Fairfield University launches new graduate degree in business analytics | Press Releases

Fairfield University announces new master’s degree in the booming field of business analytics

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (February 17, 2015) – Fairfield University is launching a new master of science degree in business analytics (MSBA), the first of its kind in Fairfield County, and is accepting applications now for the graduate program offering courses this summer.

Fairfield’s MSBA focuses on developing new insights and understanding of business performance based on data and statistical methods, attributes increasingly in demand in a variety of industries. This 30-credit program is designed with special emphasis on database management and business intelligence, providing students with the tools they need for collecting, analyzing and interpreting information in order to make sound strategic business decisions and drive successful business planning.

“As more companies seek to strategically use data – financial, social media and other sources – as a potential competitive advantage, they need experts who can analyze the strategic take-aways from their mountains of data,” said Don Gibson, Ph.D., dean of the Dolan School of Business. “Our innovative business analytics program, led by faculty who are experts in forecasting, business intelligence, data mining and other analytical techniques, provides the Big Data tools companies need for today and the future.”

Flexible, affordable and convenient, the master’s program offers vital connections to Fairfield County’s rich array of top corporations, as well as a desirable hybrid of both on-campus and online course options with the busy professional in mind. Fairfield’s Jesuit tradition means students will gain career-ready competencies in a socially responsible and aware environment. Business analytics skills and knowledge are much in demand in today’s marketplace, where corporations are swimming in data. It’s estimated data collection volume increased by 400 percent in 2012 alone. In fact, a recent survey reported that more than 37.5 percent of large organizations said that analyzing big data was their biggest challenge.

Increasingly, corporations depend on data-savvy employees to help make crucial planning decisions. By the end of 2015, 4.4 million IT jobs will be created globally to support big data, generating 1.9 million IT jobs in the United States.

Fairfield’s MSBA program comprises a total of 30 credits, including nine required courses and a three-credit elective. Courses include Project Management, Data Mining and Business Intelligence, Marketing Research and Global Logistics, among many others. Graduates will also leave the program with strong critical thinking and communications skills, as well as experience with leadership and teamwork, desirable competencies in a variety of fields – from marketing to finance to healthcare.

For detailed program and admission information, visit www.fairfield.edu/data. Prospective students who would like to learn more about the new MSBA or meet with faculty and advisors are encouraged to attend Fairfield’s next Graduate Information Session to be held at the Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Center on campus from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. RSVP to this event at www.fairfield.edu/grad . For more information, call the Graduate Admission Office at 203-254-4184.