Focusing on the combination of computational, analytical and communication skills required by the big data field, the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) is offering a 15-week Analytics: Optimizing Big Data Certificate program beginning Feb. 1.

The course is taught on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., at Arsht Hall in Wilmington. Topics in the course include importing data into analytics software, performing graphical and data analysis, building analytics models using tools like multiple regression and decision trees, finding the best model to explain correlation among variables, and learning how to control and assess data variability to better meet customer requirements.

The program is directed at business, marketing and operations managers; financial industry professionals; small business owners; and data analysts or professionals in any field who deal with large amounts of data. Though there are not any prerequisites, a basic understanding of statistics and prior experience with data management will be helpful.

Potential discounts are available for early registration, UD alumni, Project Management Institute Delaware Valley Chapter (PMI-DVC) members, active military members, veterans and groups of two or more from the same organization. For more information about the Analytics: Optimizing Big Data Certificate, visit http://www.pcs.udel.edu/data, email continuing-ed@udel.edu, or call 302-831-7600.