Program Overview

Introduction to the Decision Analytics and Systems Minor

The Decision Analytics and Systems minor is designed for undergraduate students at Carnegie Mellon University who wish to develop a robust interdisciplinary toolkit in data analytics, computer science, economics, statistics, operations research, machine learning, and information systems. This minor prepares students to navigate the process of making informed decisions, from identifying a current decision point and the problem it could solve, to determining the right decision and its potential value, and finally communicating that value and putting the decision into action.

Curriculum and Coursework

The Decision Analytics and Systems minor features a range of core courses, including:

• Introduction to Decision Analytics and Systems (94-216)
• Simulation for Decision Analytics and Systems (94-217)
• Optimization for Decision Analytics and Systems (94-433)
• Applied Econometrics for Decision Analytics and Systems (94-431)
• Critical Analysis of Policy Research (90-440)
• Machine Learning for Public Policy Lab (94-489)

Expected Pre-requisites

Students are expected to have completed the following pre-requisites:

• Calculus (21-111, 21-112, OR 21-256)
• Matrix Algebra (21-240)
• Computer Science (15-112 AND 15-122)
• Probability and Statistics (36-225 AND 36-226)
• Principles of Microeconomics (73-102)

Sample Schedule

A sample schedule for the Decision Analytics and Systems minor is provided below:

Year Two - Fall Semester

• Introduction to Decision Analytics and Systems
• Optimization for Decision Analytics and Systems

Year Two - Spring Semester

• Simulation for Decision Analytics and Systems
• Applied Econometrics for Decision Analytics and Systems

Year Three - Fall Semester

• Critical Analysis of Policy Research

Year Three - Spring Semester

• Machine Learning for Public Policy Lab

Experiential Learning with Industry Partners

The Decision Analytics and Systems minor's co-op model allows students to partner with innovative companies and organizations, applying their coursework to real-world projects. This includes:

• Semester-long co-ops
• Studio project engagement
• Scopeathon: 2022, 2023
• Capstone Projects
• Internships
• Speaker series and guest lectures

Industry Partner Co-sponsored Talks

Previous talks have included:

• Decision-Making Under (Lots of) Uncertainty: Lessons Learned From Applying Decision Analytics in the Public and Tech Sectors by Alex Jutca, Department of Human Services, Allegheny County
• How to Become Enterprise-Ready for Gen AI? by Jimmy Priestas and Tyler Buffie, Accenture
• Lessons Learned from Real-World Analytics Transformations by Sahil Jain and Jeris Studland, McKinsey & Company
• Systems Thinking & Decision Making: Dynamic and Resilient Strategy by Dr. Anand Rao, PwC

Decision Analytics and Systems at a Glance

The Decision Analytics and Systems minor offers students a comprehensive education in decision analytics, with a focus on experiential learning and real-world application. Students will develop a range of skills, including data analysis, machine learning, and policy research, and will have the opportunity to work with industry partners on projects and internships.