Mastering Big Data

Harnessing the power of big data is a must-have skill for today’s tech-driven marketplace. In response to the growing need for anayltics-savvy managers, Olin is launching a new Master of Science in Customer Analytics degree program in partnership with IBM.  The graduate program is designed to arm managers with the technical and strategic tools for 21st century business.

“The MSCA program will train students to become analytics-driven business managers,” said Seethu Seetharaman, PhD, the Patrick W. McGinnis Professor of Marketing and director of the program. “Graduates will be well equipped to successfully participate in the emerging business era of big data. The program is ideal for applicants whose undergraduate training is in a technical field who want to build on their abilities and develop the skills to manage strategic business issues using advanced analytical methods.”

From the IBM Academic Initiative site.

From the IBM Academic Initiative site.

Olin’s partnership with IBM is through the company’s Academic Initiative, which includes a large network of IBM and higher education professionals to help advance curriculum in areas including Big Data and Analytics, Cloud Computing, Security and Social Business.

Students will benefit from the collaboration with IBM on special projects and learning to use IBM software to conduct analysis. Washington University computer science and political science professors will also participate in the program along with a schedule of guest speakers from the business community.

“Our graduates will be able to seek job opportunities with any organization that has embraced the value of big data, including companies marketing the world’s most respected and recognizable brands,” Seetharaman said. “Additional opportunities exist at consultant companies with a heavy reliance on customer analytics. Organizations across the board will be searching for applicants trained in social media analytics.”

The MSCA program holds a STEM designation. A STEM program is one that is based in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math. Under regulations established by the Department of Homeland Security, international students in this program are eligible to apply for a 2-month off campus work experience called Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students that graduate from a STEM degree can apply for a 17-month extension of OPT.

The program can be completed in a 10 or 18-month format, including foundations coursework in August. Rolling admissions is in effect for domestic students. Due to visa processing time, the international student application deadline is now closed.  Prospective students should visit the website or contact Nikki Lemley, Associate Director of Specialized Masters Programs Admissions, via email MSCAInfo@wustl.edu.

Image: Façade study for IBM Manufacturing and Administrative Center, Rochester, Minnesota, 1956-58. Published in: Eero Saarinen: buildings from the Balthazar Korab archive / edited by David G. De Long and C. Ford Peatross, 2008. Library of Congress.

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