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The UB MS in Analytics & Systems Value Proposition
The MS in Analytics & Systems (MS A&S) is a 30-credit graduate program designed to meet the needs of students whose career goals include integrating data, technology, and methods to provide insights for constructive decision-making. The program accomplishes its mission by developing student expertise in technical skill, solution architecture and delivery, analysis and management. Graduates of the MS A&S will be well-positioned to enter contemporary data-driven organizations.
Students will learn both a breadth of knowledge of information systems and a depth of skills in modern analytical methods. Classwork involves both rigorous instruction and required projects to prepare graduates for the unique stresses of this fast-paced industry. A similar MBA program with a concentration in Analytics Intelligence is offered by our Ernest C. Trefz School of Business; this MS A&S is for students looking to focus more on analytics and systems specifically, rather than business management generally.
Positive program outcomes will be achieved through the knowledge and skills the students will acquire from a comprehensive curriculum design, instruction in an effective learning environment, opportunities for inquiry, and professional development. This program largely leverages our existing offerings. While more specific and analytical in nature, these learning outcomes are in line with our institutional mission, and our MBA program.
Program Characteristics
Although students with work experience will find maximum benefit from the MS A&S; no previous work experience is required. The curriculum is designed to recognize and accommodate substantial diversity in preparation and experience as well as the different goals and career expectations of students. For this reason, some students may be required to complete preparatory coursework to successfully graduate from the 30-credit MS A&S program. Flexible course delivery enables students to proceed at their desired pace. Most students complete the MS A&S program in 18 to 24 months.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate
A) the ability to explore and organize data with Microsoft Excel MO-210 Associate Level proficiency,
B) knowledge and competence in data querying, data preparation, and data transformation with SQL, and SAS Certified Specialist Level proficiency,
C) a theoretical understanding and practical implementation of data modeling for predictive analytics with SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Level proficiency,
D) application of the cross industry standard process for data mining (CRISP-DM) from start to finish on business data, and
E) the ability to apply the information technology (IT) lifecycle from the lens of business intelligence (BI) and applying project management tenets to real-world projects.
2. communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in oral and written structures in both formal and informal settings.
3. contribute within diverse sets of teams and build internal and external relationships that facilitate success in contemporary organizations via interpersonal and professional skills.
4. apply information literacy, proficiency with technology, and analytical techniques for ethical/effective/efficient decision-making.
5. address current issues and case studies using creativity and methods for problem identification/solutions.
6. act with integrity as an individual and apply ethical theories to contemporary organizations/topics.
7. think critically and logically by integrating concepts across disciplines to successfully lead in a dynamic international/global environment.
Technical
- Demonstrating an understanding of concepts learned throughout this graduate program
- Describing the business drivers and critical success factors for effective analytics and systems project and program delivery
- Using research, tools and techniques for complex analytical solutions that capture, consolidate and present information for meaningful insights
Human
- Communicating complicated information at a professional level clearly and concisely
- Understanding how to manage all aspects of the data capture, delivery and analysis process
- Demonstrating initiative, discipline, and follow-through on assignments and projects
- Facilitating meaningful dialogue related to class topics
Conceptual
- Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of analytics and systems solution designs, tools and visualization options
- Analyzing trends within data, facilitating their application, and sharing throughout the organization
- Applying the theories and techniques learned throughout this program with focus on analytics, information systems, sourcing, and vendor management
Learning Outcomes will be assessed using the following measures:
- participating in class discussions to assess real-world policies and decisions,
- completing in-class quizzes, tests, and exams with multiple-choice and open-ended questions that require students to identify, compare, and summarize key topics,
- completing third-party formative and summative surveys, certificates, and tests that require students to calculate, classify, and answer technical questions based on case studies,
- completing papers that require students to categorize and summarize key concepts,
- utilizing labs to perform hands-on queries, projects, etc.,
- participating in team projects that address learning outcomes, and which require students to evaluate classmates on team performance,
- informally and formally presenting material related to course concepts, proposals, etc.,
- performing research on course topics, such as industry analysis,
- populating journals that serve as refence material for reflection papers,
- completing a thesis or internship that demonstrates the ability to perform scholarship/knowledge-work in real-word settings, and
- building business plans.
Language Requirement
Conditionally accepted international students with an undergraduate degree that was taught in a language other than English are required to successfully complete additional language-related coursework and third-party assessment testing before joining the program.
Academic Preparation
Students with undergraduate preparation in a non-business field may be required to complete up to 6 credits of preparatory course- work. Students with a strong academic record (B or better in each case) from an accredited university, or significant relevant work experience, may be able to waive preparatory foundation courses. ACCT 500 - Accounting, Business Law & Ethics requires both managerial and financial accounting, as well as any course labelled business law that included contracts and tort law. MGMT 500 - Management & Marketing requires organizational behavior, operations management, and marketing or any similarly named course that includes consumer behavior.
MBA/MS MSA/MSF Dual-Degree Programs
The Trefz School offers students the opportunity to acquire concurrent graduate degrees within the Trefz School in which students may apply up to 15 credit hours to both programs. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be completed to satisfy the requirements of an MS Analytics/MS Finance dual-degree program, and a minimum of 51 credit hours must be completed to satisfy the requirements of an MBA/MS dual-degree program.
The BUCP 599 Capstone course is available for dual-degree students with the following modification; students may complete a three-credit internship and one one-credit in each program.
