USC Marshall School of Business Rolls Out New Master of Science in Business Analytics

LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new Master of Science in Business Analytics will prepare students to leverage big and unstructured datasets for effective decision-making, the USC Marshall School of Business announced.

The degree will benefit managers and recent college graduates eager to pursue careers in the exciting and fast-growing field of business analytics and data sciences, providing them with the knowledge and skills to improve the performance of organizations.

Learning statistical modeling, data management, visualization, information security, optimization and decision-making under uncertainty, students in the program will develop the critical ability to make business decisions in a scientific manner, based on data, in order to boost business performance. The expertise they acquire will enable them to apply business analytics across a wide range of business functions and industries, including marketing, finance, operations management, retail, manufacturing, banking and health care.

"In an environment increasingly powered by big data, a thorough understanding of, and fluency in, business analytics is vital to success," said James G. Ellis, dean of the Marshall School of Business. "This new degree will empower students with in-depth training that translates to significant positive impact."

The master's in business analytics requires 27 units and may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Students in the program will learn how to use programming tools to generate meaningful information from large and unstructured datasets, as well as how to present complex data effectively to high-level decision-makers.  They will also have the opportunity to personalize their degrees with elective courses such as Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence and Data Mining and Foundations of Information Security.

"Globally, we are facing a significant shortage of business professionals who can channel insights gleaned from big data into decisions that enhance organizational performance," said Professor Yehuda Bassok, chair of USC Marshall's Department of Data Sciences and Operations. "Consequently, students in our business analytics program will graduate with highly marketable skills that will put them in demand in the U.S. and around the world."

The business analytics program is now accepting applications for its inaugural class from graduating seniors of four-year baccalaureate programs, as well as from working professionals with bachelor or advanced degrees.

For additional information about the program please look at: http://www.marshall.usc.edu/msanalytics

About the USC Marshall School of Business

Consistently ranked among the nation's premier schools, USC Marshall is internationally recognized for its emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, social responsibility and path-breaking research. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the world's leading business centers and the U.S. gateway to the Pacific Rim, Marshall offers its 5,700-plus undergraduate and graduate students a unique world view and impressive global experiential opportunities. With an alumni community spanning 123 countries, USC Marshall students join a worldwide community of thought leaders who are redefining the way business works.

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SOURCE USC Marshall School of Business