Simplilearn, the global upskilling platform, in collaboration with Duke University, has launched the Professional Certificate in AI-Powered Business Analysis to prepare professionals for the evolving demands of the AI era. The curriculum, vetted and approved by Duke University faculty, is designed to strengthen business analysis capabilities with a strong focus on AI and data-driven decision-making. The program spans 20 weeks and includes hands-on projects, practical tools, and an Agentic AI workshop. It also features five live online masterclasses led by Duke University faculty, with 10 hours of academic engagement.
As organizations increasingly adopt AI-enabled workflows and data-driven operating models, the role of a business analyst is evolving beyond documentation and reporting. Today’s business analysts are expected to use AI to analyze data faster, support Agile teams more effectively, and turn insights into smarter business decisions. This shift is reinforced by strong market demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 98,100 management analyst jobs to be created from 2024 to 2034.
Speaking about the program, Richard Freishtat, Associate Dean for Executive Education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, said, “Through our partnership with Simplilearn, we are combining cutting-edge academic insight with practical, industry-relevant learning. We continuously evaluate the skills needed in today’s workplace and are excited to bring our faculty expertise to enhance the impact of business analysts through the vetted curriculum and masterclasses we lead in this program. Together with Simplilearn, we aim to prepare professionals with skills that are immediately applicable in a dynamic business environment.”
The learning journey begins with BABOK® v3-aligned CBAP® certification live training, where learners earn 36 PDs/CDUs, then moves into AI-powered business analytics with Excel, GenAI-powered SQL, and Microsoft Power BI, and finally progresses to RPA, Agile frameworks, and a dedicated Agentic AI workshop for business analysis. It also includes hands-on exposure to core business analysis and AI-powered tools, as well as projects and an Agentic AI capstone focused on real-world business problems. Learners will also have access to exclusive mentor-led project support designed to strengthen practical business analysis skills.
Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO, Simplilearn, said, “Today’s business professionals need to operate at the intersection of data, technology, and strategic thinking. Through our collaboration with Duke University, we have designed a learning journey that goes beyond conventional business analysis training. It combines practical business analysis with AI-powered productivity, Agentic AI fundamentals, and end-to-end problem-solving to help professionals build skills that remain relevant in an AI-driven business landscape.”
The program is ideal for early- to mid-career professionals, recent graduates, and analysts who want to transition into business analysis, product, data, or decision-making roles. It also supports professionals from operations, support, marketing, and tech backgrounds who want to build practical skills in business analysis, modern tools, and AI-enabled workflows. Upon successful completion, learners will earn a globally recognized certificate from Duke University and Simplilearn.
