Make Your Data Work Smarter, Not Harder
The Data Analytics for Education certificate program is built around the profession of data analytics and meant to empower Institutional Research professionals to transition from spreadsheet-based tasks to automation with R, enabling more efficient data analysis and reporting. For those in the Institutional resource (IR) or Educational resource field, learn how to work with collected data and what can be done with it.
Unlock a “do it once” workflow that frees analysts to focus on improvements, automation, and more in-depth analysis instead of rote tasks. Written instructions of the script are created in an intuitive language to precisely describe operations like selecting, filtering, renaming, grouping, and summarizing rows and columns of data—all using free statistical software.
Innovate with the power of automation by learning how to convert work done in spreadsheets to using scripts that can be easily read, executed, and shared.
Who Is This For?
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Institutional resource (IR) or Educational professionals at any stage of their career who need to understand data -
IR or Educational professionals who wish to be introduced to the process of and tools for automating the analysis of institutional data
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IR or Educational professionals who want to increase their value by both getting more effective and efficient at their job
Data Analytics for Education Certificate Roadmap
You’ll be introduces R scripting, primarily focused on transitioning from spreadsheets to automated data analysis. Students will learn the basics of R and RStudio, including data manipulation, pivot tables, joins, loops, and functions. The course is structured with interactive classes, problem-solving sessions, and a capstone final project using real institutional data.
Data visualization is a critical component of data storytelling. Building on skills covered in 101, Data Analytics for IR Professionals 102 focuses on using R to create effective data visualizations. Participants will learn to generate graphs for exploratory analysis, presentation, and reporting. Topics include aesthetic mapping, advanced graph types, and automated visualizations.
This course focuses on using Quarto and R to generate polished technical reports that seamlessly combine text, tables, and visualizations. By automating report generation, participants can streamline their workflow, ensuring consistency and efficiency in institutional reporting.
Data Analytics for Education–R Scripting
Program Format
- 6-week online program
- 2 live sessions per week
- Project-based learning
Each week participants will
- Be introduced to a topic
- Work through group exercises during class
- Work through more advanced exercises during a live problem session
- Work on a course-long project
All of this will be in preparation for defining and completing a personal project with the student’s own data.
Technology Requirements
- Web browser to access class
- Software: R and RStudio (both are free and open source)
- Zoom software for Live sessions (recording will be available online)
Next Cohort Dates
- Spring 2026
Key Benefits
What Is There to Gain?
Increase Efficiency
- Automate repetitive tasks and spend more time on strategic analysis
Enhance Data Reporting
- Create scalable, visually rich reports that inform institutional decisions
Produce Professional Reports
- Create better-structured, visually engaging reports that support data-driven decision-making
Handle Large Data Sets
- Master tools for working with large-scale data that other programs can not manage efficiently
Advance Your Career
- Gain skills that make you a more valuable asset in higher education data analysis
Data Analytics for Education–Data Visualization
Program Format
- 6 weeks elapsed time
- Weekly synchronous sessions (4 of each)
- Class session: 3-4:30pm
- Problem session: 3-4pm
Required tasks each week
- Work on homework approximately 5 hours each week
- Final project (due at the end of the class)
Technology Requirements
- Web browser to access class
- Software: R and RStudio (both are free and open source)
- Zoom software for Live sessions (recording will be available online)
Key Benefits
What Is There to Gain?
Enhanced Data Communication
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Learn to create visualizations that clearly convey key insights, bridging the gap between raw data and decision-making.
Efficiency in Graphing
- Automate the creation of multiple graphs using loops and functions, reducing manual effort.
Data Exploration & Pattern Recognition
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Use visual tools to identify trends, anomalies, and relationships in datasets to enhance analytical skills.
Mastery of ggplot2 & Extensions
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Develop proficiency in R’s powerful visualization libraries, ensuring polished and professional-looking graphs.
Integration with Reports
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Learn how to incorporate visualizations into technical documents.
Need more information on course content or scheduling?
Share your questions below, and we’ll connect you with everything you need to know about joining our next cohort.