GRADUATE AND EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

FAQs

Business Intelligence Graduate Certificate Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the base level of education required?

We request that all students have an undergraduate degree (Bachelors or Associates). We also consider applicants with substantial managerial/professional experience who do not have an undergraduate degree.  We will also take work experience into consideration. 

What type of college courses should I have completed?

The program is very diverse in its approach toward data intelligence. Each module will start from a base level to prepare students for later concepts. There are no specific course prerequisites for the program, but participants are expected to have a college-level proficiency in mathematics.

What size of companies would benefit from the program?

The program is not targeted for any particular size of company. We believe that having a mix of company sizes in each class actually provides a good discussion basis. Past participants in the program include employees from Fortune 100 companies as well as those from companies of 50 people.

What type of students are we looking for?

Any individual who is looking to understand the possibilities of maximizing the business values that can be obtained from data will find this program valuable. Past students have included both management and IT professionals, including database managers, business analysts, marketing managers, management consultants, CRM managers, sales managers, and billing managers, as well as others.

Is it possible to enroll for individual modules?

The project is designed to encompass all three modules together.  Students must enroll in all three modules.

Why was this program started?

The program was started as a result of many companies asking for an understanding of business intelligence (BI).  BI is actually a very broad term in which there are many possible disciplines. SMU COX was interested in providing corporations with an overall program that would enlighten people to these possibilities.  Each three-hour class can be a precursor to a full business school course.  The program also gives many students a feel for the COX Business School environment and its multiple disciplines.

What are the requirements for completing the program?

The requirements to complete the program are centered on class attendance and participation.  There are not any exams for the course.  Missing no more than one class per module.

Tell me about the non-classroom requirements:

Each professor will require some pre-work  material, usually less than 2 hours.  The materials are handed out one week in advance.

Tell me about what to expect in a class session:

The classes are held once a week, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.  The classes are roughly 50% lecture and 50% hands-on participation in class exercises in a computer lab.  There is a small dinner served each night from 6:00 to 6:30 PM which is an excellent networking time for the students. The professor for the night will also attend dinner.  The classroom time is usually divided between a lecture and computer lab demos and examples. There are group projects as well as individual projects.  Professors will also facilitate class discussions regarding the topics and students’ experiences are often shared in the classroom.

Who are the professors for the course?

Each professor is an actual COX Business School professor or an adjunct professor at the graduate level.  We have picked the best professor in the business school for each of the individual topics. The adjunct professors are actually industry professors in the Business Intelligence work place.

What software do I need to know or be familiar with prior to enrolling in the program?

You should have a basic familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel and Access).

Do you use SAP/Oracle E-business in this program or just Microsoft Access/Excel?

The primary objective of the program is to provide an understanding of concepts and methods. For convenience and easy accessibility, we use MS Office software for most of the modules. In addition, software from SAS is also utilized in some sessions.

What materials/equipment do I need to have to participate in the program’s courses?

All of the materials you need to attend the classes are provided by us, including readings, downloadable lab exercises, and the instructors’ class presentations, and a binder in which to store these materials.  There is no textbook to be purchased for the program.
 

Will I be able to claim education tax credits for the course?

In order to receive education tax benefits for the certificate program, the program must either (a) maintain or improve your skills in your present job, or (b) meet an express requirement to maintain your current job.  However, it cannot (a) be part of the minimum requirements of the job (as a baccalaureate degree might be) or (b) qualify you for a new trade or business.  Expenses that you can claim if these conditions are met include books, tuition, travel and transportation.  You would have to fill out IRS forms 1040 and 1040 Schedule A, which lets you list itemized deductions.  If you run your own business, you would have to complete IRS form 1040 Schedule C to list the itemized deductions.

Is the program offered as an online course?

No, it is currently offered only in an onsite, in-class format.