Economics and Decision Sciences Division

Master of Science in Business Analytics Program Coordinator: Thomas Tiahrt, Ph.D. 
Economics and Decision Sciences Chairperson: Thomas Tiahrt, Ph.D. 

Beacom School of Business
Master of Business Administration Program
Master of Science in Business Analytics Program
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 605-658-6532 or 866-890-1MBA
msba@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/business/graduate

FACULTY

Professors:

Michael Allgrunn, Ph.D., Michigan State University, Economics.
David Carr, Ph.D., University of Colorado-Boulder, Economics. 
Daniel Tracy, Ph.D., Washington State University, Decision Sciences. 
A.R. Venkatachalam, Ph.D., University of Alabama, Dean.

Associate Professors:

Kathryn Birkeland, Ph.D., Arizona State University, Economics, Associate Dean
Thomas Tiahrt, Ph.D., University of South Dakota, Decision Sciences and Statistics. 

Assistant Professors:

Bartlomiej Hanus, Ph.D., University of North Texas, Decision Sciences. 
Sebastian Wai, Ph.D., Purdue University, Economics.
Yi Liu, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, Decision Sciences. 

Instructors:

Chad Birger, M.S., South Dakota State University, Decision Sciences and Statistics.
Thomas Martin, M.S., Florida Institute of Technology, Decision Sciences. 
Reed Muehler, M.B.A., University of South Dakota, Economics.
Mandie Weinandt, M.B.A., University of South Dakota, Economics/Statistics.

DEGREE

 Master of Science in Business Analytics  

CERTIFICATES

Business Analytics  
Operations and Supply Chain Management   

The Beacom School of Business also offers a Master of Business Administration Business Analytics  specialization and a Master of Business Administration Operations and Supply Chain Management  specialization.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (M.S. Business Analytics) program prepares our graduates to build and grow successful and rewarding careers in the increasingly data-driven economy. Keeping in mind the exploding demand for business analysts in all sectors of the economy-manufacturing, banking, service, hospitality, agriculture, tourism, retail, etc. We equip our graduates with the latest and relevant concepts, tools, and techniques to analyze business data to predict future performances, identify opportunities to increase revenue, reduce costs, and increase business productivity. The M.S. Business Analytics program offers in-depth knowledge and expertise in data management, data analysis, visualization, optimization, and equip graduates with adequate skills in data-driven decision making. Graduates will find rewarding career opportunities in the region and nation, or even anywhere in the globe.

WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) eligible program. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Master of Science)

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. 
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose and resume.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) General Test is required. There are no mandatory minimum scores. Scores are considered along with the other application materials. Applicants generally score at or above the 50th percentile. Applicants may qualify for a waiver of the GMAT requirement under the conditions listed below. Applicants can initiate the GMAT waiver by  contacting a graduate enrollment coordinator in Graduate Admissions or graduate advisor in the Beacom School of Business. The GMAT Online Exam and the GRE General Test at Home will be accepted for applications through spring 2023.
7. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. At least one (1) of these references must be professional in nature (i.e. a supervisor) and all references should be familiar with the applicant’s strengths, weaknesses, and work ethic. 
8. Satisfactory completion of an approved undergraduate or graduate statistics course and calculus course. Challenge exams are available.

Note: Transcripts for admission should include previous statistics and calculus coursework for evaluating preparedness for the M.S. program.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Application Deadline

• Three weeks before the start of the semester
  • Fall start

Program Description 

The Business Analytics certificate curriculum spans the full cycle of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to optimize business processes in manufacturing, customer relationship management, and supply chain management. Competencies gained in this certificate will strengthen graduates for leading organizations to achieve operational efficiency, anticipate trends in the marketplace, and strengthen their competitive position. 

The Operations and Supply Chain Management certificate curriculum includes the study of network relationship integration, quality and process improvement methods, and project management with the goal of maximizing the effective use of a firm’s resources. Graduates may learn Lean Management strategies and Six-Sigma techniques which enables them to apply theory in service of day-to-day processes and procedures. Students will gain competencies needed to apply the science of getting things done, to the practice of managing logistics, sourcing, quality, scheduling and production. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Graduate Certificates)

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. 
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Application Deadline

• Three weeks before the start of the semester
  • Fall, Spring, and Summer starts

Beacom School of Business GMAT Waiver 

Applicants applying to the Beacom School of Business graduate programs who require the GMAT (see admission requirements) may be eligible for a GMAT waiver if they qualify under one of the following categories.  A GMAT wavier does not necessitate admission to a Beacom graduate program.

GMAT Waiver for Students from AACSB Accredited Institutions:

1.) Students must have graduated with an undergraduate or graduate degree from an AACSB Accredited Business School within the previous 12 semesters to be eligible for a GMAT waiver. The 12-semester timeline is from the time of graduating with the undergraduate or graduate degree to the first semester enrolled in courses as a degree seeking graduate student at USD and includes spring, summer, and fall semesters. 
AND 
2.) Students must meet undergraduate/graduate GPA requirements to be eligible for a GMAT waiver. 
     A.) Cumulative of at least 3.25 for undergraduate (or graduate if applicable) 
     AND 
     B.) Major GPA of at least 3.25 for undergraduate students or Program of Study GPA of at least 3.25 for those holding graduate degrees (student must provide major courses). 

GMAT Waiver for Students with STEM Degrees (for M.S. in Business Analytics ONLY):

1.) Students must have earned a STEM undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S. or Canadian institution by the time they begin the M.S. in Business Analytics program;   
AND  
2.) Students must meet undergraduate/graduate GPA requirements.   
    A.) Cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 for undergraduate (or graduate if applicable);   
    OR  
    B.) Major GPA of at least 3.0 for undergraduate students or program of study GPA of at least 3.0 for those holding graduate degrees. (Students must provide major courses.)   

GMAT Waiver for Students who have taken the LSAT or MCAT:

1.) Students must provide an official copy of their LSAT or MCAT score. 
    AND 
    A.) Students with an overall scaled LSAT score in at least the 50th percentile are eligible for a GMAT waiver. 
    OR    
    B.) Students with an overall MCAT score in the 49th percentile and a Critical Analysis and Reasoning Score in at least the 37th percentile are eligible for a GMAT waiver. 

GMAT Waiver for Students who have taken the GRE (for MBA and MPA ONLY):

1.) Students must provide an official copy of their GRE score. 
AND 
2.) Students who meet the following GRE score requirements are eligible for a GMAT waiver. 
     A.) A verbal score in at least the 45th percentile AND 
     B.) A quantitative score in at least the 45th percentile AND 
     C.) A combined score (verbal plus quantitative) of at least 306. 

GMAT Waiver for Students with an Earned Doctoral Degree or Pursuing a JD or MD at USD:

1.) Applicants to Beacom Graduate Programs with an earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution are eligible for a GMAT waiver. 
OR 
2.) Applicants to Beacom Graduate Programs currently admitted to the USD School of Law pursuing a JD or the USD School of Medicine pursuing an MD or MD/PhD are eligible for a GMAT waiver. 

*All percentiles are based on the GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT exams’ most recent published percentile rankings.

GMAT Waiver for Students who have professional licensure/certification:

Students must be or have been certified or chartered with a professional licensure/certification, subject to program approval. Examples may include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Analytics Professional (CAP). Applicants must provide justification and proof of licensure/certification.

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships in the Beacom School of Business are awarded each year on a competitive basis to students meeting the following requirements: full-time or a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours, admitted into the program as “full” status (not provisional status), and classified as an on-campus MPA, MBA, or MS student. Applications for graduate assistantships in the Beacom School of Business are due on April 1.

Student Learning Outcomes for Business Analytics (M.S.)

GOAL #1 Our graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of business analytics.  

 Objective:   

1. Students will demonstrate adequate knowledge of core business analytics concepts, including predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, database management, and operational analytics.  

 GOAL #2 Our graduates will demonstrate critical thinking and experimentation skills to address business analytics problems.  

 Objectives:  

1. Students will employ critical thinking skills in solving business analytics problems.   
2. Students will employ experimentation skills in addressing business analytics problems.  

 GOAL #3:  Our graduates will display professional communication skills.  

 Objectives:   

1. Students will produce professional documentation for a business analytics solution.  
2. Students will demonstrate professional presentation skills.  

 GOAL #4:  Our graduates will demonstrate ethical business analytics decision making.  

 Objective:   

1. Students will adequately evaluate ethical issues in a data mining context. 

Programs

• Business Analytics (M.S.)
• Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
• Operations and Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate