Graduate Certificate Programs

Certificate in Decision Making and Applied Analytics (CDA)

Hone your leadership and decision-making skillsIf you are a rising or established leader determined to make a positive impact, Minerva University’s part-time Certificate in Decision Making and Applied Analytics (CDA)* gives you the frameworks and tools to become a confident, adaptable decision-maker.

Through this online certificate, you’ll develop Habits of Mind and Foundational Concepts (HCs)—transferable skills that help you analyze data, solve problems, and make better decisions in complex systems. By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity, creativity, and courage in any sector.

*Formerly the "Certificate in Decision Analysis"

Program of Study

The CDA consists of four practical, online courses that sharpen your problem-solving and leadership abilities. You’ll earn 24 academic credits and a certificate that demonstrates your ability to apply data-driven insights and structured decision-making in your organization.

75%
of CDA students who wanted to continue into the MDA program successfully transferred.
Student Perspective

I love that Minerva's curriculum is both big picture—addressing meta themes such as how we can best learn given insights from the science of learning—and detailed, such as the problem-solving HCs that give you a frame for breaking down problems. The result is an incredibly robust curriculum that is as ambitious as the subject matter. Decisions touch every facet of life and this program prepares you for it all.

Tiffany Rendall,
Class of 2024

Structure: Choose Your Path

The CDA is designed to fit into your life. As a flexible, part-time program, you choose between two timelines to complete your coursework. If you decide you want to go further, you can petition to transfer into the Master of Science in Decision Making and Applied Analytics (MDA) and apply your CDA credits toward the degree.

What you’ll learn:

  • Four courses designed to build your creative and critical thinking skills
  • Practical tools to communicate and collaborate more effectively
  • Data analysis and decision frameworks you can apply immediately

Required Courses

Formal Methods for Analysis and Decision Making
Decision Making in Complex Social Systems
Critical Analysis of Consequential Decisions
Frameworks for Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Applications of Scientific Inquiry
Statistical Modeling for Information-Based Decisions

Electives (Select One)

Research Methods Across Contexts
Research Methods in Education

How You’ll Learn

Modular Format

You’ll complete one course unit every other weekend. Most courses span three weekends, adding up to 16 weekends of live learning over 12 months for the CDA (or 22 weekends over 17 months for the MDA).

Class Schedule

Your classes take place in live, synchronous sessions of 2–2.5 hours on Fridays through Sundays every other weekend. You’ll have a set group section time, with optional flex sessions to deepen your learning. These intensive weekends are designed for collaboration and active engagement, while keeping your weekdays free for work and personal commitments.

Workload Expectations

Plan to dedicate about 20 hours each weekend to classes and coursework. Between modules, you’ll spend an additional 2–5 hours preparing, collaborating on group projects, and completing assignments.

Immersion Week (Optional)

You can add a one-week, in-person experience to your program. Travel to a global city, meet with local leaders in business and government, and expand your professional network while learning to adapt to new cultural contexts.

Continue to the MDA

Once you complete the CDA, you can petition to transfer into the MDA program. If approved, your CDA credits carry over, and you’ll complete the remaining two courses plus a master’s thesis to earn your degree.