The request to revise admissions requirements of Data Science and Business Analytics P.S.M.

Date: February 4, 2016
To: Belk College of Business

To: College of Computing & Informatics

To: The Graduate School
From: Office of Academic Affairs
Approved On: January 18, 2016
Approved by: Graduate Council
Implementation Date: Summer 2016

Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.

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Data Science and Business Analytics Program

analytics.uncc.edu

Graduate Program Director

Dr. Mirsad Hadzikadic

Director of Student Services

TBD

The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program in Data Science and Business Analytics (DSBA) is an interdisciplinary program at the intersection of business, computer and information sciences, statistics, and operations research. The program leads to an M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics. It is a unique blend of business acumen, data understanding, exposure to a diverse set of advanced analytics methods, and hands-on experience designed to help students apply learned knowledge on representative business problems. DSBA graduates are well equipped for employment in a wide variety of data intensive industries, such as financial services, energy, retail/supply chain, or healthcare, where the need for business analysts with quantitative, computational, and sophisticated analytical skills is growing at an explosive pace.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the general Graduate School requirements for admission to Master’s Degree programs. Applications must include all of the Master’s Degree application submissions. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are the minimum admissions requirements for study toward the M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics:

• Earned undergraduate degree in any scientific, engineering or business discipline or a closely related field
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
• Acceptable scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the GRE or GMAT *
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose outlining the goals for pursuing a graduate education
• Minimum TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based), 557 (paper-based), or 83 (Internet based), or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 is required from any applicant whose native language is not English

In addition, the program requires a current working knowledge of at least one higher-level (procedural) language; and a familiarity with computer applications. A minimal background in mathematics is also required, including two semesters of calculus and one semester of statistics. Individuals who have worked at a high professional level in the computer industry or business may be able to substitute work experience for specific subject area admission requirements. Individuals without a business degree or business experience are required to complete an online business fundamentals course prior to enrolling in the program.

* Applicants to the Professional Science Masters in Data Science and Business Analytics may request a score waiver provided they:

• were accepted into the Data Science and Business Analytics Graduate Certificate,
• successfully complete a minimum of 2 of the required courses with a GPA of 3.5 or better with no more than 1 B,
• and, secure a letter of recommendation from at least one of the instructors teaching those courses supporting their admission into the Masters program.