Fall 2022 Students Enroll in #1 Business Analytics Program to Level-Up Their Careers

The Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) program was created in 2013 and has created an undeniable impact on the students that it enrolled. “Yes, we were about professional development and impact; but seeing how students literally generate millions for companies, create analytics divisions, and open their own businesses, amongst other things, is something I didn’t expect to happen so soon!” said Myra Gonzalez, Director of the MSA program as she kicked off her 10th fall MSA Orientation.

With a competitive admission process, the program carefully selects those candidates that demonstrate the ability to work in teams, have strong academic backgrounds and have a passion for data.

The fall 2022 cohort is diverse:

• 49% female enrollment
• Over 18 industries represented
• 31% of the entire cohort holding advanced degrees already
• Working professionals that average between 10.5 – 13 years of full-time experience

As a nationally-ranked hybrid delivery program measured on inclusion, technology, and quality, the MSA program makes sure students joining remotely are properly engaged. “We go to great lengths to replicate the classroom environment for our distance students,” said Associate Program Director Javier Aldape. With an equal split of face-to-face and distance students, the program makes sure ALL receive quality instruction, dedication, and attention. In ten years of offering live video stream delivery, satisfaction is high. Investments in the audio/video technology of the classroom have ensured this. This track record earned MSA a #1 ranking in online business analytics program according to Fortune.com

And the investment does not just occur in the MSA classrooms. For ten years, the program has invested in nonprofit organizations. Every year, the program reviews admitted students employed in this sector for scholarship consideration. “It’s our way to give back and also propel nonprofits into data-driven strategies,” Aldape noted. Over the years, students from education, government, military, law enforcement, and others have created models that have provided significant contributions to their employers and likely many of us. From combating drug trafficking to improving educational intervention programs, our students are at the forefront of analytics. “It is getting harder every year with the quality of students we are evaluating. Everybody brings something big and impactful,” said Gonzalez. Dao Henry is the 2022 scholarship recipient and is a Senior Management Analyst for the City and County of Denver, Department of Aviation/Denver International Airport. She engages in department-wide program and data analytics, reporting, and special projects. She aspires to lead an initial assessment of issues or problem areas by researching best practices, trends, and historical and current data, along with related laws, policies, procedures, and methods, to develop a methodology for the selection of relevant data. Then she hopes to assemble data into a meaningful format for data-driven decisions. She believes that data can be applied to good and wishes to advance her city to the forefront of data-driven city management.

Dao Henry, 2022 scholarship recipient

The uniqueness of MSA begins with the coordination of curriculum and faculty members. “From standard, easy-to-navigate learning management course templates to collaboration using real datasets, our faculty understand the importance of a cohesive curriculum,” said Myra Gonzalez. Prior to starting semesters, program staff and faculty meet to discuss expectations and objectives. The goal is to share the feedback and to build strategies for how classes can collaborate through projects and topics. This elevates the class discussion and the applicability of the material to the real world. Serena Antone, a member of the class of 2024, stated that this was a component that drew her into the program. “I attended a class, I saw how the professors taught and the discussions it generated, and the examples covered. It was an overall unique experience because it was easily relatable. This is what graduate school should focus on, rather than reading textbooks and learning theory.” Indeed, faculty bring with them relevant real-world experience and problems that students must solve as part of the class. “They formulate a problem, they prep the data, they delegate amongst themselves, they build a model, they validate, they present. It is something that is learned through doing rather than books,” said Aldape. Serena Antone is one of fifty-three students that make the class of 2024 cohort. She said as orientation was starting, “I’m looking forward to the journey with the rest of my classmates. I can’t wait to get started.”

“As a program administrator, nothing brings me more joy than to see a student go from no experience with statistics, data, programming to a Data Scientist leading divisions, running their own business, and even using data for social impacts. They go from asking what is a P value to solving problems using data,” said Gonzalez. The program calls on people who want to level up their careers. “This is our 10th year. We are excited about this upcoming recruiting cycle,” said Jerry Strawser, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Interested applicants are encouraged to research program admission criteria on their website. “We have sixty-five seats each semester. Applying early is key,” recommended Strawser.

The Master of Science in Analytics is offered in a hybrid format that offers both in-person and live video stream class delivery. Face-to-face classes are offered at the Mays Business School at Houston CityCentre.

To request information, please contact Javier Aldape, Associate Program Director, at 797-845-2149 or email at: analytics@tamu.edu