Washington Business Analytics Course
Learn business analytics in 10 weeks.
Build Skills for Advancement
Whether you're looking to re-enter the workforce, grow in your current role, or help your team work smarter, the Business Analytics course opens doors. This program equips participants with in-demand skills that can lead to new opportunities, greater responsibility, and higher earning potential – without needing to leave your current career behind.
Learn Business-Critical Skills
In today’s digital economy, knowing how to turn numbers into insights is a game-changer. The Business Analytics Course teaches you how to use data to make smarter decisions, solve real problems, and drive business strategy. Whether you're aiming to grow your business or strengthen your role within it, these skills build resilience, boost performance, and position you for long-term success.
Get Up to Speed – Fast
In just 10 weeks, participants gain practical, job-ready skills through a flexible and supportive instructor led online learning environment. Whether you're working full-time, navigating a career transition, or re-entering the workforce, this course is designed to meet you where you are—helping you build confidence and momentum from day one.
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Be Part of the Business Analytics Boom.
Business Analytics is among the fastest-growing fields in Washington State and across the U.S. According to Indeed.com, the average base salary for a Business Analyst in Washington State is approximately $95,200. Glassdoor reports that entry‑level Business Analysts in Seattle earn around $98,400–$98,700, and overall Business Analyst roles average around $115,300.
Learn to use intuitive, industry-standard tools—such as Excel, Power BI, and SQL—to transform data into actionable insights. Whether you're stepping into analytics or preparing for leadership roles, this certificate offers a solid foundation on your path toward advancing your current career path.
Washington Business Analytics Course
Career Accelerator
The goal of the Business Analytics Course curricula is to quickly prepare students for entry-level roles in business analytics and operational support. The program emphasizes practical, applied learning to participants can start making an impact right away.
In just 10 weeks, students build foundational skills in tools like Excel, Power BI, and SQL, and learn how to apply data to real-world business decisions. Whether you're aiming to launch a new career or grow within your current organization, this program serves as a fast track to in-demand business roles.
Designed with working adults in mind, the course is structured for flexibility. With a weekly time, commitment of approximately 15–20 hours, participants can balance learning with their job or job search—while gaining valuable skills that lead to greater opportunities.
Data Professionals
Your Instructional Team
Derek Rush is the instructor for the 2025-2026 Business Analytics sessions. Derek has over 15 years experience in leveraging data assets to drive organizational value. The Business Analytics Course will take a “business-focus” rather than a “technology-focus” approach to provide valuable insights for your ability to quickly contribute to the success of a business.
The Business Analytics Course is designed to be widely accessible to individuals seeking to have a skill that is in very high demand or to advance their current career.
Application Steps
Fill out the application form at least one week before course start date.
As part of your application, you will be sent a link to a brief questionnaire. This is to provide the Instructor with an idea of what to expect regarding your general knowledge about elements relevant to business analytics.
Upon acceptance, you will be sent an email directing you to payment options.
*NOTE* If you are seeking support for tuition payment, please see the section regarding tuition and begin that process as soon as possible. Some of the options may take several weeks to complete.
After you have successfully completed the questionnaire, you will receive a link for the payment followed by login instructions for the Business Analytics Course online portal.
Course Details
The Business Analytics Course training is an instructor-led online course. The opportunity to ask questions from the instructor and interact with the other students in real time adds significantly to the knowledge you gain. It is structured to permit you to continue working while advancing to this exciting career. It is anticipated that it will take approximately 20-25 hours per week for class time plus homework.
The sessions are virtual.
- Virtual training 6:00-8:00pm PT
- August 2025 Session – Tuesday and Thursday for live training sessions with Business Analytics Instructors
- "Office hours” with the opportunity to meet with tutors and data experts to ask your questions.
- Other materials are self-paced online modules.
The Business Analytics Course consists of three sessions.
Session 1 – 7 week Basic Data Analytics Skills
- Brush up on Excel skills and learn more about how it is used with Data Analytics.
- Visual programming methods using Orange. Orange is an open-source data visualization, machine learning and data mining toolkit. This is the ideal approach to quickly learn data skills for students that are not already familiar with a programming language.
Session 2 – 7 week Databases and Visualization
- Learn the terminology and how to structure and make use of relational databases.
- Use SQL and fundamental database concepts to create a normalized database, manipulate the data and extract the data from the database.
- Learn how to convert business questions into SQL queries.
Session 3 – 6 week Real-world Applications
- Learn to apply your new Data Skills. A real-world project will be covered. This is an ideal opportunity to work with actual data and present the results to a live panel of experts. The presentation material provides a valuable addition to your resume portfolio.
Optional Supplemental
- For those who wish, a time will be set to provide information helpful for resume writing for the Data Analyst, and a current snapshot of the Data Analytics business world.
NWIRC Business Analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Course last?
It is a 10-week training that is focused on the essentials to become a Business Analyst. You may be able to work at your current job while taking this training.
Is the Course in person or virtual?
The Business Analytics Course is delivered via two virtual sessions per week. With live instructors, you are able to ask questions and engage in discussion with other students in real time, thus providing an added value to the instruction.
How much time is required weekly?
The total time each week for both live training sessions and the self-paced modules will be between 15-20 hours.
What is the cost?
Full tuition for the 10-week program is $3000. All work materials are provided as part of the Business Analytics Course.
What equipment, etc. do I need to participate?
You will need a wireless laptop running Microsoft Windows and a camera to access online material, participating in online classes, work on class projects, and to take exams. Microsoft® Word and Excel are tools that are used in class. Other software tools are provided during the course.
Are there options for payment of tuition?
- Students may receive full or partial tuition reimbursement from their employer.
- Students may qualify for a loan for full or partial tuition from Industrial Credit Union. There is no collateral and repayment begins after you complete the Course. Easy online application at Online Loan Application — Industrial Credit Union (industrialcu.org)
- You may also qualify for support through a government workforce program. To find out if you qualify, contact your County’s Workforce location. This process can take a few weeks, so please get started as soon as you can.
Is there a required prerequisite skill or experience level?
You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire to demonstrate your current level of knowledge regarding elements pertinent to business analytics.
The course teaches the entry-level mathematics, statistics, and data science skills necessary to become an entry-level Business Analyst.
What happens if I am unable to complete the course?
The course cumulatively builds upon previous material throughout the 20-week curricula. Each of the three units have evaluations -- Units 1 and 2 evaluations are written exams, while Unit 3's evaluation is an instructor scoring of students' presentation of their group final project. Passing score for each is 70%.
If you have trouble with a section, and need additional assistance, we offer help sessions with access to instructors. Our goal is to help you master the topic.
If you do not meet the 70% passing score for either a written exam or final project presentation on your first attempt, you will be allowed to restudy and retake the evaluation, within 60-days for a total of three attempts.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of this program?
Business Analytics is one of the fastest growing fields and most sought after for skilled workers. Washington State is known for its tech businesses, and they value Data and Business Analysts.
What is the background of the lead instructor?
The instructor for the 2025 Business Analytics sessions is Derek Rush. Derek is a results-oriented leader with over 15 years of experience in business intelligence (BI), specializing in leveraging data assets to drive organizational value. As Principal Consultant and Founder of Source to Share, Derek collaborates with clients across industries to develop and implement comprehensive BI strategies, integrating diverse data sources to deliver impactful insights. With a background in mathematics and a track record of success in executive leadership roles, Derek excels in optimizing processes, enhancing decision-making, and fostering organizational growth through innovative data-driven solutions.
Is there a work experience element of the course?
Yes! This course gives you real-world knowledge and useful skills that employers seek. In the final session of the 10 weeks, you will work on a real-world problem and provide a presentation of the results to a panel of industry experts. This exhibits the sum of your Business Analytics Course as well as provides examples suitable for inclusion in your resume or other requirements to demonstrate your knowledge of business analytics.
Tuition
- Full tuition for the 10-week program is $3000.
- The demand for professionals with business analytics skills is growing rapidly, and many organizations struggle to fill these critical roles. To help meet this need, businesses and government programs may offer funding or support to offset the cost of the Business Analytics Certificate—making it easier for you to gain in-demand skills and step into a high-impact career.
- If you are challenged finding a job, a veteran or transitioning out of the military, you may qualify for government programs for tuition support and other expenses associated with this course.
- Students may qualify for a loan for full or partial tuition from Industrial Credit Union. There is no collateral and repayment begins after you complete the course. Easy online application at Online Loan Application — Industrial Credit Union (industrialcu.org)
- You may also qualify for support through a government workforce program. To find out if you qualify, contact your County’s Workforce location. This process can take a few weeks, so please get started as soon as you can.
JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Provides optional elements to help students prepare for and seek employment upon completion of the course.
Business Analytics Path to Employment Success Program
Goal: To provide training and assistance to current Business Analytics participants providing the best opportunity to successfully land a job in data analytics after successful completion of workshop.
Four aspects of the program
- Resume development: best practices in either enhancing current resume to highlight new skills or develop a new resume with the necessary pivot to accentuate past experience with new knowledge.
- Interview preparation: learning from current professionals in the field of data analytics, review interview techniques and questions through a panel discussion.
- Networking: How to utilize current connections and new contacts to discover opportunities and increase chances of landing interviews.
- LinkedIn Upgrade: Utilizing business social media to find employment, develop LinkedIn resume, and make yourself discoverable to potential employers.