Why Choose Business Analysis at Villanova University

Aerial view of a group of students earning their business analysis certificates through Villanova.

Last Updated March 8, 2024

Business analysis can be an important element to an organization. Business analysts help provide value to an organization through their ability to understand how an organization works. They provide essential insight and information to an organization, which allows businesses to make informed decisions on how to proceed and achieve their overall goals.

Most of the time, the insights garnered by business analysts include the need for change in organizational structure, process or technology. Once needs are carefully outlined, an organization can accurately determine the right course of action for future progress. Business analysts are relied upon to assist in the development of this roadmap and often serve in a trusted advisory role to the organization.

Business Analyst Duties & Requirements

The roles and responsibilities of a business analyst can be quite extensive depending on the organization, project or situation. Their critical responsibilities typically include an in-depth understanding of the knowledge areas as outlined in the International Institute of Business Analysis’ (IIBA^®), Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK^®) and whether the projects in development are change-driven or plan-driven.

Knowledge areas can include business analysis planning and monitoring, elicitation, requirements management and communication, enterprise analysis, requirements analysis and solution assessment and validation. Business analysts are considered stakeholders in projects they are involved in and are accountable for maintaining their level of effort to consistently evaluate risks or issues and contribute to the project’s needs.

What’s Being Offered?

Villanova University offers business analysis training through a certificate program, 100% online. With the Certificate in Business Analysis, business professionals can gain the skills to identify, analyze, develop and improve the business requirements crucial to drive information technology-related projects for an organization.

Each course is designed for individuals with an interest in problem-solving and analytics, and with a desire to develop the skills to become an effective business analyst, and achieve an understanding of an organization and its operations. In this field, it is critical that business analysts develop effective communication and information systems across all organizational departments to help ensure cost-effective, reliable, consistent, high-quality and efficient program results.

Course Information

The Certificate in Business Analysis consists of three courses, including two required business analysis courses (Essentials of Business Analysis and Mastering Business Analysis) and an elective of the student’s choice. Elective options include:

All courses are professor-led and include interactive class discussions, online streaming audio and video, chat rooms and weekly live class sessions. In addition, this certificate program can help to prepare professionals for the industry-recognized Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP^®) or Certification of Capability in Business Analysis™ (CCBA^®) exams offered through the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA^®)