Reading Time: 4 minutesWilliam A. Young II, Director of the Online Master of Business Analytics (OMBAn)Program and Associate Professor of Business Analytics, joins us today to discuss their Online Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program.
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1. Can you tell us about the online business analytics program offered at Ohio University? *
Data is changing business decision-making in powerful ways. Ohio University’s College of Business has created an Online Master of Business Analytics (MBAn) program that prepares working professionals to champion new tools and strategies that make them indispensable to their organizations.
Ohio University’s Online MBAn program attracts students at various career stages. At an entry-level, the degree opens doors to prestigious employers. Seasoned professionals use their expertise to transform their companies and organizations and mentor the next generation of data analysts. It’s truly a unique legacy.
2. Is the GMAT & GRE required for acceptance into the Online program? Do international students have the same requirement? *
Ohio University doesn’t require the GMAT or GRE for acceptance to the MBA program.
For the Online Master of Business Analytics program, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
3. How long does a typical online business analytics program take at Ohio University? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion? *
The part-time program consists of 11 courses over five semesters. It takes 16 to 20 months to complete. Students typically enroll in two courses per semester, and they take one course at a time for approximately seven weeks each. Students devote roughly 10 to 20 hours to coursework each week, depending on their background with this subject matter.
4. What do you think makes the Ohio University online business analytics program stand out from other programs offered by similar schools in your region*
Data collection is useless in the business world unless it can be analyzed and applied to make key business decisions. Our program emphasizes leadership development to ensure our graduates add value and analytical skills to drive results in their organizations. This is no easy feat in an emerging field. That’s why the Online MBAn was newly introduced in 2019. The program design process allowed our distinguished faculty to consider the knowledge and skills required of a well-rounded business analytics professional. The resulting curriculum blends time-tested business acumen with cutting-edge skills and tools and prepares graduates to recognize immediate ROI for their organizations.
Our MBAn students receive high-touch support from research- and consulting-active faculty who have demonstrated exemplary skills within their field. Ninety-eight percent of our faculty hold terminal degrees. Unlike similar programs, our tenured faculty engage directly with students on a regular basis. Their commitment extends beyond asynchronous coursework. They also offer multiple synchronous sessions each week for students to connect and ask questions. These optional sessions are scheduled to accommodate students’ commitments outside of school.
5. How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online business analytics program? *
Accreditation speaks volumes to the value of your degree, and employers take notice. Ohio University’s College of Business is AACSB-accredited. Our MBAn program offers the highest caliber education available to students regardless of their location, or work and family commitments. Ohio University is also regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accreditors in the United States.
6. What are the advantages of earning a business analytics degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand with this degree? *
MBAn graduates are highly sought-after. Business analytics positions and departments are cropping up throughout the country. This unique skill set can be applied across a wide variety of industries, and employer demand continues to exceed the supply. This is particularly true in tech-related careers. Titles like data scientist, business analyst, and machine learning engineer rank among the top 20 best jobs in the United States right now, according to LinkedIn’s Emerging Jobs Report.
7. Does Ohio University offer job placement for students who graduate with a business analytics degree? *
In this rapidly growing field, job placement is not often a concern for MBAn students. However, Ohio University assigns a dedicated Career Services professional to all graduate students.
8. What type of financial aid packages are available for students in business analytics? Are there any fellowships, grants, and scholarships available? *
Students are always encouraged to apply for financial aid through the completion of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We also regularly identify, develop, and offer new scholarships for students who have various affiliations with the military and armed services, corporate partners, and our Ohio University Alumni Association.
9. Do you have any advice for students enrolling in a business analytics program at your university? *
My advice to prospective and enrolled students is don’t be intimidated by the technical skills needed to succeed. Many students fear math and science courses, like statistics. But business analytics is so much more. Our Online MBAn program is a student-centered program that offers opportunities to network with professors who are invested in your growth. We make sure that students who are determined to pursue this path and willing to do the work are successful.
10. What do you enjoy most about your position at Ohio University? *
I took to business analytics early on – and I’m glad I found it when I did. There’s something empowering about training students in this skillset and watching them forge their own path. We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible for data in the business world. Most of it’s vastly underutilized. Imagine what this expertise can do for your career and your life. I’ve seen students transform through this knowledge. My job at Ohio University is to help students gain the confidence to apply their skills. Once they do, they’re unstoppable. Their dedication inspires me and my colleagues. That’s what makes the long days and late-night text messages worth it.
For more information on the online business analytics program offered at the University of Ohio, visit them online.
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That concludes our interview!
