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Business Analytics

Master the art and science of analyzing business data to solve problems as you pursue your Master of Science in Business Analytics. Prepare to meet the exploding demand for analysts and data scientists through this hands-on program.

Demand is High for Business Analytics Graduates

The world of business analytics is growing exponentially and the demand for skilled business analysts is increasing in all sectors of the economy. As a Master of Science in Business Analytics student at USD you will  join a growing field of problem solvers with a program focused on the application analytics, statistics and business to find better solutions to:

  • Positively impact the bottom line through data-driven decision making
  • Build computer applications Analyze and visualize data
  • Develop short-term and long-term forecasting methods
  • Implement market performance analysis.
  • Gain hands-on experience in SAS development ecosystem
  • Learn in the state-of-the-art Ellis Finance & Analytics Lab

  • Learn from professors with industry experience as they lead you through the program, building new knowledge on prior understanding by combining statistics and computer science with business knowledge. You will be prepared to for a successful career in finance, health care, manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, tourism and more.

The M.S. in Business Analytics is a STEM designated program.                                                                                

Degrees & Offerings

Business Analytics (M.S.)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus

A master's in business analytics prepares you to build and grow a successful and rewarding career in today's increasingly data-driven economy. Keeping in mind the exploding demand for business analysts in all sectors of the economy, our goal is to equip you with the latest concepts, tools and techniques to analyze business data to predict future performance, identify opportunities to increase revenue; reduce costs; and increase business productivity.

Offering in-depth knowledge and expertise in data management, data analysis, visualization, optimization this master's equips you with leading skills in data-driven decision making. You will find rewarding career opportunities in the region, nation or across the globe.

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Program Details

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Graduate Admissions

Known for Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.

An Affordable Education

Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation. 

Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.

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You'll find the mentorship and opportunities you need to study topics that spark your curiosity.

At USD, you can actively pursue unique research, present at local and national conferences and explore innovative areas that interest you. Learn more about resources and research opportunities for USD graduate students.

Graduate Research

Build Your Network

USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Beacom School of Business. You may be interested in creating projects and hosting outreach opportunities to make friends, developing new skills and exploring your interests.

Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)

Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.

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Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in economics and decision sciences.
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Economics and Decision Sciences

Analyzing and applying data is both one of the greatest opportunities and challenges modern business professionals face, and USD's Division of Economics and Decision is there to help you embrace that challenge head on.

Faculty & Staff

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Economics and Decisions Sciences Division. Our faculty are experts in their field, contributing research and scholarship in public policy, labor, micro- and macroeconomics and much more.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Thomas Tiahrt

Thomas Tiahrt

Assoc Prof Decision Sciences

Specialty

All Other Options
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michael Allgrunn

Michael Allgrunn

Professor

Specialty

Econometrics, Labor Economics, Analytics,Economics/ Managerial Economics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Chad Birger

Chad Birger

Instructor

Specialty

Data Analytics
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Carr

David Carr Ph.D.

Chair-ECON & DSCI

Specialty

Economics/ Managerial Economics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Bartlomiej Hanus

Bartlomiej Hanus

Associate Professor

Specialty

Computer or Management Information Systems
Bio Image for Faculty Member Reed Muehler

Reed Muehler

Instructor of Managment

Specialty

Strategic Management,All Other Options
Bio Image for Faculty Member Daniel Tracy

Daniel Tracy

Professor

Specialty

Production/Operations Management
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sebastian Wai

Sebastian Wai

Assistant Professor

Specialty

Industrial Organization, Econometrics,Economics/ Managerial Economics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Mandie Weinandt

Mandie Weinandt

Director of CTL

Specialty

Statistics,Economics/ Managerial Economics
A panel at a Business Analytics event.

Grow Your Network 

As a student in this program you will benefit from a wealth of resources and talented experts connected to the Beacom School of Business. This program was developed with the guidance and encouragement of leading businesses in the region. In addition to the strong University of South Dakota alumni network, you will also have access to program specific resources.

 

  • POET Center for Business Analytics at the Beacom School of Business provides connections to area businesses and extensive research expertise.

  • Access to SAS software suite and computing tools necessary to develop critical skills in business analytics.

  • Active engagement from industry leaders eager to contribute knowledge and professional connections.

Coyote Business Consulting Group having a Discussion.

Gain Real-World Experience

Coyote Business Consulting Group is a student-centered initiative at the USD Beacom School of Business designed to help businesses stay competitive in the state of South Dakota and throughout the region. The program enables student-teams, with the guidance of faculty advisors, to help businesses solve a critical problem for their organization.

 

Coyote Business Consulting Group is intended to be mutually beneficial for both the students and the businesses. The consulting service will be offered at no charge to businesses and students will have the opportunity to receive academic credit, financial support and real-world experience. Available to all businesses, but a special emphasis is placed on small businesses, as they are the backbone of our economy.

 

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Surprisingly Affordable

Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program. 

Graduate Tuition & Costs

Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.

Financial Aid

Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.

Graduate Assistantships

USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.

 


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