M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
Master of Business Administration - Information Systems & Business Analytics
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MBA with an Information Systems & Business Analytics concentration at PNW is a 36-42 credit hour program, with the exact number of credits dependent on a student's undergraduate background. It seamlessly integrates a core MBA curriculum, providing a broad understanding of business functions, with specialized coursework in information systems, data management, and business analytics. The program offers flexible evening classes, making it accessible to working professionals seeking to advance their careers. It is designed to equip graduates with the analytical skills and technological expertise necessary to lead in a data-driven business environment.
AACSB Accreditation: A cornerstone of Purdue University Northwest's MBA program, including its Information Systems & Business Analytics concentration, is its prestigious accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is a globally recognized mark of excellence, achieved by less than five percent of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation signifies that PNW's College of Business maintains the highest standards of quality in its curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and overall educational experience. This rigorous accreditation ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the global business landscape and enhances the credibility and marketability of their MBA degree. PNW's College of Business programs recently reaffirmed their AACSB accreditation in June 2023.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MBA with an Information Systems & Business Analytics concentration is structured to provide a comprehensive business foundation alongside in-depth technological and analytical skills. The program includes approximately 30 credit hours of core MBA courses covering essential areas like accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management. In addition to this core, students complete 12 credit hours of specialized courses in the Information Systems & Business Analytics concentration. These typically include courses such as "Database Management Systems," "Decision Support and Expert Systems," and may offer electives in areas like "Data Mining," "Blockchain for Business," "Enterprise Resource Planning," "Practical Computing for Data Analytics," "Project Management," or "Decision Analytics." This blend ensures graduates are equipped with both managerial acumen and advanced data literacy.
Research Focus: While the MBA with an Information Systems & Business Analytics concentration is primarily aimed at developing practical management and analytical skills, it is underpinned by a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and the application of contemporary research. Faculty members in PNW's College of Business often conduct research in areas related to information systems, data analytics, and their impact on business strategy. Students are trained to critically evaluate data, apply analytical techniques, and understand the methodologies behind business intelligence, which are inherently research-informed activities. The program prepares students to leverage insights from data to solve complex business problems, fostering a mindset of continuous inquiry and improvement.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's College of Business actively engages with the technology and business communities in the Northwest Indiana and greater Chicago metropolitan area. This industry engagement is vital for ensuring the curriculum remains current with technological advancements and industry best practices. The program leverages its location to provide students with networking opportunities, guest speakers from leading tech companies and data-driven organizations, and potential project collaborations or internships. The emphasis on practical computing and data analysis software reflects real-world industry tools, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready and able to contribute immediately upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The MBA with an Information Systems & Business Analytics concentration at Purdue University Northwest implicitly fosters a global perspective by addressing the universal challenges and opportunities presented by data and technology in a globalized business environment. The AACSB accreditation itself provides international recognition, signifying a program that adheres to global standards of business education. The curriculum, particularly courses related to information systems, often touches upon global data governance, international business intelligence, and the impact of technology on global supply chains and markets. Graduates are prepared to navigate diverse technological landscapes and leverage data analytics for organizations operating on an international scale, contributing to strategic decision-making in a globally interconnected world.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
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 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Graduates of Purdue University Northwest's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Information Systems & Business Analytics are exceptionally well-equipped for roles at the intersection of business strategy and cutting-edge technology. The program's AACSB accreditation, combined with its specialized curriculum in data management and analytical tools, ensures alumni possess both managerial acumen and the technical proficiency demanded by modern organizations.
IT Project Manager/Program Manager: Leveraging their understanding of both business operations and information systems, graduates lead and manage complex technology projects, ensuring they align with strategic objectives and are delivered on time and within budget.
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst/Manager: These professionals collect, analyze, and visualize data to provide actionable insights that help businesses make informed decisions, optimize operations, and identify new market opportunities.
Data Scientist/Big Data Analyst: With a strong foundation in analytics, graduates can delve into massive datasets to uncover patterns, build predictive models, and develop algorithms that influence business strategies and product development.
Systems Analyst/IT Business Analyst: Acting as a liaison between business stakeholders and technical teams, they identify business needs, analyze existing systems, and design new information systems solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.
Solutions Architect: Combining technical expertise with a strategic mindset, they design high-level technology solutions that meet organizational requirements, ensuring scalability, security, and integration across various IT components.
Consultant (Technology/Data Analytics): Graduates can advise diverse clients on optimizing their information systems, implementing data analytics strategies, improving digital transformation, and leveraging technology for competitive advantage.
Product Manager (Technology Products): For technology companies, an MBA in this specialization allows graduates to oversee the lifecycle of software products or data platforms, defining features, analyzing market needs, and driving product development.
Cybersecurity Analyst (Business Focus): While not a pure cybersecurity degree, the IS&BA concentration provides a strong understanding of information systems, allowing graduates to focus on the business implications of cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance within IT environments.
Supply Chain Analyst/Logistics Analyst: Leveraging data analytics skills, these professionals optimize supply chain operations, predict demand, manage inventory, and improve logistics efficiency using technological tools and data insights.
Operations Analyst/Manager (Data-Driven): In various industries, graduates use data to analyze and improve operational processes, identifying inefficiencies, streamlining workflows, and implementing technology solutions to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.
