Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2015-2016 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2015-2016 Previous Edition

Data Science and Business Analytics, M.S.


Data Science and Business Analytics Program

analytics.uncc.edu

Graduate Program Director

Dr. Mirsad Hadzikadic

Director of Student Services

TBD

 

The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program in Data Science and Business Analytics (DSBA) is an interdisciplinary program at the intersection of business, computer and information sciences, statistics, and operations research. The program leads to an M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics. It is a unique blend of business acumen, data understanding, exposure to a diverse set of advanced analytics methods, and hands-on experience designed to help students apply learned knowledge on representative business problems. DSBA graduates are well equipped for employment in a wide variety of data intensive industries, such as financial services, energy, retail/supply chain, or healthcare, where the need for business analysts with quantitative, computational, and sophisticated analytical skills is growing at an explosive pace.

Admission Requirements


Applicants must meet the general Graduate School requirements for admission to Master’s Degree programs. Applications must include all of the Master’s Degree application submissions. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are the minimum admissions requirements for study toward the M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics:

  • Earned undergraduate degree in any scientific, engineering or business discipline or a closely related field
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Acceptable scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the GRE or GMAT
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose outlining the goals for pursuing a graduate education
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based), 557 (paper-based), or 83 (Internet based), or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 is required from any applicant whose native language is not English

In addition, the program requires a current working knowledge of at least one higher-level (procedural) language; and a familiarity with computer applications. A minimal background in mathematics is also required, including two semesters of calculus and one semester of statistics. Individuals who have worked at a high professional level in the computer industry or business may be able to substitute work experience for specific subject area admission requirements. Individuals without a business degree or business experience are required to complete an online business fundamentals course prior to enrolling in the program.

Degree Requirements


Thirty-three graduate credit hours are required for the DSBA PSM. Of the 33 graduate credit hours, 24 credit hours are required core courses (inclusive of 3 hours for the internship), and 9 credit hours of electives. A minimum of 24 credit hours contributing to the M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics must be from courses numbered 6000 or higher. A maximum of 6 hours of graduate credit may be transferred. Students may apply all of the credits earned in the Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics  toward the M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics with the approval of the DSBA Program Director. All students take the following courses:

Elective Courses (9 credit hours)


In addition, students choose 3 elective courses from a growing list of Data Science and Business Analytics courses or propose a three-course specialization for approval by the DSBA Program Director. In choosing their 3 electives courses, students must select at least one course from each of the following areas:

Student-Structured Electives Option


Students may propose a three-course specialization (9 credit hours) in a significant area of interest for approval by the Director of the PSM DSBA Program.  In addition to the courses listed in the Data Science and Business Analytics specializations listed above, this specialization may include graduate courses from the M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Information Technology, MBA, M.S. in Mathematics with Concentration in Applied Statistics, M.S. in Mathematical Finance, M.S. in Economics, and other programs or departments within the University with approval of the related department.