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Data Analytics, Master of Science (MSDA)

Program Overview

Data is the new oil. The problem – how do you derive insights and actions to drive competitive advantage? Massive amounts of data mean nothing without context and meaningful analysis. Business/data analytics is the catalyst driving success, according to Dr. Kenneth Gilbert (Henderson, 2013). Organization looking for strategic advantage are turning to innovations driven by data analytics and predictive vision. Not only do you need analysis, but you need the ability to leverage proven business models for successful implementation. The Walsh Master of Science in Data Analytics equips you with knowledge and real-world skills to create strategic advantage from data. MSDA enables analysis for transformation into actionable steps for business implementation. In addition to tradecraft skills in insightful and analytics, the MSDA brings next level insights to drive implementation through people and processes with actionable steps.

The MSDA consists of 10-14 courses for 30-38 semester credit hours. The MSDA degree requires a minimum of 18 semester credit hours of core and concentration credits in residence at Walsh.

Program Requirements

Online Course Orientation
The free and no credit Moodle orientation (MDL*001*R1) is mandatory for all students. MDL*001*R1 must be taken prior to the start of the first course.

MSDA Foundation Courses

IT 501IT SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

3
IT 530SQL & DATABASE FUNDAMENTALS

1
IT 533PROGRAMMING I

3
QM 501INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ANALYTICS

1

MSDA Core Courses

IT 544DATA VISUALIZATION AND PREDICTIVE MODELING

3
IT 545PROGRAMMING FOR DATA ANALYSIS

3
IT 546DATA MINING & TRANSFORMATION

3
IT 547DATA STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES

3
QM 504PRINCIPLES OF DATA ANALYTICS

3
QM 505DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING

3
QM 600PRESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

3
QM 601RESEARCH METHODS & ETHICS

3
QM 602LEAN SIX SIGMA

3
QM 640DATA ANALYTICS CAPSTONE

3

Additional Electives (if needed)

Choose from the following:

IT 540INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE

3
IT 541SQL AND DIMENSIONAL DATA ANALYTICS

3
IT 542BIG DATA ANALYTICS

3

*ACBSP requires new programs to be in place for two years and have graduates from the program to be eligible for accreditation review.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete the prescribed requirements to graduate with a master’s degree from Walsh.

  • Complete the program of study within a period of 60 calendar months (five years) from the initial date of course enrollment (as designated by the first semester attended on the student’s Walsh transcript). Extensions to this time requirement will only be granted upon review of the request by the chief academic officer or designee.
  • Students are limited to no more than 6 semester credit hours of courses in directed study, practicum and/or internships.
  • Earn a minimum of 30 graduate semester credit hours, which may include up to a maximum of 12 semester credit hours of advanced standing, therefore requiring 18 semester credit hours of core and concentration credits in residence in the MSDA program.
  • Earn a grade of “C” (2.000) or better in each course counted towards graduation.
  • Achieve a cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.000) or better within the degree requirements at Walsh.
  • Students preparing for graduation must file an official Application for Graduation Form with the Records and Registration office. Students can make an appointment with an academic advisor to review graduation requirements.
  • Students can view their degree completion progress any time by logging into Self-Service for Students through the portal and clicking on “My Progress.”