Master of Science in Analytics
Teaching the skills that drive business success.
Producing exceptional analysts who can lead project teams -
able to fully understand and clearly communicate
the business implications of their work.
UNIQUE Features of the McCormick Master of Science in Analytics degree
Comprehensive Curriculum
The Master of Science in Analytics combines mathematical and statistical study with instruction in advanced computational and data analysis. Students learn to identify patterns and trends; interpret and gain insight from vast quantities of structured and unstructured data; and communicate their findings in practical, useful terms.
All three areas of data analysis are studied: predictive (forecasting), descriptive (business intelligence and data mining) and prescriptive (optimization and simulation).
Many programs focus on just one aspect of analytics – producing graduates who are trained primarily in modeling or data mining. Our more comprehensive curriculum provides a broader perspective, teaching the skills necessary to be highly effective in solving real-world business challenges. Students learn that naïve data analysis can be misleading, that large-scale problems are not amenable to simple solutions, and that working with unstructured field data is different than working with the results of a design experiment. Coursework covers everything from database management, statistical analysis and data mining, to project management and business intelligence. Please visit the Curriculum pages for more information.
Gateway Course in Analytics
In addition to three fundamental courses in Predictive Analytics, Qualitative Modeling and Decision Analysis, incoming students engage in a unique gateway class. Case studies of real-world analytics problems are used to foster discussion and refine mathematical, computing, operations research and econometrics / statistics skills. This introduction ensures that all students have both the context and quantitative rigor to fully participate in, and get the most out of, the remainder of the program.
15 month full-time program
Study commences in September and degree is conferred in December of the following year. This is not a part time or weekend program, nor a stepping stone toward a PhD. It is designed for undergraduates studying engineering, science or business, who want to start their careers from a position of strength – with wider job opportunities and higher earning potential.
On-campus
All classes in the Master of Science in Analytics are offered in the McCormick School of Engineering on the Evanston campus and students admitted to the program will be able to draw upon all the resources of Northwestern University.
Training in both SPSS and SAS
The Master of Science in Analytics program provides training in both SPSS and SAS. Graduates will be expected to utilize both systems during the program.
Taught by full-time, tenured faculty as well as prominent industry leaders
Approximately half to three-quarters of the courses will be taught by tenured, or tenure track, faculty from the top five ranked Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences as well as other departments and schools at the university. The faculty will be supplemented by industry experts working at the edge of analytics today.
Summer Internship Placement
Each student will spend three months contributing to an actual project team, choosing from a variety of industries. The faculty work closely with companies throughout the United States to find internships that fit the educational needs and interests of each student.
Capstone Design Project
During their final quarter, students will work in teams on to develop a business solution to a current real-world problem provided by a US company. Teams will communicate directly with the company, and defend their reasoning and recommendations. Students will be evaluated on how well they integrate the total course material. This provides practical experience in using data, both structured and unstructured, to create algorithms and business models just as they do in corporate environments.
Distinguished Speakers Series
To complement academic instruction, the program also includes a Distinguished Speakers Series. Each quarter we bring in well-known executives and managers from top companies as well as leading scholars to present guest lectures and seminars.
Industry Exposure
Summer internships and the program’s Capstone Course allow students to gain work experience and explore career opportunities with two different companies while earning their degree. Program participants will also have full access to Northwestern University’s extensive career placement resources.
Small Cohort
The Master of Science in Analytics will admit only a small number of students each fall quarter. While this will undoubtedly mean that admission will be highly selective, it will also mean we can give appropriate attention to those who are admitted. We are aiming to foster a collaborative atmosphere within the program and believe that a small cohort of excpetionally talented and strongly motivated students will best enable us to achieve this.
