USD Establishes New Masters Degree in Business Analytics
One of the first new graduate degrees offered by Beacom in more than 30 years, the M.S. in Business Analytics program offers in-depth knowledge and expertise in data management, analysis, visualization and optimization. The program will begin accepting students immediately and classes will begin summer 2018.
“In today’s economy, data-driven decision making isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Venky Venkatachalam, Ph.D., dean of the Beacom School of Business. “This new program will support regional and national businesses by providing them a trained workforce ready to tackle the most basic yet challenging aspects of any project - how to make a data-informed decision.”
Venkatachalam confirms that there is a demand for business analysts in all sectors of the economy—manufacturing, banking, service, hospitality, agriculture, tourism, and retail. This program will equip graduates with skills necessary to be successful in this fast-growing field.
Students will benefit from a wealth of resources, such as access to SAS software, the recently established POET Center for Business Analytics, as well as connections to a variety of industry leaders.
In support of the business analytics degree, USD officials cited labor force data showing that management analyst and market research analyst positions are expected to grow between eight to 20 percent in South Dakota through 2024.
The Beacom School of Business is hosting an Open House for anyone interested in learning more about the M.S. in Business Analytics program on Friday, April 13 at 3 p.m. in Beacom Hall room 128. For more information, contact Linda Halliburton.
