school for cost, 4 months, remote learning, offered in English or Spanish, personal tutor.
Learn how to analyze data to facilitate decision-making with MIU City University Miami's certificate program in data and business analytics. In this online program, you'll learn about data analysis concepts and tools such as Big Data, machine learning, Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, SQL, and business intelligence.Â
Students interact with their instructors and classmates in live online classes, as well as complete online activities and readings to further their knowledge. In addition to instruction, a personal tutor will be available to assist you throughout the program.Â
Miami Dade College: Business Intelligence Professional Certificate
Key Information:$2,364,1 year, 20 credits (5 classes), no prerequisites required.
Learn in-demand skills for entry-level employment in business intelligence and data analytics with Miami Dade College's professional certificate program. Areas of study in this program include database concepts and SQL, creating data mining algorithms, and generating interactive reports. Students will acquire the skills to produce financial and market intelligence such as performing database queries, generating reports, identifying trends and patterns, analyzing competitive market strategies, and providing recommendations for decision-making.Â
Classes included in the certificate are Database Concepts and Design, Introduction to Data Analytics, Intermediate Analytics, Power BI: Data Preparation and Modeling, and Power BI: Data Visualization and Analysis. The credits earned can also be applied toward an Associate's degree in business intelligence or a Bachelor's degree in data analytics, both of which are offered at Miami Dade College.Â
Florida Atlantic University: Executive Certificate in Business Analytics
Key Information:$2,995,15 weeks, 1 class per week, Boca Raton campus or virtual, some knowledge or experience recommended.Â
Learn descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics in Florida Atlantic University's business analytics certificate program. In this 15-week program, you'll gain knowledge of the methodology and concepts used in business analytics and become proficient in tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics, machine learning, and Excel. Through hands-on assignments, you'll learn how to apply data science techniques to produce insights for business decision-making.Â
The ideal candidates for this program are business professionals looking to gain or enhance their knowledge of data analytics. Some knowledge of Excel or experience working with spreadsheets is recommended. The class can be taken in-person at the Boca Raton campus or online.Â
The University of Texas at Austin: Post Graduate Program in Data Science & Business Analytics
Key Information: Contact school for cost, 6 months, remote learning, dedicated career support.
The University of Texas at Austin offers a fully online certificate program in data science and business analytics. The program covers in-demand skills and technologies such as Python, data visualization, big data analytics, business strategies, machine learning, model tuning, and time series forecasting. Students learn through online videos and live online mentoring sessions that include guidance on over eight hands-on projects.Â
You'll also have access to dedicated career experts who provide one-on-one assistance with reviewing resumes, preparing for interviews, and building your portfolio. Upon successfully completing the courses, you'll receive an official certificate from UT Austin.Â
Harvard Extension School: Data Analytics Graduate Certificate
Key Information:$12,880, remote learning, 4 courses (16 credits), remote learning, introductory statistics recommended, business experience a plus.Â
Earn a graduate certificate in data analytics from the Harvard Extension School, a continuing education division. In this online program, you'll learn how to apply statistical analyses and data mining methods to solve real-world problems, master programming skills for business analytics, gain basic skills in data management tools, and effectively visualize and communicate data.Â
To complete the certificate, students choose four classes among a variety of introductory and elective data analytics courses. If you have limited statistics knowledge, it is recommended to take an introductory statistics class as one of the four courses for the certificate. No application is required for admission to this program.Â
Amazon: AWS Certified Data Analytics
Key Information:$300, certification exam, 180 minutes, 65 multiple choice/multiple response questions, online or at a Pearson VUE testing center, experience required.Â
Individuals with professional experience in Amazon Web Services data analytics can become certified by passing an exam. Candidates should have at least five years of experience with common data analytics technologies and two years of hands-on experience using AWS to design, build, and maintain analytics solutions. The test can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center.Â
There are multiple options to help you prepare for the exam, including a free AWS exam guide and practice questions. Amazon also offers online paid training sessions such as Building Data Lakes on AWS, a one-day intermediate-level online course for data platform engineers and IT professionals.Â
FAQ for Data Analytics Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Generally, the difference is that a certificate is awarded to students who complete a training course while a certification is given to students who pass an exam. Little or no experience is required for entry to a certificate program, while certification exams generally require years of experience and specific data analytics knowledge.Â
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
If you are a newcomer to the field and/or transitioning careers, pursuing a certificate program is your best option. Individuals who have years of experience as a data or business analyst can pass a certification exam to validate their expertise.Â
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
No, you do not need to become certified to be a data analyst. Becoming certified will showcase your skills to employers, but is not necessary for finding a job. Completing a certificate program will give you the skills you need to pursue a career as a data analyst.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
Some people prefer in-person classes because they offer more personal interaction with classmates and instructors. Also, if you don't have a computer, in-person classes often provide them for you. However, if you prefer to work from the comfort of your own home and skip the commute, online classes are your better option. Certificate programs in data analytics are increasingly being offered fully online, therefore you will likely have more options when searching for online classes vs. in-person classes.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
If you have an unpredictable schedule and enjoy self-paced learning, asynchronous classes might be for you. Learning in these classes is often conducted through readings and by watching pre-recorded videos/webinars. Meanwhile, live online classes consist of attending a live lecture/classroom at a scheduled time. Many certificate programs offer part-time programs with evening sessions to accommodate work schedules. Live online classes offer the benefit of being able to ask questions and receive feedback in real-time.