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Research and Analytics Online Certificate Program
The Research and Analytics certificate provides students with the skills they need to differentiate, analyze, and interpret data to meet organizational needs. Through for-credit courses in multiple disciplines—marketing, communications, and social science—students gain an understanding of the marketing research process and learn to utilize tools that support data analysis. With this certificate, marketing and communications professionals can emerge with practical experience in designing a research study and applying data analysis to solve business problems.
The certificate is ideal for marketing analysts, managers, and researchers, and professionals working in or seeking to work in marketing, advertising, and communications.
Learn from a faculty of industry leaders in this fully online certificate. Enhance your professional skillset and advance your career.
Or, apply credit you've earned to one of five SPS online bachelor's degrees.
Format
Online, asynchronous classes
Time to Completion
Four quarters (one year), one course per quarter
Quarter of Entry
Begin in any quarter
Number of Credits
Four courses to complete the certificate
Tuition
Estimated cost $2,300 per course
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About the Research and Analytics Certificate Program
Research and Analytics Goals and Courses
Program Goals
Research and Analytics Certificate students will:
- Differentiate between the methods for gathering quantitative and qualitative data and assess the benefits and limitations of each
- Use analytical tools to effectively manage, manipulate, and evaluate data
- Gain experience in all stages of the market research process, including data analysis and reporting processes
- Interpret social media data to gain insight into an organization and its audiences
Curriculum
Four courses are required:
- COMM ST 201-DL Research Methods in Communication Studies
- COMM ST 352-DL Social Network Analysis
- MKTG 350-DL Market Research
- SOCIOL 226-DL Sociological Analysis
VIEW COURSE SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS
Admission for the Research and Analytics Certificate
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found at the Admission page.
Research and Analytics Tuition
Certificate students in the School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about tuition and financial obligations, see the Tuition page.
Research and Analytics Registration Information
Registration for courses opens 8 to 10 weeks before each quarter and is accessed CAESAR, Northwestern's online student records system. View course registration timelines and instructions on the Registration Information page.
Applying Credit to an Online Bachelor of Science Program
Students interested in the option of applying credit earned in an online undergraduate certificate to an SPS online bachelor's degree program should submit an online application and all required application materials. Students who elect to apply to a bachelor’s degree program before completing the certificate will be able to count completed courses toward the applicable bachelor’s degree, but a certificate will not be conferred.
If you are interested in exploring this option, contact an admission advisor for details.