GEORGE BROWN FULL-TIME PROGRAMS GUIDE 2012-2013

Computer Technology

Information Systems Business Analyst Program
(Postgraduate)

 
Admission Requirements and Fees

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Student success in college requires well developed learning skills and attitudes (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. Applicants should have thoroughly developed these skills and attitudes before beginning their college programs.

List of courses

The rapid growth in the deployment of and enhancements to information technology solutions in business settings over the past ten years has thrust the Business Analyst/IT Strategist into an increasingly prominent role throughout many sectors, including government, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.  A crucial role in the software/system development life cycle, the Business Analyst gathers business requirements from various areas in the organization, and translates them into functional system design specifications that can be successfully executed by IT development teams. The role of the Business Analyst or IT Strategist is often critical to increasing project success rates.

The Information Systems Business Analyst graduate certificate program at George Brown College is designed to meet the urgent need for professionals who can be the key liaison between business and information technology functions within an organization.

This intensive program is designed for IT or business professionals who aspire to enter into a business analyst role, or practitioners who wish to enhance their experience with formal education. A deeper level of understanding of the business analyst role will be developed through unique learning techniques and invaluable practical experience. Participants will be engaged and supported by a team of business analyst consultants and faculty in developing critical skills and competencies in the areas of:

• Problem identification
• Documenting and analyzing user requirements.
• Process and workflow modelling
• Communication and facilitation
• Project management
• Technical writing
• Leadership and management
• Decision-making

A key characteristic that sets this graduate certificate program apart is the applied nature of the curriculum. Students will be immersed in the process of business analysis through case-studies, industry projects, and practical work experience, and will be responsible for developing solutions.  The uniqueness of this program is in creating a practicing Business Analyst versus creating someone who knows how to do it. This program creates work ready graduates who can do, and have done, the business analysis process through applied, hands-on experience.

“Porter Airlines has utilized George Brown College’s Business Analyst students within our IT Division for over 2 years with great success.  The Information Systems Business Analysts programs flexibility in allowing its student to work with industry partners, like Porter Airlines, while learning is invaluable for learners, and industry.  The Business Analysts come to us well trained, are keen to add value to projects, and blend well in our business environment.  This year, we even hired one full-time before he graduated!  Thank you!”

Lynda Neil, PMP
Manager, Project Management Office, Porter Airlines Inc.

“The Information Systems Business Analyst program taught me Business Analysis best practices for a variety of industries, which increased my marketability and gave me the experience I needed to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of my current BA role. The year-long program let me practice and apply my skills in-depth to a real-life project, while the teaching staff provided me with excellent support that allowed me to excel as a Business Analyst.”

Carol Chung
Scotiabank

“I wanted to thank you for sending such great candidates to our attention. The top two people interviewed for our IT Analyst position were from George Brown.”

Catherine Commins
General Manager, Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc. (ACD/Labs)

Delivery

This full-time program is delivered in a blended format, combining face-to-face sessions with online delivery.  You will attend one evening per week (Wednesday), plus all day Saturday.  You will meet every other Friday, while the remaining courses will be delivered online.  This delivery format accommodates those who wish to remain working, or those who wish to work while taking this program. 

Industry Work Experience

Further, our many industry partner and applied research project partners benefit greatly from this delivery format, by allowing our students to engage in authentic, real world work settings throughout the week – while learning!  Students can begin working from the beginning of the second semester, for up to 24 hours per week.  In many cases, we have more industry positions than students to fill them, which has led to students being employed before they graduate!

IIBA Membership

Academic Membership offers colleges and universities that have Business Analyst curriculums and who care about advancing the BA profession within their student population to participate in IIBA membership and benefit from IIBA’s other products and ser-vices.

The Academic recognition programs offer the students of BA-related programs the opportunity to receive recognition from the IIBA.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

An undergraduate degree or a three-year diploma in business, information technology, or the equivalent is required for admission. At least one year of related work experience is also required.

English requirements: TOEFL 550 or equivalent.

COURSES

Printable version Curriculum Planner Start Date (2012-2013) (This PDF file* opens a new window)

This is a three-semester program comprising case studies during which students will be engaged on an increasingly intense and independent basis with material of escalating complexity. Some supporting course-oriented delivery supports this learning process.

SUMMARY

• Length:
  3 semesters – approximately 500 hours total
• Offered:
  One evening per week, all day Friday and Saturday
• Instructors:
  Team of both business analyst consultants and college professors
• Location:
  Centrally located near Casa Loma, just steps from the subway
• Class size:
  Small classes ensure emphasis on case and team work

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call the George Brown School of Computer Technology
at 416-415-5000, ext. 4287.

E-mail:

For updated information and course descriptions, call 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

George Brown College is continually striving to improve its programs and their delivery. The information contained in this calendar is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College admission, graduation, and fee requirements as well as any requirements of outside institutions, industry associations, or other bodies that may award additional designations concurrently with, or after completions of, a George Brown College program.

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Revised: January 20, 2012