Overview
Gain the latest in-demand skills to become an effective Business Analyst
Business Analysis (BA) identifies and understands gaps between what is needed and how to implement change within an organization.The Business Analysis program teaches the core skills, tools and best practices for leading change while still meeting business needs. Learn how to effectively lead, strategize, problem-solve, and communicate solutions to achieve project goals.
- Explore the importance of the role of a business analyst in terms of strategy, assessment, project planning, communication and management
- Develop leadership skills to engage, build and inspire an effective team
- Successfully complete any three online courses to earn a Certificate of Completion and receive a microcredential that highlights the specific skills you’ve learned
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Program highlights Learn More
- Flexible online courses to fit your life
- Taught by Business Analysis experts
- Open enrolment program
Business Analysis program features:
- When you successfully complete any three courses, you will earn a microcredential along with your non-academic certificate of completion
- Flexible online courses teach practical skills and tools using real-world examples
- Learn from instructors with industry expertise
- Network with professionals from various disciplines and industries
What you'll learn Learn More
- Industry-accepted practices, tools and techniques
- Effective communication practices
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Through our Business Analysis program, you’ll learn to:
- Describe key concepts, competencies and techniques of business analysis
- Expand your business, systems thinking and organizational knowledge within the business analyst’s strategic analysis process
- Identify, analyze, verify, validate, and define the requirements for business improvement solutions
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills
- Engage effectively and strategically with stakeholders
- Use techniques and tools for planning activities within project requirements
- How to monitor and evaluate business analysis
- Understand the fundamentals of agile methodology
- Develop communication skills to identify the business need, assess risks and opportunities, obtain “buy-in,” and implement solutions
Learn more about the Business Analysis program
- Individuals new to the field of business analysis (i.e. introductory level)
- Individuals with some business analysis experience seeking to develop skills and competencies further for professional certification and/or career growth opportunities
- Anyone interested in a career change
Earning a Certificate of Completion in Business Analysis can lead to a rewarding position such as:
- Business Analyst
- Business Analyst Consultants
- Business Systems Analyst Consultants
- Business Analyst Specialists
- IT Business Analyst Consultants
- Business Analyst Coordinators
- IT Business Analyst Managers
- Business Analyst Administrators
- Business Process Analyst Consultants
- Business Analyst Supervisors
- Technical Business Analyst Consultants
- Financial Operations Business Analyst Consultants
Business Analysis skills can be used in a variety of industries, including:
- Finance and Insurance
- Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Educational Services
- Public Administration
- Manufacturing
- Information
- Construction
- Wholesale Trade
- Transportation and Warehousing
- Health Care and Social Assistance
Upon completion of the program, learners will:
- Explain the role and expectations of a business analyst to solve business problems
- Define key terms and competencies of a business analyst applicable to stages of the business analysis process
- Employ industry-accepted practices, tools and techniques for the business analysis cycle
- Analyze leadership, communication and change management techniques
The following objectives will be threaded within each course:
- Demonstrate an awareness of ethical practices and professional standards applicable to the industry and professional associations
- Exemplify the skills, attitudes and behaviours required to work and collaborate with people and develop personal management skills
- Employ effective communication practices
McMaster Continuing Education is a member of the International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®) Academic Program. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA supports the recognition of the profession, networking and community engagement, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.
Through the IIBA Academic Program, IIBA extends to McMaster Continuing Education the authority to educate students using the Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK® Guide), which is the body of knowledge for the practice of business analysis that is globally and industry recognized, and has endorsed the following courses:
- BAN 100: An Introduction to Key Concepts and Competencies (15 hours)
- BAN 101: Strategy Analysis (15 hours)
- BAN 102: Requirements Analysis & Modeling (20 hours)
- BAN 103: Stakeholder Elicitation and Collaboration (20 hours)
- BAN 104: Planning and Monitoring (20 hours)
- BAN 105: Testing and Evaluation (20 hours)
- BAN 106: Leading Improvement & Change (20 hours)
- BAN 107: Agile Principles (20 hours)
An IIBA endorsed course offers the following benefits to students:
- Represents alignment to A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), the internationally recognized body of knowledge for the practice of business analysis
- Meets industry and internationally recognized standards and best practices in business analysis, ensuring learners develop the skills industries need now and in the future
- Allows students to apply the contact hours of the endorsed course towards the professional development requirement for IIBA Core Certifications
The IIBA Hamilton Chapter is dedicated to advancing the business analysis profession through professional development and community engagement. The IIBA Hamilton Chapter hosts a monthly speaker series with industry experts, and our in-person events, such as the Annual General Meeting (AGM), provide excellent networking opportunities with local Business Analysts. You can learn more about our chapter here: https://hamilton.iiba.org/
Check out our latest Business Program Preview webinar to explore our online Business Analysis program
What our recent graduates say
I believe that the skills and the knowledge that I gained here will not only contribute to my growth but also will position me as a valuable asset in the business analysis role
I believe that the skills and the knowledge that I gained here will not only contribute to my growth but also will position me as a valuable asset in the business analysis role
Adam
Business Administration graduate
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
The instructors worked in the marketing field and taught us real-life experiences.
Obtaining an education with McMaster Continuing Education helped me reinvent my career. I was a former banker and I wanted a career in marketing. Through this program, I was able to bridge that gap and get into the career that I wanted. The instructors were working in the marketing field, teaching us real-life experiences and that was very valuable to me.
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
I believe that the skills and the knowledge that I gained here will not only contribute to my growth but also will position me as a valuable asset in the business analysis role
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
The instructors worked in the marketing field and taught us real-life experiences.
Obtaining an education with McMaster Continuing Education helped me reinvent my career. I was a former banker and I wanted a career in marketing. Through this program, I was able to bridge that gap and get into the career that I wanted. The instructors were working in the marketing field, teaching us real-life experiences and that was very valuable to me.
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
Other programs you may be interested in
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Certificate in Business Analysis
Business Analysis Program
Earn a certificate of completion and receive a microcredential highlighting the skills you’ve gained
Upon successfully completing this program, you will receive a microcredential recognizing your learning achievement. Complete with details of the skills and specialized knowledge you have acquired, the microcredential is digitally shareable, making it easy to add to your resume, LinkedIn profile and to share with current or prospective employers.
Explore the requirements below and register today!
Note: For those without a background in Business Analysis, it is recommended to complete the first three courses, BAN 100, BAN 101, BAN 102, prior to completing the other courses.
Information Box Group
Earn a Microcredential along with your Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of any three courses, you will receive a microcredential to complement your non-academic certificate of completion. This microcredential will list all the skills you acquired during the courses for you to share and showcase to present and future employers.
Courses (complete any 3)
International Institute of Business Analysis™(IIBA®) Endorsed Courses:
BAN 103
Business Analysis: Stakeholder Elicitation and Collaboration
(Currently Not Available)
BAN 104
Business Analysis: Planning and Monitoring
(Currently Not Available)
BAN 105
Business Analysis: Testing and Evaluation
(Currently Not Available)
Course Name | Hours of Study |
---|---|
BAN 100 Concepts and Competencies | 15 hours |
BAN 101 Strategy Analysis | 15 hours |
BAN 102 Analysis & Modeling | 20 Hours |
BAN 103 Elicitation and Collaboration | 20 Hours |
BAN 104 Planning and Monitoring | 20 Hours |
BAN 105 Testing and Evaluation | 20 Hours |
BAN 106 Leading Improvement & Change | 20 Hours |
BAN 107 Agile Principles | 20 Hours |
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Business Analysis Schedule
Business Analysis Schedule
This schedule table displays courses planned to be offered this year and is a guide to planning your courses for the academic year. Please note: Spring term registration opens mid-March and Fall/Winter term registration opens mid-July.
For more information about our learning formats and to choose a format that works best for you, please visit our Learning Formats page. All times listed below are in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Course Name (Course Code) | Cost | Units | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring/Summer 2025 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Business Analysis: An Introduction to Key Concepts and Competencies (BAN 100) | $629.00 | Oct 21 - Nov 17 Format: Online | Jan 13 - Feb 9 Format: Online | — | |
TBD | — | — | May 5 - Jun 1 Format: Online | ||
Business Analysis: Strategy Analysis (BAN 101) | $629.00 | Sep 9 - Oct 6 Format: Online | Feb 10 - Mar 9 Format: Online | — | |
$629.00 | Oct 21 - Nov 17 Format: Online | — | — | ||
TBD | — | — | Jun 9 - Jul 6 Format: Online | ||
Business Analysis: Requirements Analysis & Modeling (BAN 102) | $629.00 | Nov 18 - Dec 15 Format: Online | Mar 10 - Apr 6 Format: Online | — | |
TBD | — | — | Jul 7 - Aug 3 Format: Online | ||
Business Analysis: Stakeholder Elicitation and Collaboration (BAN 103) | - | - | Currently Not Available | ||
Business Analysis: Planning and Monitoring (BAN 104) | $629.00 | Oct 21 - Nov 17 Format: Online | — | — | |
Business Analysis: Testing and Evaluation (BAN 105) | TBD | — | — | May 5 - Jun 1 Format: Online | |
Business Analysis: Leading Improvement & Change (BAN 106) | $629.00 | — | Feb 10 - Mar 9 Format: Online | — | |
Business Analysis: Agile Principles (BAN 107) | $629.00 | — | Apr 7 - May 4 Format: Online | — |
The schedule table is subject to change. Please visit the course pages to browse classes currently available for registration and the latest cost information.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
This program is open enrolment, which means there is no formal application or admission procedure. To enrol in a course, simply register online. Our courses can be taken as part of a program or individually.
To enrol in McMaster Continuing Education programs, you must:
- Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University or
- Be deemed an exceptional case
To ensure you are successful in your online courses, you are required to have knowledge and skills with general computer applications, such as keyboarding, file management, video conferencing and word processing.
Language Requirements
If your first language is not English, you must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Completion of TOEFL exam with a minimum acceptable score of 20 on each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening), valid for 2 years.
Expandable List
- Visit continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs to find your program of choice
- Click on each tab on the program page to learn about credential options and requirements, schedule and fees, and a list of all courses in the program
- Select a course and then select an available offering, noting important information such as cost, delivery format, and start/end dates; then click ‘add to cart’
- Once you have added your courses, click the shopping cart icon at the top right-hand corner of the page (bottom of the browser screen on mobile)
- Review your cart and, once you’re ready to proceed with enrolment, click ‘proceed to checkout’
- As the next step, you will be redirected to Mosaic – McMaster’s Administrative Information and Enrolment system
- Once you are in Mosaic, select ‘new to McMaster’ or log in with your existing MacID and password (if applicable)
- Complete all required fields and select a program of study when prompted (i.e., a specific program or open studies for standalone courses)
- Finally, payment is required in full to secure a spot in your course(s)
A payment receipt email will be issued to you immediately after registering, and a course confirmation email will be sent to you overnight. Within approximately 24 hours of registering, you will also receive an important email containing credentials used to activate your MacID, which you must do before you can access courses in Avenue to Learn. Please review our Getting Started page to learn more about the next steps for beginning your studies after registration, and our Help Centre for our Refund Policy and other frequently asked questions. Please note that on average, each course requires 6-8 hours of study per week, per course (sometimes more) and some courses may have listed prerequisites. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Most students take 1-2 courses per term across a few different terms and a full-time equivalent course load is typically 3-4 courses per term.
For more information and a walkthrough on how to register, please check out this video.
- Payment must be made in full at the time of enrolment
- Online credit card or debit payments are preferred
- Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express
- Accepted debit cards: Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard
- Google Pay is available for faster checkout
- Payments can be made from a Canadian Financial Institution and can take 2 to 4 business days to arrive in your McMaster student account. Once payment has arrived, you can register for your course. Please note that if the amount of the course fees owing is more than what was transferred to your student account, you will be dropped from the course.
- Problem processing your payment? Please reach out to your credit card company if your payment was declined. Otherwise, wait two hours before attempting your registration again.
Ready to get started?
Visit the Schedule tab to select your course and proceed with the registration steps.