What do Data Analysts do? In short, these professionals sort through data and make meaning out of the mess. They uncover patterns, insights, trends, and correlations that help businesses grow, meet goals, and thrive. Analytics tools are also essential in evaluating scientific models and theories.
Data Analysts use spreadsheets, data visualization, reporting tools, data mining programs, and programming languages to do their jobs.
Data Analytics is a growing field with lots of opportunity, whether you want to work in the business world, tech, science, manufacturing, or government. As a Data Analytics student at Ivy Tech, you will:
Learn essential organization, storage, integration, retrieval, and data analysis skills.
Receive expert training in database design, systems management, troubleshooting, and business reporting.
Get comfortable working with data structures, data security, and implementing data integrity measures.
Use business acumen to analyze data and effectively communicate your insights.
Learn to make data-driven decisions that meet market demands.
Establish strong foundational knowledge of database architecture, administration, and analysis.
Additionally, you'll study the four main approaches to data analysis:
Descriptive analytics (what happened)
Diagnostic analytics (why did it happen)
Predictive analytics (what will happen in the future)
Prescriptive analytics (what should be done)
No prior computer experience or knowledge is required.
Career Options
Whether you want to analyze trends in hiring or design databases, Ivy Tech can help prepare you for a successful, high-paying career in the industry.
Data analysis is used in many businesses and organizations. You may join a large team of data analysts in a corporation or work in a smaller company where you are the sole analyst your team relies on. Given that jobs rely heavily on technology, you may enjoy both in-person and remote opportunities.
Here’s where the Data Analytics program could take you:
Business Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Center Operator
Data Visualization Specialist
Data Warehouse Architect
Database Administrator
Financial Analyst
Healthcare Data Analyst
HR Analyst
Logistics Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Marketing Analyst
Operations Analyst
Reporting Analyst
Statistician
DATA ANALYTICS TOOLKIT
Leverage our Toolkit to access resources and information related to educational opportunities, competitions, certifications, programming languages, tools, blogs, forums, projects, volunteering, freelancing, events, professional associations, and jobs in Data Analytics.
You're looking to enter the workforce as a database developer, business intelligence analyst, or data analyst immediately after completing your associate degree
You wish to transfer to a four-year university upon completing your associate degree
You're looking for an intermediate workplace credential to supplement existing professional experience
You have a bachelor's degree and wish to upskill
You're looking to earn industry certifications, including Microsoft Administration, Microsoft SQL Server Databases, Oracle SQL Foundations, and Oracle Administration I
You're looking to enter the workforce as a database developer, business intelligence analyst, or data analyst immediately after completing your associate degree
You're looking to earn industry certifications, including Microsoft Administration, Microsoft SQL Server Databases, Oracle SQL Foundations, and Oracle Administration I
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Affiliated Partners
Data Analytics is a crucial part of organizations across the country given the power of data to improve processes, increase revenue, and more. To make sure our students are as prepared as possible, Ivy Tech teaches on some of the most relevant systems in the industry, including:
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
The Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics will prepare you to launch your career as a database developer, business intelligence analyst, or data analyst. You'll learn essential skills of the trade so you can seamlessly enter the workforce in finance, insurance, healthcare, accounting and professional services, or tech.
Students must take 60 credit hours to graduate from the AAS in Data Analytics program. This typically takes four semesters to complete.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your AAS
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Data Analytics is to complete one or more of the two certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level data analytics careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
AAS Data Analytics graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
The Associate of Science in Data Analytics program is designed for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You can save upward of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring!
Our Data Analytics program currently has partnerships with four schools so you can seamlessly transfer without losing your credits or time:
Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your associate degree at Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the university to which you plan to transfer. Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the Data Analytics program. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to.
Students must take 60 credit hours to graduate from the AS in Data Analytics program. This typically takes four semesters to complete.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your AS
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Data Analytics is to complete one or more of the two certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level data analytics careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Data Analytics Technical Certificate (TC) program is designed to serve as a stepping-stone on the pathway toward an AS or AAS. You may also pursue this degree as an addition to another two-year program to diversify your knowledge in the tech industry.
The Data Analytics TC program can be completed in two semesters, or about one year.
FREE Through Next Level Jobs
Data Analytics TC is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Data Analytics TC. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Data Analytics TC are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Data Analytics, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level Data Analytics careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 31 credit hours:
Short-Term Certificate
known as a Certificate (CT)
Data Analytics Certificate (CT) program is designed for career-changers, people already working in technology, and those with bachelor's degrees looking to upskill. You'll learn essential skills that you can use in a data analytics role.
The Data Analytics CT program can be completed in two semesters, or about one year.
FREE Through Next Level Jobs
Data Analytics STC is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Data Analytics CT. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Data Analytics CT are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Data Analytics, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level Data Analytics careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 27 credit hours.
Effective communication and knowledge of business terms and trends
Mathematical skills
Attention to detail
Data Analysts can work in a variety of industries including finance, government, technical science, and manufacturing. Many analysts work for consulting firms, which allows them to gain experience working with a wide array of clients. You can usually find data analysts in an office environment.
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, data analytics may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
Data Analytics students must demonstrate competency through appropriate assessment or by earning a grade of “C” or better in at least one course from each of the following groupings:
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least four weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Data Analytics Courses
Descriptions of Data Analytics courses can be found in our online course catalog:
See when specific courses will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Data Analytics courses are offered both in person and online.
Big Dreams? Go for Honors
If you're motivated and want a more robust, personalized academic experience, consider enhancing your associate degree in Data Analytics by pursuing an Honors pathway. Honors courses are fully virtual with opportunities to meet and network with honors students and faculty across the state. The coursework is designed to support a student’s spirit of inquiry and intellectual growth, as well as foster multicultural awareness and leadership. View eligibility requirements
Graduating with a Data Analytics degree with an Honors pathway can help you stand out as a high-achieving college student, boost your resume, and help you land an acceptance letter to a top four-year college or university.
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Alf Sanford III Faculty Advisor & Professor Data Analytics, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Technologies asanford3@ivytech.edu (574) 830-0375 ext. 5415
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 7374
Angela Boembeke Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications aboembek@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 5409
Feihong Liu Department Chair (SDEV,DBMS,CSCI,INFM) School of Information Technology 3491 Broadway, Gary, Indiana: Indiana University NW Arts & Sciences Building, 2028A Office: (219) 981-1111 x2229 fliu9@ivytech.edu
Feihong Liu Department Chair (SDEV,DBMS,CSCI,INFM) School of Information Technology 3491 Broadway, Gary, Indiana: Indiana University NW Arts & Sciences Building, 2028A Office: (219) 981-1111 x2229 fliu9@ivytech.edu
Alf Sanford III Faculty Advisor & Professor Data Analytics, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Technologies asanford3@ivytech.edu (574) 830-0375 ext. 5415
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 7374
Kevin O'Neill Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications koneill16@ivytech.edu 574-830-0375 ext 4413
Assistant Professor, Department Chair, and Statewide Lead Chair
Punam Mittal
Associate Professor, Program Chair, and Statewide Vice Chair
Lee Wolfe
Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Chair
Alf Sanford III
Assistant Professor
Joe Perry
Assistant Professor, Department Chair, and Statewide Lead Chair
Punam Mittal
Associate Professor, Program Chair, and Statewide Vice Chair
Lee Wolfe
Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Chair
Alf Sanford III
Assistant Professor
Joe Perry is the Statewide Lead Chair for the Data Analytics program. He is also the Assistant Professor and Department Chair at the Hamilton County campus. Joe earned his Bachelor’s in Geography at Indiana University School of Liberal Arts and his Master's in Information Security at DePaul University. He has worked previously at Key Benefit Administrators, KAR Global, and Ascension Healthcare Services.
Joe is also certified in AWS Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA A+, AWS Academy Accredited Educator, AWS Educate Cloud Ambassador, MTA Database Fundamentals, Tableau, and IBM. He has volunteered at Indiana Freemasons, Carmel Clay Schools. and the Ivy Tech Foundation. He is also the statewide faculty champion for Oracle Academy and faculty sponsor for the Hamilton County Gamers Club.
Punam Mittal is the Statewide Vice Chair for the Data Analytics program. She is also the Associate Professor and Program Chair at the Lafayette campus. Punam earned her Bachelor’s and Master's in Computer and Information Technology at Purdue University. She has worked previously at Purdue University.
She is also certified in Oracle SQL Fundamentals I Certificate, Microsoft Database Administration Fundamentals, and Internet Core Competency Certification. Punam has volunteered for Cyber Patriots Camp, Rise Against Hunger, Indian Women Association, and Deaf/HoH Student Recruitment. She received President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction, McAllister Excellence Teaching Award, and NISOD Excellence Award. Punam was also the Salesforce Pathfinder Champion and Statewide Oracle Champion.
Lee Wolfe is the Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Chair at the Evansville campus. Lee earned his Associate's in CINT & CINS at Ivy Tech Community College, his Bachelor's in Computer, Information Sciences, and Support Services at University of Southern Indiana, and Master’s in Computer Information at WGU Indiana.
He has worked previously at Debi Wolfe Photography and Peabody Energy. Lee is also certified in AWS Cloud Practitioner and Certified Associate in Project Management.
Alf Sanford III is the Assistant Professor at the South Bend campus. Alf earned his Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, his Master's in Teaching & Learning and MBA in Finance at Kaplan University, and EdD in Educational Leadership at American College of Education. He is the owner of Sanford Solutions and has worked previously at Youth Bridge China, United Educators, Proviso Township Schools, Sears Holdings Corporation, and Sanford.
Alf is also certified in Cisco CyberOps Associate, AWS Academy Accredited Educator, AWS Cloud Foundations, Cisco Netcad Instructor, Microsoft, CompTIA Project+, AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+. He has volunteered at Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Chicago Marathon.
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Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:30pm Zoom Link
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Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.