Northwestern University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S. - Analytics

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Analytics combines mathematical and statistical study with instruction in advanced computational and data analysis. Students learn to identify patterns and trends; interpret and gain insight from vast quantities of structured and unstructured data; and communicate their findings in practical, useful terms.

All three areas of data analysis are studied: predictive (forecasting), descriptive (business intelligence and data mining) and prescriptive (optimization and simulation).

Many programs focus on just one aspect of analytics – producing graduates who are trained primarily in modeling or data mining. Our more comprehensive curriculum provides a broader perspective, teaching the skills necessary to be highly effective in solving real-world business challenges. Students learn that naïve data analysis can be misleading, that large-scale problems are not amenable to simple solutions, and that working with unstructured field data is different than working with the results of a design experiment. Coursework covers (link to course material) everything from database management, statistical analysis and data mining, to project management and business intelligence.

* 15 month full-time program

Study commences in September and degree is conferred in December of the following year. This is not a part time or weekend program, nor a stepping stone toward a PhD. It is designed for undergraduates studying engineering, science or business, who want to start their careers from a position of strength – with wider job opportunities and higher earning potential.

* Taught by full-time, tenured faculty as well as prominent industry leaders

* Gateway Course

In addition to three fundamental courses in Predictive Analytics, Qualitative Modeling and Decision Analysis, incoming students engage in a unique gateway class. Case studies of real-world analytics problems are used to foster discussion and refine mathematic, computing, operations research and econometrics / statistics skills. This introduction ensures that all students have both the context and quantitative rigor to fully participate in, and get the most out of, the remainder of the program.

* Summer Internship

Each student will spend three months contributing to an actual project team, choosing from a variety of industries. The faculty works closely with companies throughout the United States to find internships that fit the educational needs and interests of each student.

* Capstone Course

During their final quarter, students will work in teams on to develop a business solution to a current real-world problem provided by a US company. Teams will communicate directly with the company, and defend their reasoning and recommendations. Students will be evaluated on how well they integrate the total course material. This provides practical experience in using data, both structured and unstructured, to create algorithms and business models just as they do in corporate environments.

* Distinguished Speaker Series

To compliment academic instruction, the program also includes a Distinguished Speakers Series. Each quarter we bring in well-known executives and managers from top companies as well as leading scholars to present guest lectures and seminars.

* Career Placement

Summer internships and the program’s Capstone Course allow students to gain work experience and explore career opportunities with two different companies while earning their degree. Program participants will also have full access to Northwestern University’s extensive career placement resources.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Small City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999