Data analytics is thepractice of turning raw, messy data into clear answers by identifying patterns, trends, and insights that help organizations make smarter decisions, grow, and solve problems. In Ivy Tech's Data Analytics program, you'll learn how to collect and organize data, ask the right questions of it, and tell the story the numbers reveal. No prior computer experience is required. As a Data Analytics student, you will learn to:
Collect, store, integrate, retrieve, and analyze data from many different sources.
Design and build databases, and apply database administration and management skills.
Write queries and work with Structured Query Language (SQL) and other analytical languages.
Visualize data and build clear, compelling reports using industry-standard tools.
Apply statistics and analytical methods to large, structured, and unstructured data sets.
Use the four core approaches to analytics — descriptive (what happened), diagnostic (why it happened), predictive (what's likely next), and prescriptive (what to do about it).
Turn business intelligence into a story that decision-makers can act on.
Apply database security, data governance, and backup and recovery best practices.
Write scripts and use programming (including Python) to query data and automate tasks.
Explore cloud foundations and artificial intelligence essentials.
Pair technical skills with business acumen to communicate your insights effectively.
Prepare for and earn industry certifications that employers recognize.
Career Options
Data analysts sort through information and make meaning out of the mess — uncovering the patterns, trends, and correlations that help businesses set goals, improve processes, and grow. They use spreadsheets, databases, visualization and reporting tools, data mining programs, and programming languages to do it.
Because nearly every organization runs on data, the skills travel widely. You could work in business, finance, insurance, healthcare, government, manufacturing, science, or tech — on a large analytics team or as the go-to analyst for a smaller company. Many roles offer both in-person and remote opportunities.
It's also a fast-growing field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of data scientists is projected to grow 34% from 2024 to 2034, as organizations lean more heavily on data-driven decisions. Roles you could step into include:
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Analyst
Database Administrator
Data Visualization Specialist
Data Warehouse Architect
Reporting Analyst
Financial Analyst
Healthcare Data Analyst
HR Analyst
Logistics Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Marketing Analyst
Operations Analyst
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 want to enter the workforce as a data analyst, business intelligence analyst, or database developer as soon as you finish your associate degree.
You're looking for a hands-on, career-ready degree that builds the full range of analytics skills employers want.
You plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree.
You want to complete your first two years affordably at Ivy Tech and carry your credits forward.
You're looking for an intermediate credential to gain database and data analytics skills.
You'd like a credential that stacks toward an associate degree while you gain employable skills.
You want to earn in-demand industry certifications quickly, including Microsoft Administering SQL Server Databases and Oracle SQL Foundations and Administration I.
You want job-ready analytics skills fast and a certificate that counts toward a larger credential.
You want to earn in-demand industry certifications quickly, including Microsoft Administering SQL Server Databases and Oracle SQL Foundations and Administration I.
You want job-ready analytics skills fast and a certificate that counts toward a larger credential.
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 AAS in Data Analytics prepares you to launch your career as a data analyst, business intelligence analyst, or database developer. You'll build the essential skills of the trade alongside general education courses, so you can step confidently into the workforce in fields like finance, insurance, healthcare, professional services, or tech. A recommended path is to earn one orboth of the program's certificates along the way so you can start working sooner.
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 AS in Data Analytics is built for students who plan tocontinue on to a bachelor's degree. It pairs the Indiana College Core with a strong foundation in databases, SQL, data visualization, and analytics, so you can complete your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transfer to a four-year college or university. Talk with a transfer advocate to map your path.
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)
This technical certificate builds practical, job-ready analytics skills over two semesters, covering data management and SQL, data visualization, business intelligence and storytelling, computing logic, and an introduction to business.It's a strong fit if you want an intermediate workplace credential and want to upskill.
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.)*
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)
This certificate is designed for career changers andfor people already working in technology who arelooking to upskill. In about a year,you'll gain essential skills you can put to work in a data analytics role and prepare for Microsoft and Oraclecertifications.
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.)*
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 19 credit hours.
Data analytics is a great fit for curious, detail-oriented people who enjoy digging into problems and uncovering the story behind the numbers. It rewards those who like working with technology andaren't afraid to ask "why" and then turn the answer into something a team can act on. Because data is everywhere, you can build a career in almost any industry, from healthcare to finance to government, and many roles offer the flexibility to work in an office or remotely. If that sounds like you, this could be your path.Read through the traits below to see if it's a good fit.
Careers in Data Analytics often involve:
Analytical thinking
Problem solving
Attention to detail
Curiosity
Working comfortably with numbers and statistics
Clear communication and data storytelling
Business acumen
Organization
Logical, methodical thinking
A love of continuous learning
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.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
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.
Feihong Liu Department Chair (SDEV,DBMS,CSCI,INFM) School of Information Technology 3491 Broadway, Gary, Indiana: Indiana University NW Arts & Sciences Building, 2028A 812-924-3659 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 812-924-3659 fliu9@ivytech.edu
Alf Sanford III Faculty Advisor & Professor Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Technologies asanford3@ivytech.edu (463)308-2583
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (463)308-1602
Kevin O'Neill Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications koneill16@ivytech.edu (463)308-2608
Advising Team Ginny Leonard, Senior Director for Academic Advising and Student Success Advisor for: Exploratory/Undecided students vleonard5@ivytech.edu
Dee Denton Advisor for: Nursing Interest and Health Science ddenton@ivytech.edu
Jake Brunsman Advisor for: General Studies, Liberal Arts and Education programs jbrunsman2@ivytech.edu
Will Parshley Advisor for: School of Public and Social Services, School of Information Technology and Psychology-AS TSAP wparshley@ivytech.edu
Zech Saenz Advisor for: School of Business, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science zsaenz@ivytech.edu
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-803-1953
Zoom Video Calls Call 812-803-1953 to make an appointment for a meeting via Zoom or join virtual drop-in hours as shown below.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 463-207-5972 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm Zoom Link
Olivia Bruce 463-231-5073 obruce1@ivytech.edu Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-4:30pm & Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30am Zoom Link
Monday Virtual Office Hours Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Indiana. (2025). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2024-2025
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.