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The College of St. Scholastica

What is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is the science of converting collections of raw data into relevant and actionable insights to support decision-making. It includes the methods and technologies to transform and analyze data and present the results in a meaningful way. Data analytics enables organizations to discover new knowledge and wisdom resulting in new efficiencies, and opportunities.

Advantages of a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in Applied Data Analytics provides an in-depth study in analytics with the added advantage of applying the skills and knowledge to your field of interest. Students apply modern technologies and methods to study data from any industry to discover new insights and turn these insights into actionable decisions. The master’s curriculum covers a broad range of analytics topics with a focus on the ethical implementation of analytics and decision making.

Fast Facts

  • Application of data analysis tools like Python, R, Tableau, and Excel
  • Performing data analytics locally and in a cloud environment
  • Emphasizes the ethical use of data and decision making
  • Faculty with advanced degrees and professional work experience
  • Online format, accelerated eight-week terms; finish in under two years*
  • 37 total program credits

Receive Program Info and Financial Aid Options

  • Detailed program overview
  • Personalized financial aid
  • Individual admissions support

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My experience was amazing and was enriched by sharing ideas and insights with the others in my cohort.

Chris Schroeder

Degree Details

Tuition

Tuition: $575/credit*


* Tuition rates are for the 2023-24 academic year. Additional fees and costs for course materials may apply. Total program cost and completion time varies depending on transfer credits and individual program plans. Tuition rates are subject to change.

Program Overview

Strengths of the Program

Integrated Curriculum including: While other programs consist of a collection of existing courses, our program was specifically designed for data analytics with integration across courses to build on the knowledge gained from each course.

Applied Assignments and Projects: Rather than only learning theory, our students use modern tools and methods to solve specific problems in their field of interest. This means what you learn in your classes can directly apply to your work.

Just-in-time Learning: Instead of requiring many prerequisites that only partially apply to data analytics, our program integrates the needed mathematical and computing concepts within the data analytics courses. This allows students from varied backgrounds to enroll directly into the program without the need for extensive prerequisite courses.

Ethics Across the Program: Ethical behaviors and decisions are especially important in the field of data science. Ethical considerations addressing data collection, interpretation, and dissemination are critical for organizations to maintain trust while searching for new discoveries. For this reason, ethical considerations are integrated into the entire curriculum.

Industry-Focused Faculty: By largely relying on faculty who work in the profession, our instructors will offer real-world experience in the classroom.

Cohort Model

Students progress through the courses as a cohort beginning with the fundamental core courses and continue through the advanced courses as they conclude with a capstone project. The sequencing of the courses is important since mastery of the topics in the fundamental courses are required for proper application in the advanced courses. As a result, students must progress through the fundamental courses before proceeding on to the more advanced courses.

Format, Start Dates and Program Length

Each course is delivered in an online format as an eight-week class and taught by instructors possessing advanced degrees and experience in the data analytics profession.

Students may begin the program in the fall or spring semesters and are able, and encouraged, to enroll in two courses for each semester. Completion of two courses a semester enables the student to complete the program in about two years.

Curriculum

Visit our Catalog to view the program, course and degree requirements, and learning outcomes. Be sure to create your course plan in consultation with your advisor.

Career Outlook

Data analysts and data scientists have opportunities across a variety of industries including healthcare, banking, marketing, research and development, computer and information systems,  management, human resources, or other management roles. The master’s in applied data analytics is designed to build on your current professional experience to apply data analytics to your field of interest.

  • Touted as “America’s Hottest Job” by Bloomberg noting a 75% increase in Indeed job postings from January 2015 to January 2018
  • Data Analysts: $65,000 – $110,000
  • Data Scientists: $85,000 – $170,000
  • Analytics Managers: $90,000 – $240,000 (according to DataJobs.com)

Admission Information

Visit our admissions page for information about transcripts, online application, international admissions and financing.

Application Deadlines

Fall: Aug 15

Eligibility

New Students
  • BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university
    Cumulative GPA of 2.8
  • Students must have a minimum of two years full-time work experience in any field
Note: Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
Returning Students

A returning student is a student who was admitted and enrolled in a program at St. Scholastica but has been absent from the program for at least three continuous semesters, including summer. To return to the same program at St. Scholastica, a returning student must be in good academic standing and must apply for readmission to the College.