Masters in Data Analytics Online Degree Overview
There is always demand for individuals who can harness the vast amount of data being generated in the world today. With a master of science in data analytics degree, this STEM field prepares you to pursue opportunities to excel in the growing technology sector. You’ll be able to decipher data and turn it into the meaningful business intelligence organizations rely on to reduce costs, design new products, improve efficiencies, and maintain a competitive edge.
The masters in data analytics, or MSDA, is a STEM program and is focused on growing your skills in data science through:
- Technology and quantitative analysis
- Statistical modeling
- Critical thinking
Your professional studies in big data structures will include deep analysis, forecasting, and operational problem-solving. Available both on our San Diego campus and fully online, the advanced data analytics program teaches you valuable skills through real-world applications, and ensures that you're knowledgeable in applied data science, big data analytics, data visualization, data engineering and business analytics. You will be fully prepared to work as a professional data analyst within organizations, acting as the mind that can master the machine.
Which Business Program Is Right For Me?
Concentrations
Healthcare Analytics
This advanced analytics concentration targets the expertise required in current healthcare analytics environments and provides a clear understanding of practical healthcare analytics decision-making. Students will learn techniques and skills needed to work with diverse data sets, a range of analytics platforms and reporting tools to improve health care. Through the use of innovative and essential techniques, you will be prepared to deliver efficient and quality healthcare analytics. Students of the data science program will learn to select, prepare, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and present health data related to health system performance and effectiveness.
Informatics
Within the information system concentration, students will focus on enterprise level information management tactics, techniques, and modeling methods for extracting, transforming, and loading data into essential reports and visualizations utilized for evaluation, synthesis, data analysis, and interpretation of business operations results. In the master's degree program with focus on information systems, students will learn to establish optimal data-driven recommendations and prescriptions from historic, current, and future data that align with stakeholder departmental end-state objectives, conversions, and goals.
CSML Celebrates Their Partnership with HIMSS
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) recently designated the California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) at Alliant International University as an approved education partner (AEP). HIMSS is a premier reputable, recognized global advisor, thought leader, and member association committed to transforming the health ecosystem. This is a huge honor, and we truly appreciate their recognition of the CSML. HIMSS praised our well-developed graduate programs that provide students with the latest skills, knowledge on a variety of healthcare topics and courses, and a real-world application of the educational content. We are thrilled to join this exclusive group of AEP organizations.
The benefits of being an AEP with HIMSS are numerous. CSML is authorized to offer the MSHA and MSDA programs with their robust curricula now as HIMSS-approved programs. This partnership further strengthens the credibility of the skills and competencies which students receive throughout CSML degree programs. Earning a degree from an HIMSS/AEP partner school will make you a more desirable candidate to recruiters, and more competitive in the healthcare related marketplace. HIMSS members are also eligible for a 15% tuition savings toward CSML master’s and doctoral programs.
Program Highlights
From Class to Corporate
The advanced data analytics program gives you the chance to use your education in an existing organization within your chosen industry, building your skills and experience in business analytics and machine learning through internships and other opportunities.
Flexible Schedule
This MSDA program was created to provide flexibility for working professionals, with the option to attend weekly, on-campus meetings in the evenings, or the option to complete the master's degree program online.
Honors Program
In the honors program you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a research project for authorship and publication in a peer reviewed outlet through the school’s technology and quantitative analytics programs. You'll gain experience in leveraging computational data science to solve complex business challenges.
Practical Training (CPT)
Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. Read More
A Message from the Program Director
Aaron Wester, Assistant Professor and Program Director, California School of Management and Leadership
Admissions
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Faculty
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Degree Information
Honors Program
As part of the CSML honors program cohort for high-achieving students, you’ll:
- Meet once a month for a deep-dive discussion on contemporary trending industry issues, gaps, advances, and opportunities
- Engage in research designed to further the reach of your education in a manner commensurate with your existing academic achievement
- Prepare your research for potential publication in scientific, peer-reviewed journals; if published, you’ll be listed as a research author in the publication
- Receive professional executive mentoring on your selected career path, with CV and interviewing advice to prepare you to advance in your in career quickly
- Assist instructors and gain experience as both a teacher and a leader, working with professors on assignment preparation, assisting students with coursework, and conducting student-perspective evaluations that include student perceptions of course instruction
The honors program is for students that have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above for two consecutive terms, and will be required to pass a CSML faculty interview as well.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students in the MSDA ground program are required to participate in curricular practical training as part of their experiential learning throughout the program. Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. This is required throughout the academic program from start on Day 1 to program completion. Domestic students can contact the CSML Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator directly for guidance. International students must apply for authorization for Curricular Practical Training to the Designated School Official (DSO).
CSML CPT Application Process for International Students
- Obtain a job offer letter from your employer. The offer letter needs the following:
- To be on company letterhead
- Start and end date. (For example: CPT start date is 10/17/22, End date is 08/20/2023)
- Include specific duties to perform, office location, direct supervisor name and contact number.
- State that it is a part-time position
- Include the following statement: “employer agrees to cooperate with the school in achieving the curricular purposes of the employment/training”
- Complete the Application for CPT and the Advisor Verification Form for CPT. These forms are located on the student portal: https://alliantintluni.sharepoint.com/sites/IntlStudent/SitePages/International-Forms.aspx
- Email your offer letter and the 2 forms to your Program Director/Faculty Advisor at Alliant.
- Once they have signed the forms, please follow up and email ISSO@alliant.edu. The DSO is the one who will give you the authorization to start working.
- Also, if it is your first time in the USA, you will need to go to the Social Security Administration office to obtain a social security number, this process can take 2 or more weeks. Your employer will need your social security number for you to work. So please start the process as soon as possible. For the address of local Social Security Administration offices, see: www.ssa.gov
Accreditation
CSML is pleased to announce it has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for its PhD in leadership, doctorate in business administration (DBA), MBA, and a MS in data analytics degree.
ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes offered within CSML programs meet the rigorous educational standards established by the accrediting body, which is a leading specialized accreditation body for business education across the country. The ACBSP mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize teaching excellence through its recognition of business education programs throughout the world.
Links and Downloads
Job Outlook
The job outlook for data scientists working in healthcare and information systems is anticipated to experience growth. A significant portion of these openings is expected as a result of the need to replace workers who transition to different professions or leave the workforce, often due to retirement or other reasons.
Data science programs prepare you for leadership roles in the evolving field of information technology. A data analytics master's degree graduate can be qualified for leadership careers such as a:
- Data Analyst
- Data Administrator
- Data Engineer
- Business Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Information Research Scientist
- Advanced Analytics Expert
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/data-analytics-masters-program.ht…;
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?
With an MS in data analytics California, you may be able to build a career in fields such as data scientist, management analyst, consultant, project manager, logistician, data architect, big data engineer, data mining engineer, qualitative analyst, and modeler.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
When does the MSDA program start?
The degree is offered as an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during those enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar.
How long does it take to complete the MSDA degree program?
The degree is a 33-credit program and takes a minimum of 14 months to complete across seven terms.
"I have learned a lot about business and the power of data. Being more educated, especially in a field that nowadays is industry-driving, can help a lot in different fields, such as business, healthcare, and tech."
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSML
CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.
