Welcome to the Master of Science in Analytics Program (MSiA)

The Master of Science in Analytics program at Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering teaches students the skills that drive business success in today’s hyper-competitive, data-driven world.

Drawing on the expertise of renowned professors and lecturers from major corporations, we combine mathematical and statistical studies with instruction in advanced information technology and data management. Students are immersed in a comprehensive and applied curriculum as they learn to:

• Identify patterns and trends
• Derive optimized recommendations evaluated through simulations
• Interpret and gain insight from vast quantities of structured and unstructured data
• Communicate their findings in practical and useful terms that help businesses succeed

Supplemented by an internship and industry-supplied projects, graduates will be exceptionally well equipped to harness and communicate the full value of data to the organizations they serve.

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Quick Facts

Why Northwestern University?

Many programs focus on just one aspect of analytics, producing graduates who are trained primarily in either modeling or data mining. This program takes a broader, more comprehensive approach to analytics education, complementing each course with case studies, team projects, and guest speakers from industry to ensure an academic experience that’s grounded in business reality. The program features the following:

• Study in all three areas of analytics: predictive, prescriptive, and descriptive
• Industry access, including a practicum project, capstone project, and internship with leading companies
• Full-time, small cohort
• Customized curriculum combining data science, IT, and business
• Tenured faculty from the McCormick School of Engineering, the Kellogg School of Management, and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications

Student Profile

Each year, Northwestern welcomes a diverse group of talented students into this competitive cohort-style program, which fosters a creative and collaborative environment. Our students’ academic interests range from the liberal arts to engineering and computer sciences to economics and business. They also join the program with varied work experience: Some enter directly after completing their undergraduate degree, while others bring 10-plus years of work experience in fields such as finance, analytics, information technology, academia, and various types of consulting.

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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science in Analytics are well prepared for immediate employment in a variety of professional environments. Shortly after completing the program, the majority of our students receive offers to work for data-savvy organizations, including Nike, Apple, IBM, NASA, Teradata, and Pandora Media, among others.

The MSiA program plays an active role in assisting with the internship and job search, in addition to providing industry exposure and experience throughout the program. The summer internship, practicum project, and capstone courses allow students to gain work experience and explore career opportunities with three different companies while earning their degrees. Program participants will also have full access to Northwestern University’s extensive career resources.

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Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies also offers a part-time, online Master of Science in Predictive Analytics program.