School of Business launches master’s degree in business analytics for fall 2020

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business will begin offering a master’s degree in business analytics next fall.

The program, which is STEM-certified, aims to train students in how to uncover highly relevant data insights using advanced analytics and technologies. In addition, graduates will gain the business domain knowledge necessary to understand how data analytics can help organizations achieve goals.

“Our new master’s degree in business analytics provides opportunities for recent bachelor’s degree graduates to advance their education in this expanding field and for working professionals in the industry to further their careers,” said Jim Guthrie, interim associate dean of graduate programs at the KU School of Business. “Data-driven decision-making has become increasingly important for organizations. This degree program addresses employer demand for business analytics experts.”

According to the 2018 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey Report (PDF), 52 percent of responding companies planned to hire master’s data analytics graduates. Interest in business analytics also has increased in the business school. The school’s undergraduate major has grown at a rate of more than 50 percent annually since it launched in fall 2016.

Courses will cover statistical methods, data warehousing, dimensional modeling, big-data analytical methods, and visualization tools and techniques. The program plans to include hands-on learning opportunities, including case studies and projects with leading companies.

The degree will offer three-credit-hour courses and is designed to be completed in one year, with a total of 30 semester credit hours.

For more information, visit the School of Business website or contact Jinae Krieshok at jinae@ku.edu. Applications are now being accepted for enrollment in fall 2020.