2026-2027

Applied Health Analytics, Undergraduate Certificate

Department of Health Sciences

College of Health and Human Services

Pending Higher Learning Commission approval.

The Applied Health Analytics Undergraduate Certificate prepares students to integrate data analytics, artificial intelligence, and health systems knowledge to support ethical, evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and public health settings. Students develop foundational skills in biostatistics, programming, database management, and health data visualization while exploring how emerging technologies are transforming healthcare.

Through hands-on, project-based learning, students gain experience with tools such as Python, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI to analyze and communicate health data effectively. Coursework emphasizes legal and ethical frameworks, including HIPAA compliance and data sovereignty, along with professional communication and cultural humility.

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in health data analysis, informatics, and decision support, or for advanced study in related fields such as public health, biostatistics, or health informatics.

  • To receive an undergraduate certificate at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
     

    Federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 15
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 125
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Applied Health Analytics Certificate is to prepare undergraduate students to integrate data analytics, artificial intelligence, and health systems knowledge to inform ethical, evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and public health contexts. Students will study the foundations of biostatistics, programming, database management, and applied analytics while developing skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication across interdisciplinary teams.

The certificate provides students with practical learning experience using tools such as Python, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI to analyze real-world health data, evaluate ethical and legal implications, and design solutions that improve organizational and community health outcomes. Coursework emphasizes collaboration, data-driven innovation, and responsible use of emerging technologies reshaping the healthcare landscape.

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles in health data analysis, clinical informatics, and healthcare decision support, as well as for advanced study in related areas such as health informatics, biostatistics, or data-driven public health. The program serves students from a wide range of majors, including health sciences, business, and computing, and equips them with career-relevant skills for one of the fastest-growing sectors in the national workforce.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Apply biostatistical and computational methods to analyze, interpret, and visualize healthcare and public health data using statistical and programming tools such as Excel, R, Python, and SQL.
  • Evaluate health data systems and standards, including electronic health records, interoperability frameworks (HL7, FHIR), and public health repositories to support accurate, ethical, and efficient data-driven decision making.
  • Integrate ethical, legal, and cultural frameworks, including HIPAA compliance, data governance, and tribal data sovereignty principles, into healthcare data management and analytic practice.
  • Develop and communicate data-informed insights through written, visual, and oral formats that address healthcare operations, population health, and policy needs across diverse audiences.
  • Employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to design practical, analytics-based solutions for real-world healthcare challenges using systems and equity perspectives.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, and continuous learning by evaluating emerging technologies, AI applications, and trends in healthcare analytics to enhance lifelong employability and leadership readiness.

Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 15 units with a grade of "C" or better in each course: 
    A minimum of 12 units must be completed at NAU.

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.