Northern Illinois University College of Business - Online MS in Data Analytics

Northern Illinois University College of Business Online MS in Data Analytics Program Structure

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. Coursework is based on the latest trends and best practices in the field.  The program consists of real-world learning experiences, focusing on the ability for students to extract deep insights from big data and apply them to a range of contexts and industries. 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. Hadoop, R, Python, SQL, SAP Predictive Analytics, SAS, Tableau and other cutting-edge technologies are all covered in the program.

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. 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).

The first phase of this curriculum consists of three, two-semester-hour courses:
OMIS 505 Principles of Operations Management
OMIS 507 Business Information Systems
OMIS 524 Business Statistics

Phase Two Courses:
MSDA 628 Supply Chain Business Analytics
MSDA 673 Business Data Visualization
MSDA 690 Data Analytics Projects Management
MSDA 645 Applied Statistics for Business Analytics Using SAS
MSDA 649 Business Computing Environment
MSDA 652 Business Applications of Database Management Systems
MSDA 661 Business Intelligence Applications and Tools
MSDA 665 Big Data Analytics for Business
MSDA 681 Advanced Predictive Data Analytics for Business
MSDA 683 Business Applications of Text Mining

Class Profile

The Northern Illinois College of Business MS in Data Analytics class consists of roughly 70 students.  The class, on average, ranges between 25-28 years old, with an average undergraduate GPA of 2.75.  The program is made up of 60% male and 40% female students.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The current estimated tuition for the Northern Illinois College of Business MS in Data Analytics program is $26,850 ($895 per credit).

Students are eligible for the following sources of financial aid or tuition assistance:

Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement and financial need. They do not need to be repaid. Many scholarships are awarded by NIU as well as private organizations.
Grants: Grants are offered by the federal and state governments, as well as by NIU, based on financial need. You need to file a FASFA to be considered for most grants. In general, grants do not need to be repaid.
Loans: You may choose to take out a federal loan and/or a private loan. To be considered for a federal loan you must file a FAFSA each year. Private loans may require a separate application and credit check. Loans must be repaid.

Admissions

Applicants must complete an online application and provide the following:

Domestic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. College or University
• Strong record of academic achievement, demonstrated by cumulative GPA
• Official transcripts
• GMAT / GRE scores (optional, but may be submitted to supplement the academic record if GPA does not fully demonstrate academic ability)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Completed application and fee

International Requirements:

• International applicants must take GMAT or GRE and TOEFL or IELTS
• Strong record of academic potential, demonstrated by GMAT or GRE score. Official transcripts from all institutions attended will be required.
• An official IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall) or TOEFL (minimum 80) score must be sent directly from the testing agency.
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation

The next application deadlines is June 1, 2020.