A new Master of Science in Business Analytics will prepare students to leverage big and unstructured datasets for effective decision-making, the USC Marshall School of Business announced.

The degree will benefit managers and recent college graduates eager to pursue careers in the fast-growing field of business analytics and data sciences, providing them with the knowledge and skills to improve the performance of organizations.

Learning statistical modeling, data management, visualization, information security, optimization and decision-making under uncertainty, students in the program will develop the critical ability to make business decisions in a scientific manner, based on data, in order to boost business performance.

The expertise they acquire will enable them to apply business analytics across a wide range of business functions and industries, including marketing, finance, operations management, retail, manufacturing, banking and health care.

“In an environment increasingly powered by big data, a thorough understanding of, and fluency in, business analytics is vital to success,” said USC Marshall Dean James G. Ellis. “This new degree will empower students with in-depth training that translates to significant positive impact.”

The master’s in business analytics requires 27 units and may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Students in the program will learn how to use programming tools to generate meaningful information from large and unstructured datasets, as well as how to present complex data effectively to high-level decision-makers. They will also have the opportunity to personalize their degrees with elective courses.

Students will make decisions based on data.

“Globally, we are facing a significant shortage of business professionals who can channel insights gleaned from big data into decisions that enhance organizational performance,” said Professor Yehuda Bassok, chair of USC Marshall’s Department of Data Sciences and Operations. “Consequently, students in our business analytics program will graduate with highly marketable skills that will put them in demand in the U.S. and around the world.”

The program is now accepting applications for its inaugural class from graduating seniors of four-year baccalaureate programs, as well as from working professionals with bachelor or advanced degrees.

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