2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Economics and Decision Sciences Division
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Associate Dean of Graduate Programs: Jewel Shepherd, Ph.D.
Economics and Decision Sciences Chairperson: David Carr, 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.
Associate Professors:
Bartlomiej Hanus, Ph.D., University of North Texas, Decision Sciences.
Thomas Tiahrt, Ph.D., University of South Dakota, Decision Sciences and Statistics.
Assistant Professor:
Sebastian Wai, Ph.D., Purdue University, Economics.
Instructors:
Chad Birger, M.S., South Dakota State University, Decision Sciences and Statistics.
Marek Kolinski, M.S., Pennsylvania State University, Economics and Decision Sciences.
Thomas Martin, M.S., Florida Institute of Technology, Decision Sciences.
Mandie Weinandt, M.B.A., University of South Dakota, Economics/Statistics.
DEGREE
CERTIFICATES
The Beacom School of Business also offers a Master of Business Adminstration with specializations in Business Analytics , Artificial Intelligence for Business Analytics , and Operations and Supply Chain Management .
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)
- Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/grad/how-to-apply and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
- Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation). Transcripts must be complete (e.g., if currently enrolled, work-in-progress coursework must be included, foreign transcripts must include a grading scale, and for countries that issue, copy of degree certificate/diploma i.e., India, Nepal, etc.). 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.
- 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.
- Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the approved list of English-speaking countries are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants with degrees from other countries, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, 53 on the PTE, or 110 on Duolingo is required for graduate admission.
- Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose. (NOTE: No longer required beginning summer 2024)
Additional Program Admission Requirements:
- Resume.
- 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. (NOTE: No longer required beginning summer 2024)
- 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
Program Description
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business Analytics graduate certificate curriculum delves into the evolving realm of AI and business analytics, focusing on systems and solutions that replicate human-like reasoning through computer processes. With AI technologies gaining prominence in the business sphere, this program aims to prepare students to proficiently grasp and implement artificial intelligence and cognitive technologies to tackle diverse business challenges.
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)
- Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/grad/how-to-apply and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
- Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation). Transcripts must be complete (e.g., if currently enrolled, work-in-progress coursework must be included, foreign transcripts must include a grading scale, and for countries that issue, copy of degree certificate/diploma i.e., India, Nepal, etc.). 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.
- 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.
- Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the approved list of English-speaking countries are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants with degrees from other countries, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, 53 on the PTE, or 110 on Duolingo is required for graduate admission.
- Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement. (NOTE: No longer required beginning summer 2024)
Additional Program Admission Requirements:
- Resume.
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
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:
- 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:
- Students will employ critical thinking skills in solving business analytics problems.
- Students will employ experimentation skills in addressing business analytics problems.
GOAL #3: Our graduates will display professional communication skills.
Objectives:
- Students will produce professional documentation for a business analytics solution.
- Students will demonstrate professional presentation skills.
GOAL #4: Our graduates will demonstrate ethical business analytics decision making.
Objective:
- Students will adequately evaluate ethical issues in a data mining context.
Programs
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