The digital revolution empowered by the internet and computer technology in business and individual life during the last several decades has generated unimaginable amounts of data in the form of digital records stored in databases and file servers. The volume, velocity, and variety of these data have produced a new set of problems and challenges for businesses and organizations in their pursuit of competitiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency. These problems and challenges also have created unprecedented opportunities for businesses and organizations to discover, model, understand, and serve their customers and partners in ways never imagined and to supply details never possible before. Businesses and organizations that are able to master this volume of data will have a tremendous competitive advantage over their competition in the marketplace.
As the need for implementing data analytic solutions grows, demand for professionals who understand and are capable of working with and exploring this data has exploded in recent years. This program addresses the growing need to manage and analyze the rapidly increasing amount of data that is available to support business decision making.
The part-time program is located in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities.
The part-time Master of Science program in business analytics requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit. Transfer credit may be accepted with approval from the program. Students who wish to include the 15 s.h. earned from the Certificate in Business Analytics toward the M.S. degree should seek approval from the program. A major and cumulative g.p.a. of at least 2.75 is required in all coursework.
The M.S. with a major in business analytics requires the following coursework.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 15 | |
| Experience Course/Project | 3 | |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Some of these courses have prerequisites; students must complete all of a course's prerequisites before they may register for that course.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| BAIS:6040 | Data Programming in Python | 3 |
| BAIS:6060 | Data Programming in R | 3 |
| All of these: | ||
| BAIS:6050 | Data Management and Visual Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:6070 | Data Science | 3 |
| BAIS:9100 | Data and Decisions | 3 |
| BAIS:9110 | Advanced Analytics | 3 |
Experience Course/Project
The experience course consists of a group project that solves a semester-long business problem. Students should take this course after they have completed the core courses and one elective course.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| BAIS:6120 | Analytics Experience | 3 |
Electives
Elective coursework allows students to deepen or broaden their skills.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 12 s.h. from these: | ||
| BAIS:6040 | Data Programming in Python (if not taken as a core course) | 3 |
| BAIS:6060 | Data Programming in R (if not taken as a core course) | 3 |
| BAIS:6100 | Text Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:6105 | Social Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:6110 | Big Data Management and Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:6130 | Applied Optimization | 3 |
| BAIS:6140 | Information Visualization | 3 |
| BAIS:6150 | Financial Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:6180 | Healthcare Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:6190 | Forecasting | 3 |
| BAIS:6210 | Data Leadership and Management | 3 |
| BAIS:6280 | Cybersecurity | 3 |
| BAIS:9010 | Contemporary Topics in Analytics | 1-3 |
| BAIS:9130 | Lean Process Improvement | 3 |
| BAIS:9140 | Agile Project Management | 3 |
| BAIS:9160 | Supply Chain Analytics | 3 |
| MKTG:9165 | Digital Marketing Analytics | 3 |
| 6 s.h. of the total 12 s.h. in electives may be taken from these: | ||
| ACCT:9040 | Financial Statement Analysis and Forecasting | 3 |
| BAIS:9300 | Innovations in Technology | 3 |
| ENTR:9100 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 3 |
| ENTR:9450 | Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation | 3 |
| ENTR:9500 | Managing the Growth Business | 3 |
| ENTR:9700 | Entrepreneurship: Business Consulting | 3 |
| FIN:9140 | Enterprise Risk Management | 3 |
| FIN:9150 | Financial Modeling and Firm Valuation | 3 |
| FIN:9200 | Portfolio Management | 3 |
| FIN:9230 | Real Estate Finance and Investments | 3 |
| FIN:9240 | International Finance | 3 |
| FIN:9300 | Corporate Investment and Financing Decisions | 3 |
| FIN:9310 | Corporate Financial Strategy | 3 |
| MBA:8110 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| MBA:8140 | Corporate Financial Reporting | 3 |
| MBA:8180 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| MBA:8240 | Operations and Supply Chain | 3 |
| MGMT:9185 | Project Management | 3 |
| MKTG:9120 | Customer Relationship Management | 3 |
| MKTG:9170 | Business to Business Marketing | 3 |
| MKTG:9190 | International Marketing | 3 |
| MKTG:9300 | Applied Marketing Research | 3 |
| MKTG:9320 | Strategic Brand Positioning | 3 |
| MKTG:9330 | Product and Pricing Management | 3 |
| MKTG:9340 | Customer Analysis | 3 |
M.S./M.B.A. (Professional Program)
The combined Master of Science in business analytics (professional subprogram)/Professional Master of Business Administration Program allows students to pursue two degrees simultaneously, earning both more quickly than they would if the degrees were pursued separately. The Department of Business Analytics collaborates with the Master of Business Administration Program to offer combined M.S./M.B.A. degrees.
Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program. For information about the M.B.A., see the M.B.A. Professional Program in the Master of Business Administration section of the Catalog.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College and the Master of Science in business analytics (professional subprogram); see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website and the part-time Master of Science in business analytics (professional subprogram) admission guidelines on the Tippie College of Business website.