#1
‘Analytical thinking and innovation’ is predicted to be the number 1 skill group employers see as a top skill for 2025.
Source: World Economic Forum
Find new ways to improve your business with technology
Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Technology and Analytics
Harness the power of emerging technologies
The ability to harness the power of emerging technology is now a part of every business, transforming the way organizations deliver products and services. In a highly unpredictable and rapidly evolving global economy, the ability to identify and quickly evaluate new innovation-driven opportunities is becoming crucial to business success. Demand is growing for professionals who understand the impact of disruptive digital technologies, data and innovation, and can help their organizations gain strategic advantages.
The Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Technology and Analytics prepares you to identify problems in fast-changing markets and solve them through data analysis and technology implementation. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll have an entrepreneurial mindset that will allow you to manage transformational change.
You can earn this graduate certificate on its own or as part of your St. Thomas MBA. Designed for busy working professionals, the program allows you to pick your pace and take courses that meet in the evening and online.
75%
75% of companies report that innovation is among their organizations’ top three priorities.
Source: Boston Consulting Group
77%
Innovation fuels growth and 77% of CEOs surveyed in 2022 predict a high level of economic growth in the next 12 months.
Source: PWC
Program Overview
Formats & Schedule
The Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Technology and Analytics is a 12-credit program (5 classes) designed to be completed in as little as two semesters. The curriculum consists of both required and elective courses. To earn the certificate, students must take:
- 4 required courses (9 credits)
- 1 elective course (3 credits)
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Application form and essays
- 2 years’ work experience recommended; related professional experience is valuable, but not required
If you are currently enrolled in a St. Thomas graduate program, you may take graduate certificate courses as program electives. By doing this, you will earn a certificate designation on your transcript.
Degree Programs
Earn an MBA with Your Certificate
You can apply your graduate certificate courses and credits to a Part-time Flex MBA program at St. Thomas. Earning both a graduate degree and a graduate certificate is a great way to get ahead is a great way to get ahead in your career. Not sure if you want a graduate degree? You have time to mull it over. You can start the graduate certificate program now, with the option to roll your credits into a degree program later on.
Career Impact
With constant innovation and data driven decisions, having data literacy and technology skills is a necessity for today’s leading businesses. By earning a Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Technology and Analytics, you will position yourself to successfully lead in your current organization or make a career change.
Formats & Schedule
The Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Technology and Analytics is a 12-credit program (5 classes) designed to be completed in as little as two semesters. The curriculum consists of both required and elective courses. To earn the certificate, students must take:
- 4 required courses (9 credits)
- 1 elective course (3 credits)
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Application form and essays
- 2 years’ work experience recommended; related professional experience is valuable, but not required
If you are currently enrolled in a St. Thomas graduate program, you may take graduate certificate courses as program electives. By doing this, you will earn a certificate designation on your transcript.
Degree Programs
Earn an MBA with Your Certificate
You can apply your graduate certificate courses and credits to a Part-time Flex MBA program at St. Thomas. Earning both a graduate degree and a graduate certificate is a great way to get ahead is a great way to get ahead in your career. Not sure if you want a graduate degree? You have time to mull it over. You can start the graduate certificate program now, with the option to roll your credits into a degree program later on.
Career Impact
With constant innovation and data driven decisions, having data literacy and technology skills is a necessity for today’s leading businesses. By earning a Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Technology and Analytics, you will position yourself to successfully lead in your current organization or make a career change.
Featured Courses
Emerging Technology in Business
3 credits
Gain foundational knowledge on essential emerging technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, extended reality, internet of things, robotics, etc.). Develop competencies for leading in a digital world as you complete a horizon assessment and imagine a future application for a chosen technology in a personally relevant context. Responsible and sustainable application will be emphasized throughout.
Introduction to Business Analytics
3 credits
Develop the technical skills you need to address practical business problems. Learn to analyze and solve management problems using quantitative and analytical methods such as spreadsheet modeling, linear programming, transportation modeling, decision analysis, project management, and simulations.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
3 credits
Learn what it takes to identify and evaluate new opportunities, and to transform innovations into profitable businesses. In this course, students will begin developing key skills and knowledge necessary for applying the entrepreneurial process within the corporate context.
Focus on Faculty
Lisa Abendroth
Lisa Abendroth, PhD, is the Academic Director for the Business in a Digital World initiative and a Certified Foresight Practitioner. She teaches a course on Emerging Technology in Business that uses foresight practices and occasionally teaches Marketing Frameworks, International Marketing, and study abroad classes to emerging markets. Her research has shifted from meaningful innovation in emerging markets to the competencies business professionals need to succeed in a digital world. She previously served as Associate Dean of Graduate Program Innovation and as faculty director for the Part-time Flex MBA program.
John Olson
Dr. John Olson is a professor in the Operations and Supply Chain Management Department. He teaches in the undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the St. Thomas Opus College of Business. His teaching, research and service activities have focused on helping others develop and implement continuous improvement and quality programs.
Seeing is Believing
Get in Touch
St. Thomas Opus College of Business is an incredible place to learn, meet inspiring peers and mentors, and build a strong career path. Don’t just take our word for it—experience St. Thomas firsthand. Visit a class, attend an info session, or chat with the admissions team.