Overview
Gain the skills and knowledge to take your career to the next level with data analytics. Become a valued member of any business by using data to align the business decision-making process with storytelling and insight.
The Data Analytics post-diploma certificate program will focus on predictive analytics, which uses statistical models and forecasting to understand possible future scenarios, as well as prescriptive analytics, which uses optimization and simulation to produce recommendations on possible outcomes.
Courses in the program address the methods used to organize and analyze structured and unstructured (big data) sets to facilitate informed decision-making.
Graduates will possess the knowledge, skills, and aptitude to apply fundamental principles of data analytics. They will learn to align data into the business decision-making process, creating accurate and meaningful storytelling with actionable insights. They will accomplish this using a foundation of data management and ethics.
Is this the right fit for me?
This is an intensive program requiring a commitment of both time and energy. Students who experience success are those who make their education a priority throughout the program.
We find there is a direct correlation between the time and energy invested to the amount of success achieved.
Learners with strong time management and discipline have a greater propensity to succeed. Remaining focused and diligent with coursework is important for success in completing the program.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Data Analytics post-diploma certificate.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- business analyst
- data analytics analyst
- data analytics specialist
- data and reporting analyst
- data steward
- business intelligence analyst
Related careers include:
- statistician
- webmaster
Tuition and fees*
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $14,813
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $17,885.96
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Apr. 28, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
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Admission requirements
Admission dates
Applications are open until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021.
- Spring 2023 start: applications are accepted from June 13, 2022.
Ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for the Data Analytics post-diploma certificate has a previous post-secondary diploma or degree. Education in business, economics, finance, etc. would be ideal.
You have a strong math background and foundational education in statistics. You have worked with data and are intrigued by the power of data and how it can be analyzed to support good business decision-making.
Previous experience working with databases is an asset.
Program requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following (or equivalent), as well as the English Proficiency requirement*:
- Post-secondary degree or diploma from a recognized university, institute or college.
- A combination of education and experience will be considered, upon approval from the Academic Chair.
*All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
This program is available to international students, however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DATA 401 | Data Literacy | 3.0 |
| DATA 410 | Business Context for Data Analytics | 3.0 |
| DATA 415 | Statistical Analysis of Data | 3.0 |
| DATA 420 | Predictive Analytics | 3.0 |
| DATA 445 | Business Analytics with Excel | 3.0 |
| DATA 460 | Business Intelligence Reporting | 3.0 |
| DATA 475 | Advanced Concepts in Data Analytics | 3.0 |
| PROJ 406 | Data Analytics Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Total Program Credits | 24.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $556
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $13,344 | $916 | $553 | $14,813 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $834 |
| 3.0 | $1,668 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $684.04
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $16,416.96 | $916 | $553 | $17,885.96 |
International cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $1,026.06 |
| 3.0 | $2,052.12 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held online on Aug. 30. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a power-user hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Additional software will be downloaded and installed on your computer during the first classes. Reviewing this tutorial would be beneficial.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
403.284.8543
sadt.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Erin Gates, Academic Chair
erin.gates@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted studentsImportant dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Important Dates
