Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota - Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (MS-BIDA) Program

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (MS-BIDA) program that focuses on the application of big-data technologies and analytics tools in the business world. The program includes instruction in analytics programming, statistical modeling, the data mining process, and data-driven decision-making in competitive business environments. This is a 36-credit master’s program that is offered fully online and that does not require any campus visits. Enrollment is full-time, which allows students to complete all requirements in one year. Based on its curriculum, OnlineEducation.com classifies this program as a data analytics/business analytics program.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota utilizes a mobile learning platform that supports asynchronous instruction for its MS-BIDA program. This means that lectures, assignments, and other course materials can be accessed by students at their convenience, 24-7. Students are also able to communicate with instructors online and participate in class discussions through the learning platform. Applicants who are accepted into the program receive an iPad that can be used to access the mobile learning platform, which may also be logged on to from laptops, desktops, and other mobile devices.

The analytics curriculum offered by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is structured around 12 core courses. Students take a foundational Principles of Economics and Marketing course, followed by ten courses that cover analytics skills and technologies: Business Statistics; Data Analysis and Business Modeling; Decision Support Systems; Data Visualization; Case Studies in Business Analytics Strategy; Data Mining for Decision Makers; Ethics in Data Analytics; and GIS Methods. As part of the analytics training, students may take one of two data science programming courses, in either R or Python. The curriculum also includes a class in Communications and Content Strategies, as well as a capstone project in which students apply what they’ve learned to a real-world data analytics problem. Throughout the program, real-time business data is used in coursework and assignments are periodically critiqued by a designated panel of business experts.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.