Master of Science in Data Analytics

Program Description/Overview

The Master of Science of Data Analytics degree enables students to learn the tactics and techniques needed to work with diverse data sets, a range of analytics platforms and reporting tools, to ultimately tell an actionable data driven story, tell that story right, and tell it right now. 

Students are given the opportunity to roll up their sleeves in structured classroom environments to work directly with top enterprise solutions such as Google Analytics 360 Suite, Adobe Analytics Suite, Python, R, SQL, Hadoop, Moz, Hitwise, IBM CoreMetrics, Gephi, Power BI, Power Pivot, and so much more. Coupled to a dynamic range of statistical data modeling methods and functions, students learn the critical skills required to work with stakeholders and descriptive, predictive, prescriptive, diagnostic and logistical performance outcomes. 

In the emerging fields of Big Data, Data Science, Analytics, and Reporting, Analysts are in demand across all vertical industries. The MSDA program puts these roles within the grasp of graduates, including Analytics Associates, Enterprise Analysts, CRM and Customer Journey Analysts, market analysts, data scientists, Optimization Analysts, Supply Chain Analysts, and more.

The program is not yet Title IV approved; therefore, students enrolling in this program are not eligible for federal financial aid at this time, but may apply for private education loans through an outside lender.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

1. Demonstrate an understanding of techniques for maximizing the value of data in organizations
2. Apply critical thinking skills in the context of problem solving in the business workplace
3. Project a positive, pro-active and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultural and international identities in interpersonal and professional interactions
4. Demonstrate competence in communicating data solutions to organizational audiences
5. Apply knowledge and skills in data science in the context of the organization
6. Be able to make ethical and socially responsible decisions for data applications in business
7. Apply methods to collect, analyze, and critically evaluate data and information technology

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the requirements stipulated in the “Admissions and Registration” section of the University catalog, and must also meet the following criteria:

GPA: Applicants need to meet one of the following GPA requirements

1. Overall Bachelor’s GPA is 2.75 or above, or
2. Overall Bachelor’s GPA is between 2.60 and 2.75, plus a Minimum five (5) years professional work experience, or
3. Minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 units of coursework (include graduate work) completed, or
4. An accredited master’s degree with overall GPA 3.0 or above

Resume: A current resume is required

Recommendations: Encouraged but not required

Personal essay (max. 2 pages): an autobiographical statement with future professional plans, the associated professional organizations and honors, activities and other accomplishments.

English Proficiency (International applicants)

1. CSML will admit students with IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5 (or equivalent). Students can start their academic program immediately on entry into their program.
2. CSML will conditionally admit students with IELTS score 5.5-5.9 with no individual band score below 5.5 (or equivalent). Students will start in an English program and upon successful completion will start their academic program
3. Students with IELTS scores 5.0-5.4 will be admitted to a full ESL program. Upon successful completion of the ESL program, they will start their academic programs.

Upon receipt and review of all documentation, the candidate will be considered for final admission. Final admissions decision will be made by the Program Faculty.

Note that students may apply for admission in the final year of their undergraduate program if they are confident they will meet the admission requirements above upon completion of their Bachelor degree. A completed Bachelor’s degree, with appropriate GPA, is required to remain enrolled after admission. Final transcripts of the completed Bachelor degree need to be submitted before students will be allowed to register for classes.

Programmatic Accreditation

The program is currently in candidacy status for global business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 33

Total Core Credit Units: 33

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Prerequisite Courses

This program has two pre-requisite courses that are to be completed during Session 1 and 2 of Year One. Applications for a waiver is to be made to the program academic advisor. For consideration to waive the pre-requisite courses, students must satisfy one of the following requirements:

1. Bachelor Degrees: Students with undergraduate majors including a course in math, a course in statistics and a course in programming are eligible to apply for waivers of the program pre-requisites courses. A 3-unit equivalent course completed at the Bachelors level within the last 3 years in math and in statistics with a grade of B+ or better will waive the DAT5005 pre-requisite course. A 3-unit equivalent course completed at the Bachelors level in programming (e.g., C++, .NET/C#, JAVA, R, or Python) and in math and in statistics within the last 3 years with a grade of B+ or better will waive the DAT5000 pre-requisite course.  In cases where the course was completed more than 3 years ago, students can apply for a waiver and the program will assess the course contents.
2. Masters Degrees: Students with a masters including a course in math or statistics, and a course in programming at the masters level, completed with a grade of B or better in the previous 3 years can waive the applicable subject area pre-requisite course for the MSDA program.

The prerequisite courses for this program are to be completed during Session 1 and 2 of Year One:

• DAT5000 - Essentials of Informatics Using Python  (3 units)
• DAT5005 - Basic Applied Statistics  (3 units)

Curriculum Plan