Reading Time: 3 minutesBarbara T. Ozog, Ph.D., Professor, Program Director at Benedictine University, joins us today to discuss their Masters in Business Analytics program.
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1. Can you tell us about the business analytics program offered at Benedictine University? *
The MS in business analytics program offered in the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Business at Benedictine University focuses on the skills, technologies, applications, and practices for iterative exploration and investigation of past business performance in order to gain insight and drive business planning. It makes extensive use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive modeling, and face-based management to make decisions. Our curriculum covers the major areas of business analytics: databases and data warehouses, descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, as well as organizational considerations. Our program is a STEM program, with CIP code 52.1399 Management Science and Quantitative Methods, Other.
2. Is the GMAT & GRE required for acceptance into the program? Do international students have the same requirement? *
No, the GMAT is not required. We typically waive it–two required courses (one quantitative and one qualitative) where we require earned grades of ‘B’ or better. GMAT is not required for student who have already earned a graduate degree.
3. How long does a typical business analytics program take at Benedictine University? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion? *
The typical student completes the program in about three years. It takes two years to complete the program for a full-time student (two courses per quarter, four quarters per academic year). Six years to completion is the maximum allowed from time of admission.
4. What do you think makes the Benedictine University business analytics program stand out from other programs offered by similar schools in your region? *
Our program covers the breadth of business analytics and in some depth. All students take ten required business analytics courses, three foundation courses (organizational behavior, leadership and business ethics, analytical tools for management decisions), and three electives or a three-course concentration. In short, our curriculum covers descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, along with organizational considerations.
5. How important would you say accreditation is when choosing a business analytics program? *
While business analytics has some roots in management science and decision sciences, business analytics is a relatively young field. As such, a student’s perception of the quality of the curriculum is at least as important as specific accreditation. Benedictine University is regionally accredited.
6. What are the advantages of earning a business analytics degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand with this degree? *
All organizations are collecting data from customers. What do they do with this data? Data may be expensive to collect and it is expensive to keep. A student who can ask appropriate business questions, who can employ appropriate analysis, and who can interpret results of the analysis is of great value to an organization. Employer demand seems to be coming from all sectors, for example, manufacturing, health care, retail. Employer demand also seems to be coming from companies in analytics themselves.
7. Does Benedictine University offer job placement for students who graduate with a business analytics degree? *
Yes. Our Academic and Career Enrichment (ACE) Center offers students: resume writing, mock interviews, internship and career fairs, alumni network.
8. What type of financial aid packages are available for students in business analytics? Are there any fellowships, grants, and scholarships available? *
The usual set of financial aid is available to our graduate business analytics students: Federal Direct Stafford Loan programs, Federal Direct Graduate/Professional PLUS Loan program, Federal Perkins Loan.
9. Do you have any advice for students enrolling in a business analytics program at your Benedictine University? *
Our MS in business analytics program welcomes students from all undergraduate majors. Our program is designed for students who have an interest in quantitative methods, exploring and uncovering relationships through data analysis, using data to solve business problems, and who want to enter or advance in a career in business analytics.
10. What do you enjoy most about your position at Benedictine University? *
Benedictine University has been a great place for me to work. It has offered me a chance to revise existing programs and to launch new programs, for example, the MS in business analytics. It is a small and nimble organization. Our faculty, both full-time and adjunct, want students to succeed.
For more information on the business analytics programs offered at Benedictine University, visit them online.
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That concludes our interview!
