The Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) is not designed to emulate the MBA education. However, data collected as part of the national ranking of MBA programs offer an opportunity to compare MSA student outcomes relative to the widely taught graduate degree in business. Using data from the annual ranking of business schools by U.S. News and World Report, an assessment was conducted to determine where in the ranking the MSA might land based on three criteria: the admissions acceptance rate, base starting salaries, and placement rate by graduation. The cost of both resident and non-resident tuition (which covers 2 years for the MBA), is also compared. Continue reading “Benchmarking MSA Student Outcomes” →

Despite an uncertain economy and the slow growth in domestic employment, the MSA Class of 2011 has logged a record 469 job interviews (an average of 12 per student), and has exceeded last year’s record (378) a full ten weeks ahead of schedule in the 12-week job placement season. It is the fourth consecutive year since the Institute’s inception in 2007 in which employer demand for MSA graduates has increased. The Institute will host over 30 employers this spring, with many seeking to fill multiple positions for analytics professionals.

The Institute’s director, Dr. Michael Rappa, will co-chair the Analytics track at the Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research, sponsored by the prestigious professional society, the Institute for Operations Research and Management Science (INFORMS).  The conference agenda is aimed at practitioners and has a deep line-up of speakers drawn from some of the nation’s leading companies applying Analytics.

The Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) Class of 2011 has performed extremely well to date, and at the midpoint of the 10-month curriculum the class is by every measure setting a record pace of accomplishment. It was clear from the start the 2011 cohort was a highly capable group academically, and the students have proven themselves in meeting and exceeding the high expectations of faculty and staff. Continue reading “MSA Class of 2011 Reaches Midpoint” →

Employers have begun lining up to recruit from the MSA Class of 2011 next spring. Campus interview dates are filling rapidly, and it looks to be a strong hiring season despite the slow economic recovery. Many employers are returning to campus this year after recruiting from earlier classes. There is also a growing number of new employers coming to the Institute for the first time. Indications are strong that MSA job placement will exceed 90-percent by graduation for the fourth straight year.