Master of Science in Data Analytics Program Overview
The Master of Science in Data Analytics is a ten-course, 30 credit-hour degree program that prepares students for successful careers in analytics-oriented jobs in the for- and non-profit sectors of the economy. Students will learn how to use data to improve upon organizational decision-making, conduct innovative research, and inform policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels. Students will build competencies in the areas of collecting, cleaning, storing, managing, and analyzing data with an emphasis on the interpretation of results. Special emphasis will also be placed on the principles of data ethics, storytelling with data, strategic decision-making, the application of the latest business technologies, and how leaders can use data to enhance their ability to get buy-in, build healthy coalitions, and work with teams towards common goals. In short, students will learn how to communicate the results of an analysis to affect positive change in their households, organizations, and communities at large.
Admissions
Unconditional Admission: Unconditional Admission to the Master of Science in Data Analytics degree program will be granted to applicants who satisfy the following requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- A completed application
- An evaluation by the graduate program advisor
- Evidence of completion of the Common Professional Components (CPCs) for the following course:
BMGT 3370 Business Statistics or a similar course that covers the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics
- GRE or GMAT not required for unconditional applicants
Conditional Admission: Conditional Admissionto the Master of Science in Data Analytics degree program will be granted to applications who satisfy the following requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, but less than 3.0.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- An evaluation by the graduate program advisor
- Evidence of completion of the Common Professional Components (CPCs) in the following course:
BMGT 3370 Business Statistics or a similar course that covers the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics
- Those granted Conditional Admission will be required to complete the first three courses with a “B” or better.
- GRE or GMAT not required for conditional applicants
Conditional Admission (Probationary): Conditional Admission Probationary (2.0-2.49 GPA) to the Master of Science in Data Analytics degree program will be granted to applicants who satisfy all general requirements for admission noted above but who have a GPA of 2.00 but less than 2.5. Applicants with a GPA above 2.0 but less than 2.5 MUST take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test or the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). Applicants must achieve a minimum verbal score of 150 and a minimum quantitative score of 144 or higher and an analytical writing score of at least 3.5 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test OR a 450 or higher on the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) before they can be admitted into the program. Those achieving these scores will be granted Conditional Admission Probationary status and and will be required to complete the first four courses with a “B” or better.
As a general rule, applicants with an earned baccalaureate degree with an overall GPA less than 2.0 will not be admitted.
Evidence of an earned Baccalaureate degree from a degree-granting institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education if post-secondary education was completed in the United States, or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.
If a student falls within a conditional admission probationary status and expresses their desire to waive the graduate entrance examination, then they must:
- Provide justification of 300-500 words that includes their reasoning and how they will be successful in their program.
- Justification must be sent to and approved/denied by the Dean of SPS
- Approved: Student will submit 2 letters of recommendation (1 professional & 1 academic) in place of the exam for a complete file review
*2 academic or 2 professional letters can be substituted
**Letters cannot be submitted from relatives of the applicant
- Denied: Student will be required to submit scores and obtain minimum required scoring for acceptance