Data Pathway
April 9, 2026 2026-09-04 17:29Data Pathway
Start here. Stop here. Continue further.
The Data, AI & Business Intelligence Pathway is designed to help students build from foundational IT preparation into data-focused specialization and, if desired, into a more advanced role-specific diploma. It begins with core technical competencies, continues through data analysis, SQL, Python, visualization, machine learning fundamentals, and business intelligence workflows, and then branches into focused diploma options aligned with specific career goals.
- Each completed level has standalone value
- Each level awards its own credential
- Continue only if your goal requires more depth
Pathway structure
Choose your stopping pointOne pathway. Three useful levels. Clear value at each step.
This pathway is designed as a stackable structure. Students can complete the foundational certificate, continue into the domain specialization certificate, and move into an advanced diploma only if they want deeper role-focused specialization. Each completed level has its own credential, program value, and career outcome.
Foundation: Information Technology Fundamentals
This program provides foundational preparation in computer systems, networking, programming logic, Python, data and database concepts, cloud fundamentals, cybersecurity awareness, and AI-supported workflow skills. It establishes the technical base needed for progression into specialized study areas.
- Builds baseline technical competencies.
- Works as a standalone starting credential.
- Prepares students for entry into domain specialization certificate programs.
- Entry-Level IT Support Specialist
- Technical Support Assistant
- IT Operations Assistant
Domain Specialization: Data Analytics, AI and Business Intelligence Domain
This certificate prepares students for data support and analytical work by introducing data analysis workflows, statistical reasoning, data preparation, SQL-based analysis, Python analysis, visualization, machine learning fundamentals, and business intelligence decision-support practices. It expands upon the foundational program and prepares students for entry-level data support roles as well as further specialization.
- Builds focused competencies in data preparation, analysis, visualization, and introductory machine learning.
- Can be completed as a standalone credential.
- Serves as the recommended prerequisite for advanced diplomas in this pathway.
- Data Analyst Assistant
- Business Intelligence Support Specialist
- AI Data Support Specialist
Advanced Diplomas: Choose your specialization
After completing the domain certificate, students may continue into one advanced diploma aligned with their career goal. These diploma programs provide concentrated, practice-based training in data analysis, data engineering, or business intelligence through guided exercises, lab assignments, applied workflows, and a role-specific capstone project.
- Provides deeper role-specific specialization.
- Develops applied competencies in analysis, data platforms, reporting, and decision support.
- Allows students to choose the direction that best matches their intended role.
- Data Analyst: Data Analyst; Reporting Analyst; Data Reporting Specialist
- Data Engineer: Data Engineer; Data Infrastructure Engineer; Data Platform Developer
- Business Intelligence Analyst: Business Intelligence Analyst; BI Reporting Analyst; Decision Support Analyst
Built for students pursuing data, reporting, and business intelligence directions
This pathway supports students interested in data-centered roles that combine technical tools, reporting workflows, business insights, and structured decision support.
Students completing this pathway may be preparing for roles such as:
- Data analysis and reporting roles
- Business intelligence and dashboard roles
- Data workflow and data support roles
- Data infrastructure support roles
- AI-supported analytics and business insight roles
analytics, dashboards, reporting, KPIs, data workflows, visualization, business decision support, and applied AI tools in data environments.
