Willis College
Data Analyst
Transform Data Into Career Opportunities in 28 Weeks
Program Length:
28 weeks
Credential:
- ON Diploma
Program Hours:
680
Cost per Credit:
$
Online Learning:
Available
Start Dates
August 24, 2026
November 23, 2026
January 11, 2027
Job-Ready
March 19, 2027
June 18, 2027
July 23, 2027
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Transform Data Into Career Opportunities in 28 Weeks
In just 28 weeks, gain the skills to transform data into decisions. The Data Analyst program at Willis College covers SQL, Excel, Python, statistics, and the data analysis process — everything employers look for in entry-level data professionals. Designed for career starters, switchers, and upskillers, the program blends technical training with career support to prepare you for roles such as Data Analyst, Reporting Analyst, or Research Analyst. With 680 program hours and a focus on practical application, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in today’s data-driven world.
Build Skills Employers Want Most
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.
- DTA-Applied program: includes a practicum, giving you direct, real-world workplace experience
- DTA-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:
- Excel
- SQL
- Python
- Tableau
- Power BI
$40.87
Average Wage/HR$60.03
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 2172/21223
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gcca
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course will cover the hardware and software foundations utilized within a computing environment for Data Analysts.
This course will give a detailed understanding of various aspects of data. Students will learn the types and sources of data and how to read, write, and store data for both structured and unstructured data. Students will also identify the issues involved with the storage and usage of data.
Databases are used to store data in a structured way and most organizations today capture their data using one or more databases. This course will introduce students to the concepts of relational database and how to apply fundamental knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) for storing, retrieving, and performing complex database operations in order to generate business insight.
MS Excel is the most widely used spreadsheet application in the market. An easy but powerful tool for extracting actionable insights from data, MS Excel skills are highly valued by employers. In this course, students would learn how to use MS Excel for Data entry, calculation, data analysis, and visualization.
Statistics is concerned with the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. It provides us with a set of techniques to transform data into information. This course will introduce the students to statistical thinking and techniques needed for data analysis.
Python is a general-purpose programming language that is easy to learn and versatile with rich library for data analysis. In this course, students will learn learn how to solve a broad set of data analysis problems effectively using the Python programming language.
The Data Analytics Process provides a framework that helps us to effectively explore data in order to provide valuable and actionable information. This course will introduce students to the main steps in the data analytics process.
Our Career Management course will introduce students to and teach them how to apply the most effective strategies to achieve employment in the career of their choice. Topics that are covered; effective job search strategies, cover letter and strategic resume writing, interview preparation and effective interviewing skills.
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.
CapstoneIn your capstone project, you'll apply your data analysis skills to solve a real-world business or research challenge. Working through the full data analysis lifecycle, you'll gain hands-on experience in data acquisition, cleaning, analysis, visualization, and reporting to deliver meaningful insights and recommendations.
This project will allow you to showcase the technical, analytical, and communication skills you've developed throughout the program while demonstrating your ability to turn data into actionable results.
Job Market
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, marketing, retail, government, and education.
- Business Operations Analyst
- Data Administrator
- Data Technician
- Data Warehouse Analyst
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- Database Analyst
- Reporting Analyst
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $40.87
High Wage ($/hr) – $61.03
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
Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify under Mature Student Status by meeting the following criteria:
- Age: Must meet provincial minimums (18 in ON; 19 in the rest of Canada), verified via government photo ID.
- Assessment: Achieve minimum cut-off scores on the securely proctored Wonderlic test.
- Prerequisites: Satisfy all program-specific and language proficiency requirements.
For full details, see the Willis College Mature Student Admissions Policy.
Please note that at this time, Willis College can only accept students who are Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Refugees. We are not able to issue the Post-Graduate Work Permits.
Related Programs
Here are some other programs that may interest you
Practicum / Capstone
Willis College offers two distinct learning paths for the Data Analyst program.
- DTA-Applied program: includes an 8-week practicum
- DTA-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.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You do not need an advanced computer science background to get started. This data analyst program is designed to build your skills step by step, beginning with core concepts in technology and data before moving into areas like Python and database work. If you enjoy problem-solving, spotting patterns, and thinking analytically, you already have a strong foundation for success.
Yes. Data analysis is a practical skill, so your training goes beyond theory. Throughout the program, you will work with industry-relevant tools and apply what you learn through hands-on exercises. You will also complete a practicum, giving you the opportunity to use your skills in a real workplace setting and connect your training to real business needs or have the opportunity to work on a Capstone project.
The Data Analyst – Applied program focuses on the practical foundations of working with data in a business setting, including how to clean, organize, analyze, and present information using tools like Excel, SQL, and Python. The Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence – Applied program goes further into advanced areas such as machine learning, deep learning, and AI-driven applications. The data analyst program is designed for students who want to build core data skills for reporting, analysis, and business decision-making, while the data analytics and AI program is a more specialized path for those interested in predictive models, intelligent systems, and emerging AI applications.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Analytical thinkers who love problem-solving.
- Individuals starting a career in data or tech.
- Professionals switching into data-focused roles.
- Business or IT professionals ready to upskill.
- New Canadians seeking Canadian credentials and support.
Why choose the Data Analyst program?
- Data visualization and Communication: In a strong data analyst program, insight matters, but so does communication. You will learn how to present findings clearly through reports, dashboards, and visual tools so teams can understand results and make informed decisions.
- Build a Strong Tech & Data Foundations: Build confidence in the hardware, software, and data systems that power every industry. Learn how to find, store, and manage different types of data so you can work smarter from day one.
- Dive into Databases & SQL: Discover how organizations store their data and gain hands-on skills in SQL to retrieve, organize, and analyze information that drives business decisions.
- Leverage Statistics for Insight: Use statistical techniques to spot trends, test ideas, and transform raw numbers into meaningful stories.
- Understand the Data Analysis Process: Follow proven frameworks to move from raw data to actionable insights - and deliver results that matter.
- Gain Valuable Resume-Building Experience: Complete either a capstone project or a workplace practicum, building real-world experience or portfolio-ready work.
- Be Career-Ready: Graduates with not just technical skills but also résumés, interview training, and job search strategies to step confidently into the workforce.
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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What Our Graduates Are Saying
The Admissions process was actually something that went really smoothly. The staff answered my questions exactly how I wanted. The next day, I told them I’m joining the program.
Moses Rubuye
Cybersecurity Analyst