Applications now open, accepting applications until Aug. 1 or until 20-person cohort is filled
Belmont University today announced the launch of its Master of Science in Applied Analytics (MSAA), housed within the Jack C. Massey College of Business, a fully online, STEM-designated degree that directly addresses market needs by equipping students with the technical skills and business acumen required to thrive in data-driven environments.
The new program — now accepting applications — has recently received approval through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC), Belmont’s accrediting body.
“The development of an MSAA program is a strategic response to evolving academic needs, industry demands and job market trends,” Professor and Department Chair for Business Systems & Analytics Dr. Gary Garrison said. “The program will offer our students the advanced skill set needed to excel in the data-driven economy while enhancing our institution's academic offerings and industry relevance.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as many as 2.7 million technology jobs will open each year leading into 2027. In 2022, 40% of organizations reported analytics as their largest IT investment, according to the annual Issues and Trends survey from the Society for Information Management.
MSAA coursework provides a blend of statistics, computer science, data science and business courses to serve as the building blocks for the creation of three primary personas in analytics: data analyst, data engineer and data scientist.
- Data analysis courses focus on practical analysis to support businesses using Python, SQL, data visualization and storytelling techniques to help graduates translate what a business’s expectation into a data solution.
- Data engineering courses focus on data structures and technical architecture, including database systems, data warehouse solutions, data architecture, ETL tools and model deployment and optimization to train graduates on how to create pipelines that convert raw data into usable formats for data analysts and data scientists.
- Data science courses focus on the development, training and tuning of predictive models using machine learning algorithms and large language models to solve problems, make predictions and provide valuable insights.
Using personas to organize the program content is a key distinction for the MSAA that enables graduates to embrace the versatility of the field and explore opportunities in different industries, ultimately finding a role that best matches their interests and strengths.
The program is fully online with an in-person orientation. The asynchronous modality of the MSAA provides flexibility for working professionals as they pursue their degrees without having to leave their jobs or relocate.
In addition to technical skills, the program also offers electives in entrepreneurship, project and product management, negotiation and marketing to develop and strengthen business acumen.
“Creating an analytics-focused program in the Massey College of Business’s graduate catalog enhances our students’ opportunities in the evolving job market,” College of Business Dean Sarah Gardial said. “Our team has determined that local and regional industries are signaling a growing need for analytics professionals, mirroring the national and global market. The MSAA serves this need, strengthens our ties with industry partners and increases our graduates’ employability.”
The first cohort for Belmont’s MSAA will accept 20 graduates who will help supply the high demand for professionals with expertise in applied analytics across industries such as healthcare, finance, marketing and supply chain management. Over 10% of the postings for technology jobs in Middle Tennessee listed a master’s degree as a qualification in 2022.
“Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields upon completion of the program,” Garrison said. “Offering the MSAA at the graduate level allows students to build upon foundational knowledge acquired during their undergraduate studies and delve deeper into advanced analytics techniques and methodologies.”
The inaugural class for the MSAA will begin in August 2024, expanding Belmont’s award-winning graduate business program to support five degrees. All prospective students should refer to the MSAA website for application details. The scholarship priority deadline is March 1. Women in Technology of Tennessee (WiTT) members receive a 20% tuition discount.
