New master’s degree in management analytics launches September 2020

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A new, specialized master’s degree that will help managers make smarter decisions by understanding, analyzing and leveraging data is coming to Waterloo Region this fall.

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is launching a graduate-level professional Master of Science degree in Management Analytics (MMA).

Starting in fall of 2020, the 12-month master’s degree will offer classes on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Applications are due March 31 but strong candidates will continue to be accepted until the class is full.

“If you want to launch your career as a manager who will design, lead and implement data-driven projects, this degree will set you apart,” said Mike Pavlin, associate professor of operations and program director of the new master’s degree. “With the rise of Internet of Things, social media, e-commerce and a drive to better understand large volumes of data, we’ll prepare students to understand the use and the value of data and to go back into the office to advance their company.”

According to Canada’s Big Data Consortium, Canada will be facing a shortage of 150,000 skilled data and analytics professionals. This new degree in Management Analytics will prepare graduates to design and move data analytics projects from conception to execution. Graduates of the master’s will be able to identify and evaluate opportunities and risks associated with data analytics projects. Additionally, they will be able to use tools from machine learning and statistics to execute solutions.

The full-time master’s program will take place over three consecutive terms. In the first term, students will take courses such as ‘Machine Learning for Business’ and ‘Data Management in Organizations’.

 In winter term of 2021, students will focus on management-level analytics courses, including ‘Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Decision Making with Analytics’.

In the final term, from May to August of 2021, students will round out the experience and knowledge with a fieldwork project in a small group setting and electives in a range of business topics, such as ‘Marketing Analytics’, ‘Accounting Analytics’, ‘Financial Analytics’, ‘Human Resources Analytics’ and ‘Supply Chain Analytics’.

“The fieldwork project harnesses the strengths of Laurier’s experiential learning focus and will immerse students in a real-business setting,” said Pavlin. “Students will work in small groups to address an underlying managerial issue in a company or organization. Then, they will design and implement their solution.” 

To qualify for the MMA, applicants must have a four-year undergraduate degree in business, economics or a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, chemistry, engineering, etc., and must have a B+ overall GPA in the final two years of study. Additional admission requirements and application details.  

The master’s in Management Analytics program will cost $38,500 for domestic tuition and $47,500 for international student tuition. For more information, or to book an appointment to assess your application, please contact us at lazaridismma@wlu.ca.