Master's in Business Analytics

Program Overview

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The Master's in Business Analytics program at the Whitman School equips professionals with the skills to become data-driven leaders. It combines business, statistical, and IT coursework, emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world applications. Graduates pursue diverse careers in data analytics, business analysis, marketing, finance, and supply chain management. The program offers a flexible format, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master's in Business Analytics program at the Whitman School is designed to train professionals to become data-driven leaders and business decision-makers in a rapidly changing marketplace. It emphasizes an action-oriented approach, and students gain mastery of analytical tools that enable them to drive positive business outcomes.

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Objectives:

The program's objectives are to provide students with:

• A thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques in business analytics.
• The ability to leverage data and analytics tools to address business problems and make data-informed decisions.
• Expertise in data mining, visualization, and statistical analysis methods for business application.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for presenting analytics insights effectively to stakeholders.
• A solid foundation for a successful career as a business analytics professional in various industries.

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Program Description:

The Master's in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated program that combines business, statistical, and IT coursework. Students learn to collect, analyze, interpret, and utilize data to enhance business operations and strategies. The program offers a flexible and customizable format that allows students to specialize in areas such as marketing analytics, financial analytics, or supply chain analytics.

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Outline:

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Course Schedule:

The program consists of 36 credit hours, typically completed in 16 to 21 months. Students have the option to complete an internship during the program.

• Fall 1 (12 Credits):
Fundamentals of Data Analytics, Business Analytics Applications, Data Mining Techniques
• Spring 1 (12 Credits):
Statistical Methods for Business Analytics, Big Data Management, Business Analytics Capstone Project I
• Fall 2 (12 Credits):
Business Intelligence and Data Visualization, Advanced Analytics Techniques, Data-Driven Marketing Analytics
• Spring 2 (12 Credits):
Business Analytics Capstone Project II, Business Analytics Elective, Internship (optional)
• Summer Internship (3 Credits):
Optional internship experience.
• Fall 3 (9 Credits):
Advanced Data Mining Techniques, Business Analytics in Finance, Business Analytics Elective

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Modules:

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Fundamentals of Data Analytics:

Introduces the basic concepts and methods in business analytics, including data collection and preparation, statistical inference, and predictive modeling.

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Business Analytics Applications:

Covers the practical application of business analytics techniques in different business domains, such as finance, marketing, and operations management.

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Data Mining Techniques:

Provides in-depth knowledge of data mining methods for extracting valuable information from large datasets, including association analysis, cluster analysis, and decision trees.

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Statistical Methods for Business Analytics:

Develops students' understanding of advanced statistical techniques, such as regression analysis, time series analysis, and forecasting methods, and their application in business analytics.

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Big Data Management:

Explores the techniques for managing and processing large and complex datasets, covering topics such as data warehousing, NoSQL databases, and distributed computing.

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Business Analytics Capstone Project I and II:

Provides a culminating experience for students to apply their learning in a real-world setting, working on a business analytics project under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

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Business Intelligence and Data Visualization:

Develops students' proficiency in using business intelligence tools and data visualization techniques to transform data into actionable insights and effective presentations.

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Advanced Analytics Techniques:

Covers specialized business analytics topics, such as machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.

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Data-Driven Marketing Analytics:

Focuses on the application of analytics in marketing, covering topics such as customer segmentation, campaign optimization, and social media analytics.

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Business Analytics in Finance:

Explores how analytics can drive informed decision-making in financial management, covering areas such as risk assessment, investment analysis, and financial forecasting.

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Business Analytics Elective:

Allows students to pursue their specific interests by choosing an elective course from a range of offerings, such as Supply Chain Management Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, or Sports Analytics.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed on their performance in various assessments throughout the program, including:

• Quizzes and exams
• Assignments and projects
• Class participation
• Capstone project
• Internship performance (if applicable)

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, hands-on exercises, and simulations.

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Faculty:

The program's faculty consists of experienced researchers and industry professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom.

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes a hands-on and experiential approach to learning, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world data analytics projects and internships. It also features collaborative learning experiences, such as team projects, group presentations, and peer mentoring.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program pursue diverse careers in various industries, including:

• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Marketing Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Management Consultant

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Opportunities and Outcomes:

The program provides students with valuable career development opportunities, such as:

• Internship placements in leading companies
• Career advising and coaching services
• Networking events with industry professionals
• Alumni mentorship program