Master's | In-person

Master of Science in Analytics

Curriculum

MScA Program Structure

Students have the flexibility to pursue the Master of Science in Analytics degree on a part- or full-time schedule. Part-time students enroll in two courses each quarter and take their courses in the evenings or on Saturdays. Full-time students take three courses per quarter. Some of their courses may be offered during the day. All courses are taught at the NBC Tower in downtown Chicago.

Students earn the Master of Science in Analytics by successfully completing twelve credit courses and a final capstone project.

Data Science Curriculum

Our program builds a basis in analytics theory that will be applied in advanced analytics classes that span several analytics disciplines and specialities.

Foundational Noncredit Analytics Courses

Foundational noncredit courses provide the basis for our rigorous analytics degree that will support the theoretical, strategic, and practical analytics studies in more advanced courses.

Upon acceptance into the program, students will have an opportunity to complete Foundational Skill Assessments and earn an exemption for noncredit courses in the areas of statistics, advanced linear algebra, R, and Python. Assessment scores of 80% or higher will result in the relevant Foundational course being waived. Assessment scores of less than 80% will require the completion of the corresponding Foundational course.

Students electing not to complete the Foundational Skill Assessment must register for all four Foundational Courses.

The four foundational courses are listed below. Please note that the Introduction to Statistical Concepts and R Course are considered pre-quarter courses and therefore take place during the 5 weeks leading up to your first quarter with the program.

*All foundational courses are completed virtually for all MScA students regardless if they enroll in our in-person or online program.

Brush Up on the Basics

If you are uncertain of your preparation in these foundational topics, we have identified four Coursera courses which cover very similar topics. You can review the Coursera curricula to see if you are already well-prepared, or if you like, study their materials to brush up on some or all of these topics.


Core Courses

Core courses allow students to build their theoretical analytics knowledge and practice applying this theory to examine business problems. Each of the seven core courses is required to earn the Master of Science in Analytics. Students choose either Leadership Skills: Teams, Strategies, and Communications (MSCA 31003) or Data Science for Consulting (MSCA 31015) as one of the core courses.

One of the following Data Engineering courses*:

*Optional core courses may be taken as electives.

One of the following Leadership courses*:

*Optional core courses may be taken as electives.


Elective Courses

Explore advanced analytics strategies and applications. Students in the 12-course curriculum are required to complete three elective courses. Our program continually adds electives to evolve with the analytics landscape. Alumni are able to take classes, when available, at reduced tuition.


Analytics Capstone Project

  • The required capstone project is completed over two quarters and covers research design, implementation, and writing.
  • Students will generally start their capstone project two quarters before their projected graduation. Full-time students start their capstone project in their third quarter.

Learn more about capstone projects


Noncredit Workshops and Short Courses

Noncredit short courses and workshops are offered to support student success in the relevant concurrent courses and electives.