Introduction
The NJCU School of Business at New Jersey City University has launched a new Master of Science degree program in Business Analytics and Data Science designed to prepare students for careers in the burgeoning field of data analytics. The Master of Science in Business Analytics and Data Science program will prepare students with the skills needed to gather, store, analyze and interpret large amounts of "Big Data" to facilitate informed business decision making.
Data analytics is an area of strong employment growth. A recent study by McKinsey Global Institute projects approximately 500,000 jobs requiring data analysis skills by 2018, with a projected shortage of approximately 190,000 jobs. The NJCU School of Business program enables graduate students with an interest in analytics to focus their studies on techniques suitable to specific business disciplines such as finance, marketing, logistics, and accounting.
About This Degree
The Master of Science degree program in Business Analytics and Data Science is designed to prepare students for careers in the burgeoning field of data analytics. The program will develop the skills needed to gather, store, analyze, and interpret large amounts of “Big Data” in order to facilitate informed business decisions. Students may elect to further focus their studies on techniques suitable to specific business disciplines such as finance, marketing, logistics, and accounting. The curriculum also supports the content of the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) examination.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited undergraduate program.
Recommended minimum GPA of 3.0.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), recommended 50th percentile or higher. The GRE/GMAT requirement can be waived on a case by case basis.
Two letters of recommendation
A personal Statement of Purpose (1000 to 2000 words), which should describe the applicant’s reasons for applying to the program and ways in which his or her experience, skills, and goals are aligned with the program.
A current resume that outlines the applicant’s educational background, employment history, professional activities, and other activities.
International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit an Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES) evaluation of international transcripts.
Application Deadlines*
Domestic Applicants:
Term
Deadline
Spring
Rolling
Summer
Rolling
Fall
Rolling
International Applicants:
Term
Deadline
Spring
November 1
Summer
April 1
Fall
May 1
*Deadlines are subject to change. Deadline extensions may be granted on a case by case. Please contact Graduate Admissions for more information gradadmissions@njcu.edu.
Prerequisite Requirements
The 33-credit course of study assumes an undergraduate degree and/or work experience in business, technology, or related disciplines. Depending on background and focus, students may be required to take the following prerequisites:
BUSI 599 Graduate Business Essentials (9 credits)
Similar graduate courses from other institutions may be accepted with the approval of the program coordinator.
Pre-Requisite Courses (As Required):
BUSI 599 Graduate Business Essentials, 9 credits
Required Core Program Courses: 24 credits
FINC 514 Introduction to Business Analytics and Data Science, 3 credits
FINC 515 Programming for Business, 3 credits
FINC 520 Statistical and Mathematical Methods for Data Science, 3 credits
FINC 530 Machine Learning for Business I, 3 credits
FINC 535 Data Management, 3 credits
FINC 550 Experimental Design, 3 credits
FINC 560 Data Visualization and Communication, 3 credits
FINC 565 Time Series Modeling and Experimental Design, 3 credits
Required Electives: 6 credits
Elective Course: Advisor Permission, 3 credits
Elective Course: Advisor Permission, 3 credits
Capstone Requirement:
FINC 781 Capstone Project in Data Science, 3 credits
Total Minimum Credits: 33
Program Description
Two Meeting Patterns:
16 month accelerated program
2-year part-time program
In addition to being offered as a flexible full-time/part-time program spread over four or more semesters, the Master of Science features a cohort-based accelerated 16-month immersion program meeting on Friday evenings and all day Saturdays.
The M.S in Business Analytics and Data Science program will be fully geared towards practice. Students learning experiences will be grounded in real-world contexts. Students will learn analytical skills and use software tools that are currently popular in the industry, to find solutions to business data analysis problems that are commonly encountered in practice. Students will also learn the ethical responsibilities of working with large amounts of data, which in many cases could be private. Graduates of the program will be thoroughly prepared to take on the role of a data scientist in the industry.
The Master of Science in Business Analytics and Data Sciences will require the completion of 33 credits (9 core courses and 2 electives). The electives allow students to explore more specialized topics in business analytics and data science. The program culminates in a capstone project that applies the knowledge gained to real-world data science problems.
Degree Maps
Traditional Full-time Plan
First Year
Term 1
FINC 514 Introduction to Business Analytics and Data Science, 3 credits
FINC 515 Programming for Business, 3 credits
FINC 520 Statistical and Mathematical Methods for Data Science, 3 credits
Credits: 9
Term 2
FINC 530 Machine Learning for Business I, 3 credits
FINC 535 Data Management, 3 credits
FINC 565 Time Series Modeling and Experimental Design, 3 credits
Credits: 9
Term 3
FINC 550 Experimental Design, 3 credits
FINC 560 Data Visualization and Communication, 3 credits
Elective course 1, 3 credits
Credits: 9
Term 4
Elective Course 1 With the guidance of an advisor, elective may be chosen from an approved list of electives. 3 credits
FINC 781 Capstone Project in Data Science, 3 credits
Credits: 6
Total Credits: 33
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Business Analytics program, students will be able to:
Identify ethical issues and understand the implications of social responsibility for sustainable business practices.
Evaluate the information and apply critical thinking skills to identify solutions and inform business decisions.
Utilize technology, apply quantitative methods, and interpret data to solve business problems.
Integrate knowledge of core business concepts and collaborate productively as part of a team.
Work effectively in a diverse environment and understand how global and cultural issues affect the organization and its stakeholders.
Compose clear and concise forms of written communication to effectively convey ideas and information associated with business topics.
Communicate business concepts effectively through oral presentation.
