Students earning their Certificate in Business Analytics will develop a comprehensive understanding of business analytics.  Students will learn how to diagnose problems and envision solutions from an evidence-based perspective. They will develop the capability to build statistical models, measure the data, interpret the results, and then synthesize the findings in order to improve organizational performance.  The holistic education will teach students both the statistical and managerial sides of business analytics.

The CPBA is designed to provide students with exposure to business analytics in conjunction with either their functional area of concentration or as a unique career tract. Required coursework includes statistical analysis, data mining, commercial software products, process optimization, and database management. The experience-based learning components of the certificate program will allow students to gain hands-on experience in understanding the use of business analytics in a wide variety of organizational settings.

The CPBA is designed as an enhancement to the Pitt Business Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program and not as a detached curriculum. As such, the certificate builds upon the BSBA core curriculum and is predicated on a student earning a major in accounting, business information systems, finance, global management, human resources management, marketing, or supply chain management. Accordingly, enrollment is reserved for students in the Pitt Business BSBA program, or who are earning a double degree from Pitt Business and the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences or Pitt Business and the School of Information Sciences.

Program Description

A total of 15 credits are required to complete the CPBA. This includes both required and elective coursework focused on business analytics.  Students are strongly encouraged to participate in non-credit business analytics immersion experiences such as internal and external case competitions, and other student activities.

To earn the CPBA, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) across all five certificate courses at the time of graduation.

Entrepreneurs in Residence

In addition to learning from Pitt Business faculty members, students earning the CPBA will have the opportunity to work with Pitt Business Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) who have significant professional expertise in the field of business analytics.  The EIRs provide mentorship and business development support for students.