M.S. in Data Analytics
About the Program
The Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) degree is an intensive, 100 percent online program that will prepare you for the fastest-growing jobs in data science and data analytics.
The Department of Operations Management and Information Systems has created many exceptional programs that cross the boundaries of technology, systems and people. This program continues that tradition, offering you a holistic approach to the field of data analytics.
Your coursework will be based on the latest trends and best practices in the field. By focusing on real-world learning experiences, you’ll develop the ability to extract deep insights from big data and apply them to a range of contexts and industries.
Our faculty are active researchers and expert teachers. They’ll expose you to Hadoop, R, Python, SQL, SAP Predictive Analytics, SAS, Tableau and other cutting-edge technologies.
It takes 10 weeks to complete each course, and you can complete the 10 required courses in as little as 12 months. When you graduate, you’ll also earn the NIU-SAS joint certification credential.
Data analytics is a sought-after field. CNN Money noted that analytics manager is the second-fastest-growing job in the country, and Salary.com listed the annual salary of data analytics managers as well over $100,000.
Interested in a fast-paced program that will transform your future? Consider joining the MSDA program.
Program Mode of Delivery
The coursework for this program is 100 percent online.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Data Analytics program consists of two phases. Phase One courses are designed to address deficiencies in undergraduate coursework considered to be prerequisite for Phase Two (30 credits) graduate coursework. Students with significant undergraduate coursework in business may be waived from some, or all, of the Phase One requirements.
Phase Two consists of 10 courses. Five courses are required from big data analytics (15 credits), three courses are required from business and visual communication (nine credits), one course is required from statistics (three credits) and one course is required from programming (three credits).
Information about specific course requirements can be found on the M.S. in Data Analytics website.
Career Opportunities
- Data scientist/data analyst
- Data mining analyst
- Data engineer
- Business intelligence analyst
- Business/management analyst
- System analyst
- IT project manager
- Cyber/information security engineer/analyst
- Software developer/engineer
- Market research analyst
- Marketing/sales manager
Applying to the Program
Start your application now with the NIU Graduate School.
Faculty
- Brian Bender, Instructor
- Chuck Downing, Ph.D., Presidential Teaching Professor
- Kishen Iyengar Ph.D., Assistant Professor
- John Kearsing, Instructor
- Young Lee, Ph.D., Associate Professor
- Chang Liu, Ph.D., Dean's Distinguished Professor
- Yipeng Liu, Ph.D., Associate Professor
- Charles Petersen, Ph.D., Dean's Distinguished Professor
- Andrew Setterstrom, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Why NIU Online?
We know you have responsibilities and commitments. It's just easier if you're able to take classes where you are without the commute. The good news is that with NIU, you're not alone. Your classmates and instructors are available via the same technology that helps deliver your classes. In our classrooms or in your living room, we want you to succeed academically because your future is our focus.
Program Type: Online master's degree
College: College of Business, Department of Operations Management and Information Systems
Credits Required: 30 credits
Tuition per Credit: $905.00 (Learn more about tuition and fees)
Application Deadlines
For applicants residing in the U.S.
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer | June 1 |
| Fall | August 14 |
| Spring | December 4 |
For international students living abroad
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | October 1 |
| Spring | January 2 |