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Business Analytics: From Data to Insights

Unlock business success with data-driven decision making

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Translate business analytics into strategic advantage with Wharton Business Analytics program

In a landscape where every interaction generates information, organizations need talent that can analyze data, understand key statistical concepts, and apply business analysis methods to support informed business decisions and improve overall business objectives. The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program from Wharton Executive Education prepares professionals and business leaders to transform complex data management challenges into clarity, action, and highly actionable insights.


Led by world-renowned Wharton faculty, this nine-week online program combines descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics with practical analytical techniques used by business analysts and data analysts. You will deepen your statistical analysis capabilities, strengthen your ability to evaluate business processes, and develop the tools to forecast outcomes, effectively communicate insights, and elevate strategic decision making across your organization.

23 times

The likelihood of businesses acquiring more customers vs. their competitors, using data analytics.
SOURCE: FORBES HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL

$745.15 Billion

The projected valuation of the global big data analytics market by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.5%.
SOURCE: FORTUNE BUSINESS INSIGHTS

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Get a firsthand look at how this program sharpens your ability to analyze data, apply analytical techniques, and make informed business decisions.

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    Key takeaways

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program is designed to help participants understand how to work with data sets, identify actionable insights, build predictive models, and strengthen their ability to draw conclusions that support better business decisions. By the end of this online program, you will be able to:

    • Understand new and best-practice methods for collecting data

    • Gain deeper insights into user behavior

    • Identify and apply the right tools to predict future outcomes

    • Employ real-world business analytics practices used by leading organizations

    • Formulate data-driven recommendations to inform strategic decisions and guide your organization toward success

    Your learning experience

    Wharton Business Analytics Programs - Real World Examples
    Real-World Examples

    Delivered through a combination of video and live online lectures

    Wharton Business Analytics Program - Application to Data Sets
    Applications to Data Sets

    Learn through individual assignments and feedback

    Wharton Business Analytics Program - learnings
    Debrief of Learnings

    Delivered through a combination of recorded and live video lectures

    Wharton Business Analytics Programs - Live Teaching Sessions
    4 Live Teaching Sessions by Wharton Faculty

    Engage in faculty-led live sessions on real-world business analytics applications

    Wharton Business Analytics Programs - Data Analytics Simulation
    1 Data Analytics Simulation

     Apply key frameworks in a practical simulation that replicates complex business challenges and decision-making scenarios

    Wharton Business Analytics Program - Frameworks
    Frameworks

    Build your understanding of core frameworks via concise video lectures that link theory to practice

    What you will learn in the Wharton Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program is designed with the needs of busy professionals and emerging data-driven leaders in mind. You will learn through video lectures, live webinars, case studies, and interactive discussions guided by Wharton faculty.

    The nine-week online program’s curriculum combines experiential learning, practical applications, and collaboration within a diverse network of participants, allowing you to strengthen your ability to analyze data, build predictive models, apply analytical techniques, and translate insights into informed business decisions for meaningful career impact.

    Program modules:

    Familiarize with the learning platform and the components of the program.

    Identify effective methods for collecting data on customer behavior and use it to make better decisions for your business.

    Learn how to use historical data such as trends and consumption patterns to estimate forecasts for the future.

    Choose the right tool for decision-making to create future business strategies and determine the kinds of predictions you can make to create future strategies.

    Apply optimization models to specific business challenges with low uncertainty and determine the most favorable outcome for your business.

    Interpret and visualize the results of simulation models to evaluate complex business decisions in uncertain settings.

    Use data analytics to derive insights into the key components of the staffing cycle for your business — hiring, internal mobility, and attrition.

    Write prescriptions for data-driven decision-making for your organization using optimization models.

    Determine the most favorable outcome for a business decision using decision trees in conjunction with optimization and simulation.

    Explain important components of different use cases of analytics in business and create a plan to put data to work in your organization.

    Live sessions

    As part of the Business Analytics: From Data to Insights online program, you will participate in live sessions* embedded within key modules to reinforce learning through real-time interaction, faculty-led instruction, and applied exercises. Through these interactive sessions, you will explore real-world applications of business analytics, examine industry examples, and deepen your understanding of how data-driven insights can shape strategy, improve performance, and drive business growth.

    1
    Descriptive Analytics — Gathering Insights

    Understand survey design fundamentals, participation strategies, artificial intelligence (AI) integration in research, and customer-centric innovation through case-based examples to effectively gather meaningful insights.
    2
    Predictive Analytics — Using Data to Predict Employee Performance

    Explore the use of people analytics in human resources (HR), regression modeling techniques, model output interpretation, and advanced topics including attrition types and AI impacts on workforce analytics.
    3
    Prescriptive Analytics — Determining the Most Favorable Outcomes

    Delve into optimization methods including linear and nonlinear programming, risk assessment frameworks, simulation techniques, and strategies for managing risk–reward trade-offs.
    4
    Application of Analytics for Business

    Understand the analytics translator role, including bridging business needs and analytics, developing value-driven strategy maps, selecting predictive measures, setting targets, and addressing data quality and organizational challenges.

    *Note: Topics and the schedule are subject to change.

    Hear from our participants

    Hear from past participants who have applied analytics frameworks to real business challenges. Their experiences highlight how the program strengthens decision-making and drives meaningful impact.

    I really appreciated that the program didn’t just explain concepts like descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics in isolation, but showed exactly how they can be applied to business decisio...
    Nguyen Nguyen
    Lifecycle Senior Manager,
    Binance
    I have taken similar programs through other institutions. While all were valuable, this course provided the most practical information on how to implement and interpret multiple types of analysis usin...
    M. Daniel Hancock
    Sr. Director of Customer Insights & Analytics,
    Maine Community Bank
    I really enjoyed thinking about my own organization and a potential new one when learning and applying these techniques. The real-world examples made these methods very interesting, and I'm looking fo...
    Elijah Souther
    Procurement Specialist,
    A. Duie Pyle
    The best part of this program was its ability to teach complex concepts in a short amount of time in a way that respects the fact that many of those enrolled have busy professional lives in addition t...
    Trent Troeger
    Consultant,
    KPMG LLP
    The program covered a broad spectrum of analytics topics, from descriptive to prescriptive analytics. This holistic approach gave me a well-rounded understanding of how to use data to drive decision-m...
    Theresa Savillo
    Financial Analyst,
    Earth Rated

    Where past participants come from

    Disclaimer: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of product and company names does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the holders.

    The list of companies is only indicative and not exhaustive.

    Who is this program for?

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program is designed to give participants an understanding of how to look at data and identify insights, improve their ability to make long-term predictions, and provide them with the expertise to make better business decisions.

    The program is ideal for:

    • C-suite executives looking to keep pace with current trends, use business analytics as a strategic advantage, and make more data-backed decisions

    • C-suite executives looking to stay ahead of trends, leverage analytics as a strategic advantage, and make data-driven decisions

    • Mid- to senior-level managers aiming to use analytics to boost performance, influence business outcomes, and advance their careers

    • Analysts seeking to understand the business impact of analytics, extract actionable insights, and accelerate career growth

    • Consultants looking to deliver stronger client insights, apply the latest analytics approaches, and use structured problem solving

    Seamless Learning, Anywhere

    Methods and tools

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program integrates a wide range of analytical methods and tools that enable participants to extract insights, forecast outcomes, and guide strategic action. From data collection and visualization to optimization and simulation, each technique supports the goal of turning information into impact.

    Data Collection Methods

    • Descriptive Data Collection: Surveys, Net Promoter Score (NPS), and Self-Reports

    • Passive Data Collection

    • Media Data Collection: Radio, Television, Mobile, etc.

    Forecasting

    • Objective and Subjective

    • Strand or Seasonal Variation

    • Exponential Smoothing

    • Descriptive Statistics

    • Trends and Seasonality

    • New Product

    A/B Testing

    Correlation and Causation

    Regression Analysis

    Data Visualization and Interpretation

    Optimization Models

    Decision Trees

    Simulation Toolkit

    • Analysis ToolPak

    • Solver Optimization Tool

    Industry examples

    Assess and strengthen your strategic decision making through a wide range of real-world analytics examples, including Starbucks’ ROI-driven customer targeting, American Express’s social-data-based churn prediction, Netflix’s metadata-powered content relevance, and Kohl’s smartphone targeting strategy. You will also explore how TIME addressed inventory inconsistencies and how Amazon uses predictive analytics, regression analysis, and core statistical concepts.

    Starbucks Logo

    How is Starbucks identifying which customers to give deals to in order to maximize return on investment (RoI)?

    American Express Logo

    How does American Express use social media data to predict whether you are going to give up your American Express card?

    Netflix Logo

    How is Netflix using metadata tagging to know what you watch and to create relevant content?

    Time Magazine Logo

    Why were stores either selling out of Time magazine or only selling a small fraction of their inventory?

    Kohl's Logo

    How has Kohl's been using analytics for smartphone targeting?

    Amazon Logo

    How could Amazon potentially ship before you buy?

    Disclaimer: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of product and company names does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the holders.

    The list of companies is only indicative and not exhaustive.

    Program Faculty

    World-renowned Wharton faculty will guide you through the analytical frameworks and techniques that shape modern business decision making. You will leverage their insights and domain expertise to strengthen your ability to solve organizational challenges across diverse business contexts.

    Wharton Business Analytics Program Faculty -Christopher D Ittner
    Christopher D. Ittner

    Faculty Director, EY Professor of Accounting; Chairperson, Accounting Department

    Wharton Business Analytics Program Faculty - Peter Fader
    Peter Fader

    Frances and Pei-Yuan Chia Professor; Professor of Marketing

    Raghuram Iyengar img
    Raghuram Iyengar

    Miers-Busch, W’1885 Professor, Professor of Marketing; Faculty Director, Wharton Customer Analytics (WCA)

    Wharton Business Analytics Program Faculty -Senthil Veeraraghavan
    Senthil Veeraraghavan

    Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions

    Wharton Business Analytics Program Faculty - Sergei Savin
    Sergei Savin

    Associate Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions

    Wharton Business Analytics Program  Faculty - Ron Berman
    Ron Berman

    Assistant Professor of Marketing

    WH-BA-Noah Gans-faculty
    Noah Gans

    Anheuser-Busch Professor of Management Science

    Wharton Business Analytics Program Faculty -Eric Bradlow
    Eric Bradlow

    The K. P. Chao Professor; Professor of Marketing; Vice Dean, Analytics at Wharton; Chairperson, Wharton Marketing Department; Professor of Economics; Professor of Education; Professor of Statistics, The Wharton School

    Wharton Business Analytics Program Faculty -Matthew Bidwell
    Matthew Bidwell

    Associate Professor of Management

    Earn a Certificate from Wharton

    Earn a Certificate from Wharton

    Earn a digital Wharton certificate upon successful completion of the online program.

    All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wharton School.

    FAQs

    What is the Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program from Wharton?

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program from Wharton Executive Education is designed for professionals seeking to understand and apply data science, predictive analytics, multiple variable regression analysis, and other analytical skills to solve real business problems. It offers a practical, business-focused approach to data literacy, enabling participants to interpret big data, use data visualization tools, and apply machine learning concepts in day-to-day decision-making.

    Focused on building applied analytical capability, the program emphasizes implementing analytical techniques, managing data management workflows, and using visualization software to translate information into informed business decisions that strengthen organizational performance.

    Is a Business Analytics program worth it?

    There are many analytics and data-focused programs available today, and the value of any course depends on your goals, experience level, and the skills you want to build. Professionals who want to strengthen their analytical capability need more than basic reporting — they need the critical skills to interpret information, solve complex business problems, and support stronger business objectives.

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program provides a structured curriculum that builds essential capabilities in regression analysis, predictive analytics, basic descriptive statistics, and advanced analytical techniques. Through core concepts, key concepts, and hands-on work with real data sets, the program helps you develop stronger managerial judgment and apply analytics frameworks used by industry leaders, making it a highly valuable investment for career growth.

    Is 40 too old to become a data analyst?

    Not at all. Age is not a barrier in analytics. The field values analytical skills, data literacy, strategic decision making, and the ability to effectively communicate insights. This program supports learners at any stage by teaching data management, data visualization, analytical techniques, and applied tools like Microsoft Excel. Many professionals transition into data analyst or business analyst roles later in their careers.

    Which business analytics course is best?

    The best business analytics course is one that blends predictive analytics, regression analysis, data visualization, analytical tools, and hands-on work with data sets—all supported by a strong learning environment and expert faculty. Wharton’s Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program stands out because it integrates machine learning, actionable insights, descriptive statistics, and real-world business processes, with a curriculum designed for both beginners and experienced professionals.

    Who is the Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program designed for?

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program from Wharton Executive Education is designed for professionals across functions who want to make stronger, data-backed business decisions. It is ideal for C-suite executives, mid- to senior-level managers, analysts, and consultants seeking to strengthen their ability to analyze data, apply analytical techniques, and translate actionable insights into business impact. This applied business analytics program helps participants move from understanding data sets to solving real business problems and driving measurable outcomes.

    Does the program offer business analytics training?

    The definition of business analytics training often depends on individual perception, while traditional training usually focuses on step-by-step technical instruction using tools like Microsoft Excel.

    The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program takes a broader, applied approach. Participants engage with descriptive statistics, regression analysis, data visualization, and real-world data cleansing exercises that mirror how leading organizations solve business problems. This structure provides the practical experience many professionals associate with training, while maintaining the academic depth and strategic perspective that define Wharton Executive Education. It blends key concepts, core concepts, and hands-on assignments within a strong learning environment.

    Is investing in a business analytics short course worth it?

    The value of a business analytics course depends on your career goals, the curriculum, and the outcomes you hope to achieve. When selecting a course, it helps to consider factors such as curriculum depth, faculty expertise, and opportunities for practical work with complex datasets and confidence intervals.

    Wharton’s Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program is designed around strategy, application, and measurable business impact. It combines faculty expertise with real-world case studies to help professionals apply analytical techniques, interpret statistical concepts, and translate data into decisions that support stronger business objectives. While not a technical bootcamp, it provides applied learning experiences that prepare participants to use analytics effectively across business processes.

    How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.

    What is a business analytics course?

    A business analytics course provides professionals with the tools and frameworks to understand core concepts in analytics, including descriptive statistics, predictive models, regression analysis, data cleansing, and data management. The Wharton Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program goes beyond theory by enabling participants to analyze complex datasets, apply multiple variable regression analysis, visualize data using modern tools, and draw conclusions that improve organizational outcomes.

    It is ideal for anyone seeking to strengthen analytical skills, enhance business decisions, or transition into roles such as data analyst, business analyst, or business intelligence analyst.

    What does business analytics stand for?

    Business analytics refers to the application of statistical analysis, predictive analytics, data visualization, and analytical techniques to examine data sets, uncover patterns, and guide informed business decisions. It encompasses the full process—from data collection and data cleansing to building predictive models and generating actionable insights.

    The Wharton Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program trains participants to work confidently with descriptive statistics, statistical concepts, business processes, and strategic decision making, helping them apply insights across marketing, finance, operations, supply chain, and other domains.

    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.

    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.

    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.

    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings has been confirmed yet.

    Is business analytics full of math?

    Business analytics involves math, but it is taught using accessible tools like Microsoft Excel, visualization software, and step-by-step instruction in statistical concepts, confidence intervals, test hypotheses, and multiple regression analysis. The focus is on applying math to real business processes, not advanced academic theory. The program emphasizes using math to solve business problems, interpret data sets, and support data-driven decision making.

    How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.

    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:

    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty

    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule

    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics

    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities

    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers

    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.

    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.

    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

    What is a business analytics certificate?

    A business analytics certificate is a credential that demonstrates mastery of data management, predictive models, analytical techniques, descriptive statistics, and online business analytics. The certificate validates your ability to analyze data, apply business intelligence analytics, and support business leaders with data-backed insights. This program offers a professional certificate upon completion, showcasing practical skills that employers value.

    Is an analytics certificate worth it?

    Absolutely. An analytics certificate is valuable because it signals competence in data cleansing, regression analysis, predictive analytics, descriptive statistics, and working with complex datasets. This program strengthens your ability to draw conclusions, interpret key concepts, and use analytical techniques to improve career development and advance toward your career goals.

    What is the difference between a certification and a certificate in business analytics?

    A certification in business analytics typically validates technical proficiency through formal exams or standardized testing, while a certificate program in business analytics recognizes completion of a structured learning experience that develops applied skills and analytical skills.

    For professionals, a certificate program offers a flexible way to strengthen data management capabilities and align learning with career goals without the formal testing requirements of a certification. The Business Analytics: From Data to Insights program emphasizes practical application, enabling participants to interpret data, forecast outcomes with predictive models, and draw informed business decisions from real-world examples. Upon completion, participants earn a Wharton Executive Education digital certificate, reflecting their commitment to continuous learning and their ability to apply analytics effectively in professional settings.

    What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.

    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.

    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.

    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.

    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

    What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.

    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

    Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.

    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).

    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.

    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.

    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.

    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.

    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.

    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

    Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?

    Program fees for Emeritus programs with Wharton Executive Education may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.

    What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

    Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +1 680 205 5118 (US) / +44 185 845 9995 (UK) / +65 3135 1422 (SG)

    Flexible payment options available.

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