An online multidisciplinary program of computer studies, mathematics and management. The program focuses on competencies in areas of data management technologies and quantitative processes. It prepares professionals to specialize in the creation, enhancement and use of big data through analytics. The Program is primarily intended for students who have an academic or working background in a mathematical, computing, or business field.
Program of Study
The Analytics program uses real-world situations to prepare students for roles as strategic analysts who use predictive modeling to enhance decision processes. Students will develop in-depth understanding of key technologies: data mining, design, analysis, modeling, security, and visualization. Students will work with real-world scenarios to gain experience with statistical packages and big data tools. The final Capstone Project is an applied research experience.
The Analytics program includes 36 credits of coursework. Students can take two courses each semester, including summers, to finish in two years. The program builds skills and knowledge in areas that are crucial to potential employers.
All classes in this program are delivered online via the Learning House platform. Students will complete a capstone project on a topic of their choice. Together with the faculty advisor, they will develop a research question and use techniques learned throughout their program of study to investigate the question and analyze relevant data. They will present the results of their capstone project in a written report and/or oral presentation.
Curriculum (36 Credits)
Computer Studies Courses (24 Credits)
CST-530 Foundations of Analytics in Knowledge Management (3)
CST-531 Data Design and Management (3)
CST-532 Knowledge Tools (3)
CST-540 Data Visualization (3)
CST-550 Project Management (3)
CST-610 Critical Inquiry (3)
CST-611 Data Security (3)
CST-620 Data Mining and Warehousing (3)
Mathematics Courses (6 Credits)
MAT-575 Applied Statistics (3)
MAT-576 Data and Decision Modeling (3)
Business/Economics Courses (6 Credits)
To be chosen with program advisor
CST-530 Foundations of Analytics
Introduces the data, information, knowledge, wisdom continuum. Topics covered include the historical roots of knowledge management, theories/definitions of knowledge, and culture and strategies of knowledge management. [ 3 credits ]
CST-531 Data Design and Management
Covers fundamental concepts for the design, use and implementation of database systems. Concepts include basic database modeling and design, query optimization, concurrency control, recovery and integrity. [ 3 credits ]
CST-532 Data Tools
Studies concepts for SQL procedures, functions, packages and Internet database connectivity. Web application development techniques based on client and server-side programming are introduced. Standard methods and protocol for knowledge representation and exchange over the Internet such as XML, RDF, SOAP, WSDL and UDDI are discussed. Prerequisite:
CST-531. { 3 credits ]
CST-540 Data Visualization
Explores the field of data visualization, including data types and visualization categories such as time-series, statistics, maps, hierarchies, and networks. Includes a study of visualization tools, infographics, and other issues related to the display of "big data." [ 3 credits ]
CST-550 Project Management
Reviews the application of project management tools as they apply to the systems development life cycle, including planning, organizational structure, and control mechanisms. Research assignments relate to the design and implementation of knowledge construction and management. [ 3 credits ]
CST-610 Critical Inquiry Capstone
Studies the role of critical thinking, evaluation and research in information and knowledge work. The course will cover the steps in carrying out a research project: problem identification, theoretical framework, methodological design, data collection and analysis; developing a research proposal; communicating research results; and assessment and use of results of research studies. The course will also provide a critique and review of research studies, and discuss ethical concerns and issues associated with research. Prerequisite:
MAT-575. [ 3 credits ]
CST-611 Data Security
Provides an overview of both the theory of and applications for providing privacy, ethics and security in database management systems. Concepts include discretionary and mandatory access control, data integrity availability and performance, secure database design, data aggregation, data inference, secure concurrency control and secure transactions processing. [ 3 credits ]
CST-620 Data Mining and Warehousing
Provides an overview of the data mining and warehousing components of the knowledge discovery process. Data mining applications are introduced, and the application of statistical algorithms and techniques useful for solving problems are identified. Students will study development issues such as identification, selection, acquisition, processing, search and retrieval. [ 3 credits ]
MAT-575 Applied Statistics and Programming
Covers concepts of testing for use in professional sciences, including simple linear regression, correlation, multiple regression, fixed and random effects, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, experimental design, multivariate methods and various statistical packages, including R. Prerequisite:
MAT-576. [ 3 credits ]
MAT-576 Data and Decision Modeling
Provides an application-oriented introduction to the modeling techniques used to structure the way we think about managerial decision situations. Methodologies considered include decision analysis, simulation, optimization and sensitivity analysis. Stochastic models are developed with applications to finance, operations management, logistics and resource allocation. [ 3 credits ]
