Willis College
Business Intelligence Analyst
Transform Information Into Actionable Insights
Program Length:
46 weeks
Credential:
- ON Diploma
Program Hours:
1040
Cost per Credit:
Online Learning:
Available
Start Dates
Job-Ready
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Transform Information Into Actionable Insights
In just 46 weeks, gain the skills to turn data into powerful business insights. Willis College’s online, instructor-led program blends theory with hands-on training in Excel, SQL, Python, and data visualization. Choose between an 8-week practicum for real-world experience or a capstone project to demonstrate your skills on an industry-relevant problem.
Whether you’re starting your career or pivoting from finance, IT, or admin roles, this program prepares you to design dashboards, build reports, and support data-driven decision-making—so you can graduate ready to step into one of today’s fastest-growing careers: Business Intelligence Analyst.
Step Into the World of Business Insights
Willis College offers two distinct learning paths tailored to your goals* – whether you’re looking for hands-on workplace exposure or focused, resume-building project experience.
- BIA-Applied program: includes a practicum, giving you direct, real-world workplace experience
- BIA-Capstone program: features a capstone project that allows you to apply your skills to a comprehensive, portfolio-ready initiative
Hands-On Learning at the Core of the Program
Get hands-on with the tools employers expect. Whichever path you choose, you’ll build and refine your skills through hands-on learning. This program will also introduce you to the essential technologies used by today’s data professionals:
- Python
- Pandas
- NumPy
- Matplotlib
- Seaborn
- Plotly
- SQL
- Power BI
- Tableau
- Scikit-learn
- TensorFlow
- NLTK
$45.13
Average Wage/HR$62.50
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 2172/21223
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of data and its various forms. Students will explore different types and sources of data, and learn how to read, write, and store both structured and unstructured data.
The course also examines key challenges related to data storage and usage, helping students identify and address common issues in managing data effectively.
Statistics involves the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. It provides a set of techniques for transforming data into meaningful information.
In this course, students will be introduced to statistical thinking and the key techniques required for effective data analysis.
This course introduces the mathematical foundations underlying machine learning. Topics include linear algebra, probability, and calculus, providing a refresher on essential mathematical concepts.
By the end of the course, students will have developed the prerequisite knowledge needed to pursue more advanced studies in machine learning.
This course introduces students to the key concepts underpinning artificial intelligence (AI), including its historical development and modern applications.
Students will explore how various technologies leverage AI in today’s society and examine the key differences between AI and machine learning. The course also covers data science, its relationship with AI, and the different types of machine learning.
This project is designed to demonstrate students’ understanding of the Data Analytics and AI program. Students will research and define a data problem, then apply a machine learning solution to address it.
Throughout the project, students will manage the workflow end-to-end, applying the knowledge and skills gained during the program. A technical report outlining the approach, analysis, and results will be submitted alongside the developed Python code, which may be provided as a document or through a Git repository.
Based on the path selected, the student will either complete a 16-week practicum placement or a capstone project.
PracticumThe 8-week practicum placement is designed as the culmination of the program. The Willis Career Services team will support you in securing a suitable placement with a business, public, or non-profit organization that operates according to standard Canadian business practices.
During your practicum, you may engage in hands-on work, job shadowing, or a combination of both, allowing you to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout your program. While not all placements will provide opportunities to practice every skill learned, students are encouraged to observe and apply their learning wherever possible.
CapstoneThe capstone enables students to apply their business intelligence and data analytics skills to a comprehensive, real-world project. You'll build a complete data pipeline from ETL to analysis, visualization, and reporting, delivering actionable insights for a business scenario.
The project showcases both the technical and strategic skills needed to drive data-informed decision-making in a business context.
Job Market
Successful graduates of this Business Intelligence Analyst course may pursue a wide variety of interesting and rewarding professions, including:
- Business Systems Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- IT Business Analyst
- Financial Reporting Analyst
- Risk Management Analyst
- Business Process Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Database Analyst/SQL Developer
- Reporting Analyst
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $45.13
High Wage ($/hr) – $62.50
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 2172/21223
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Updated: 2026-04
Admissions Requirements
Academic Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College’s Admissions Team uses the Wonderlic assessment tool.
For Mature Students (19 years of age or older):
We offer alternative admissions options tailored to your province of residence if you do not hold a High School Diploma. Contact the Admissions Team to explore your eligibility and possible pathways to enrollment.
Please note that at this time, Willis College can only accept students who are Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Refugees. We are unable to issue Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP).
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Practicum / Capstone
Willis College offers two distinct learning paths for the Business Intelligence Analyst program.
- BIA-Applied program: includes an 8-week practicum
- BIA-Capstone program: includes a capstone project
Students must decide their learning path/program of choice prior to enrollment. Once training has started, the student will be unable to change without withdrawing from the initial program, which can carry financial implications.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Problem solvers and analytical thinkers who enjoy turning data into insights.
- Individuals starting their career in tech or business.
- Professionals looking to switch into data and analytics.
- Business or IT professionals ready to upskill and advance.
- New Canadians seeking Canadian credentials and work experience.
Why choose the Business Intelligence Analyst program?
- Gain Tech & Data Confidence: Build a strong foundation in computer systems and learn how to find, store, and manage the data that drives today’s organizations.
- Gain Exposure with Hands-On Tools: Build a strong foundation in computer systems and learn how to find, store, and manage the data that drives today’s organizations.
- Develop an Analytical Mindset: Learn how to think like a data professional using statistics and math to turn raw numbers into real insights.
- Master Practical Data Skills: Master data wrangling, visualization, and ETL processes to prepare and present data for decision-making.
- Build a Strong Foundation in AI & Machine Learning: Explore how AI works, what makes it different from traditional analytics, and how businesses use it to solve real problems.
- Gain Valuable Resume-Building Experience: Complete either a capstone project or a workplace practicum, building real-world experience or portfolio-ready work.
- Gain Career-Ready Experience: Apply everything you’ve learned in a capstone project and practicum, while also gaining job-search, résumé, and interview skills to launch your career.
Save time & money
- Finish most programs and become job-ready in less than a year!
- Get the skills you need to get hired with programs that cut the extras and give you the skills you need to get hired.
- With career support for life with Willis College, our experts will help find you employment no matter how long ago you graduated.
- You don't need three to four years of school to enter the workforce with the skills to start a great paying career!
Exceptional flexibility
- Learn online with instructor-led programs that will prepare you for the career of your dreams.
- On-Campus program availability is also an option for select programs in Ottawa.
- Start school NOW with most program intakes happening every six weeks (no need to wait!)
- No waiting lists, even in our most-popular programs. We'll get you the job training you need to start your career ASAP.
Career-relevant education
- Our programs are programs aligned with real-world, in-demand occupations. We will get you job-ready!
- Most Willis College programs include practicum experience so you can hit the job search running with a great education AND experience.
- Willis College has 160 years of skills training excellence.
- We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified Willis College graduates!
Is financing the only thing stopping you from attending school? We can help.
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