M.S. in Criminal Justice
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M.S. in Data Analytics
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Data Analytics at UTC focuses on the collection, management, quality control, and interpretation of large sets of data. It aims to develop professionals who possess both the technical know-how to handle complex data and the business knowledge to interpret it effectively for strategic decision-making. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to choose between a 100% online delivery option or a flexible program that combines in-person and online courses, catering to diverse academic and professional needs. Students also have the opportunity to choose between a Business Track or a Computer Science Track, further customizing their learning experience. The program typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete for full-time students.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Data Analytics at UTC is a STEM-designated program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This extension allows graduates to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation, providing extended opportunities to gain valuable practical experience and potentially pursue long-term careers in data analytics. The STEM designation highlights the program's rigorous foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Data Analytics is designed to provide comprehensive skills in data management, analysis, and interpretation. Core courses typically include foundational topics in databases and data warehouses, programming languages for business data analytics (such as Python and R), data mining and analytics, advanced data analytics, and big data management and analytics. Students learn to apply various statistical and algorithm-based techniques to solve business problems, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and real-life data projects. Depending on their chosen track (Business or Computer Science), students will also select electives from areas like accounting for managers, financial management, marketing management, cloud computing, or advanced information security management, enabling specialization. The program often culminates in a Capstone Project, involving data collection, cleaning, analysis, model development, and evaluation for a real-world problem.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Data Analytics program at UTC places a strong emphasis on applied research and the practical application of advanced data mining techniques to predict events important to organizations. The program focuses on combining high-quality expertise in computer science with business analytic skills to visualize and analyze massive volumes of data, revealing emerging business trends. Students learn to develop appropriate machine learning models for real-world problems, optimize these models, and report on their expected accuracy. The curriculum incorporates real-life data projects, encouraging students to go beyond theoretical understanding to practical implementation and problem-solving. Faculty expertise in areas such as machine learning, data mining, and big data technologies directly informs the program's research orientation.
Industry Engagement: The UTC M.S. in Data Analytics program is highly focused on preparing graduates for successful careers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, logistics and transportation, and manufacturing. The program's design, which emphasizes practical application and real-world projects, ensures graduates are well-prepared for immediate contributions to the workforce. The collaboration between the College of Business and the College of Engineering and Computer Science ensures that students gain both the technical and business expertise sought by employers. While specific partnerships are not extensively detailed, the high demand for data analysts and the program's focus on industry-relevant tools and skills indicate a strong connection to the professional world. Opportunities for internships or projects further enhance industry exposure, contributing to excellent placement rates.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Data Analytics at UTC inherently incorporates a global perspective by training students in methodologies and tools that are universally applicable across international markets and diverse industries. Data analytics is a critical skill in an increasingly interconnected global economy, where businesses operate across borders, analyze global market trends, and manage international supply chains. The program's emphasis on interpreting technical data to make better business decisions equips graduates to contribute to strategic insights that can impact global operations and competitive landscapes. By preparing professionals to handle massive volumes of data and reveal emerging business trends, the program empowers them to address challenges and seize opportunities on a worldwide scale.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 550 required.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Analytics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is designed to cultivate professionals who can harness the power of data to drive strategic business decisions. Given that data analytics is a rapidly expanding field across all sectors, graduates with this STEM-designated degree are in high demand, equipped with both the technical expertise and the business acumen to extract valuable insights from complex datasets. The program's blend of computer science and business principles, coupled with its focus on real-world applications, positions UTC graduates for a wide array of impactful roles.
Data Scientist: This is a top-tier role for MSDA graduates. Data scientists leverage advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and programming (often Python or R) to build predictive models, discover hidden patterns in data, and inform strategic business decisions. They work on complex problems, from forecasting sales to optimizing operations.
Data Analyst: A foundational role in data analytics. Graduates collect, clean, and analyze large datasets to identify trends, create reports, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders. They often work with tools like Tableau, Power BI, and SQL to visualize and communicate findings.
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst/Developer: These professionals focus on developing and implementing tools and dashboards that help organizations understand their current performance. They transform raw data into easily digestible visual reports, enabling business users to make data-driven decisions.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Particularly strong for those with a robust mathematical and statistical background, quants use advanced mathematical models and programming to assess financial risks, develop trading strategies, and price complex financial instruments within financial institutions.
Operations Research Analyst: These analysts apply advanced analytical methods, including mathematical modeling and optimization, to solve complex operational problems. They work to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making in areas such as logistics, supply chain management, and resource allocation across various industries.
Marketing Analyst: In this role, graduates analyze marketing campaign performance, customer behavior, and market trends to optimize marketing strategies, personalize customer experiences, and measure return on investment (ROI). They use data to drive more effective and targeted marketing efforts.
Healthcare Data Analyst: This specialized role involves analyzing vast amounts of healthcare data, including patient records, insurance claims, and clinical trial results, to improve patient outcomes, optimize hospital operations, identify disease trends, and manage healthcare costs.
Supply Chain Analyst: Graduates use data to optimize various aspects of the supply chain, from procurement and inventory management to logistics and distribution. They identify bottlenecks, forecast demand, and implement data-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and resilience.
Data Analytics Consultant: Working for consulting firms or as independent contractors, graduates advise diverse organizations on how to leverage data for business transformation. They assess client needs, develop data strategies, implement analytical solutions, and provide insights to drive growth and efficiency.
Fraud Detection Analyst: Specializing in financial data, these analysts use advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to identify suspicious patterns and anomalies that indicate fraudulent activities. They are crucial for banks, insurance companies, and other organizations to prevent financial losses.
