I finally have figured out what I want to do and I would like to pursue a career in business analytics when I graduate from college this year with my Bachelors in Business Administration.  I would like to gather a couple of relatively straightforward and inexpensive certifications under my belt to differentiate me from applicants when I'm on the job hunt. Are there any certs that y'all know of? 

Thank you,

You chosen a very modish career, this career path will definitely in very demand at future. Now a day most of all the companies required there  personal business analyst also the courses regarding this is now very in trend. I think you should go for advanced certificate program in business analytics this is based on the best top companies based real time methods and tools.

Obtaining a Business Analyst certification before graduation can be a valuable step in your career preparation. These certifications can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Here are some certifications you can consider:

1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): Offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), the CBAP certification is one of the most recognized certifications in the field of business analysis. To qualify, you need to have at least 7,500 hours of business analysis work experience in the last 10 years.

2. Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA): Also offered by IIBA, the CCBA is designed for individuals with 3,750 hours of business analysis work experience in the last 7 years.

3. ECBA (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis): This is another certification from IIBA that is aimed at entry-level professionals or students. It doesn't require as much work experience as CBAP or CCBA.

4. PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification is ideal for those who want to combine their project management and business analysis skills.

5. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): If you are interested in the data and analytics aspect of business analysis, the CAP certification offered by INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) could be a good fit.

6. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): While not specific to business analysis, the Certified ScrumMaster certification from Scrum Alliance can be beneficial if you're interested in agile project management and development methodologies, which are closely related to business analysis in many industries.

7. Certified Data Analyst (CDAP): This certification, offered by the Data Science Council of America (DASCA), is designed for individuals interested in data analytics and business intelligence.

8. Microsoft Certified: Power BI or Tableau Desktop Specialist: If you're interested in data visualization and analytics, these certifications can be valuable, especially if you plan to work with these popular data visualization tools.

9. ITIL Foundation: The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Foundation certification can be useful if you're planning to work as a business analyst in an IT-related field, as it covers IT service management concepts.

Before pursuing any certification, research your specific career goals and the requirements of potential employers. Some certifications may be more valuable in certain industries or regions than others. Additionally, consider whether you meet the eligibility criteria for each certification, as some may require a certain level of professional experience. Finally, make sure to allocate sufficient time for preparation and study, as these certifications typically involve rigorous exams.