Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Department of Data Analytics and Information Systems
Objectives
The USU Master of Data Analytics (MDATA) program trains the next generation of statisticians, data engineers, business analysts, economists, and computer scientists to the meet the increased demand for analytics professionals. An MDATA degree provides graduates with a breadth of skills in programming, visualization, modeling, and database management, with hands-on experience in modern analytics approaches and tools that are widely used across companies and organizations.
The Information Systems (MDATA-IS) emphasis provides additional focus on the applications of machine learning and data mining in business decision-making, as well as on the role of data management in the analytics pipeline. Students can select electives from courses in data warehousing and engineering, advanced data and text mining, forecasting, and fintech.
The MDATA Capstone requirement allows students to gain practical experience with a project led by faculty mentors who have professional experience with real-world applications.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of the MDATA program. Applicants should generally expect to start the MDATA program in fall semester. For admission, applicants will be required to submit the following, in addition to the application form: an application fee, all undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose describing why they are interested in the MDATA program. All materials will be uploaded or sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students whose native language is not English. International students with a prior degree from a university in an English-speaking country are exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS exam. No application will be considered until all required information is received by the School of Graduate Studies. The School of Graduate Studies requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits. For further requirements from the School of Graduate Studies please consult the following website: https://gradschool.usu.edu/apply/.
Degree Requirements
Students are individually responsible for meeting coursework requirements as outlined below. Students should ensure that they are aware of all requirements and initiate resolution of any apparent inconsistencies. MDATA students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted. Modifications or substitutions for the listed MDATA course requirements can be made with department approval, but a student’s Program of Study must include at least 15 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above. Please also note these additional requirements from the USU School of Graduate Studies:
- All MDATA students must submit and receive approval from the School of Graduate Studies for their Supervisory Committee form and Program of Study. The Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) for the DAIS department can assist with these forms.
- Credits in the following areas are not acceptable for the MDATA program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.
- Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.
- At least 24-semester credits for the MDATA program must be from a committee-approved and a School of Graduate Studies-approved Program of Study from Utah State University.
- The MDATA degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.
Financial Assistance
A limited number of graduate assistantships and scholarships are available to outstanding students and are awarded on a competitive basis. Students who apply by March 1 will have priority consideration for financial awards. Qualified students admitted into the program may also be considered for positions as teaching assistants.
Data Analytics + Information Systems Faculty
Courses in the MDATA-IS program are primarily taught by faculty in Data Analytics + Information Systems who have years of corporate and academic experience. Our instructors are experts in the most cutting-edge tools and strategies for data and tech.
FACULTY – Data Analytics and Information Systems
Degree Requirements
To complete the MDATA program with an Information Systems emphasis, candidates must complete the MDATA core (12 credits), along with 18 additional credits from the courses outlined below. Substitutions can be made for any required courses if approved by the department. A given course cannot be used to complete more than one degree program.
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