MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS - TECHNOLOGY/DATABASE CONCENTRATION

Study Synchronously Online or On Campus: It's Your Choice

The Technology/Database concentration focuses on building skills to develop and use databases, including SQL, and to become proficient in modern programming languages such as Python and R. These skills are applied in learning best data management practices. After gathering the raw data, you will learn how to analyze and visualize this information using unique software products such as Tableau and Power BI. This wide array of developed skillsets can lead to a very promising career in:

Program Requirements

Core Courses

MDAN 623

Statistics for Data Analytics

This course introduces univariate data analysis methods using statistics. Data visualization methods and practices, and an overview of sampling techniques for data collection. Specifically, this course teaches introductory statistical methods for the analysis and visualization of data and basic concepts of probability theory. Course topics include descriptive statistics, data visualization techniques, an introduction to statistical inference (confidence intervals and hypothesis testing) for decision making, linear regression models, data sampling techniques. The students will learn the statistical package SPSS to analyze data sets from real-world applications.
3 Credits

MSIN 627

Multi-Dimensional Analytics and Visualization Technologies

The course introduces the practice of managing data as corporate assets by organizations to gain competitive advantage and meet regulatory demand. The course will also describe the data management emerging profession, and skills required to perform the various data management functions for each role.
Prerequisite: MDAN 610
3 Credits

MSIN 637

Principles of Data Analytics

This course serves as an introduction to Data Analysis, primarily using the latest version of Microsoft Excel. Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool used for a variety of purposes and in many industries, and it can be harnessed to do impressive and powerful Data Analysis using its many functions and features. Functions covered range from the simple SUM/SUMIF to more advanced functions like INDEX and MATCH. Features covered range from simple to Data Tables, Pivot Tables, Goal Seeking and Data Analysis Tool-pack and Solver. Analysis of Variance and Probability Theory are also introduced.
3 Credits

Required Courses

MSIN 614

Data Transformation, Migration and Integration

This course combines lectures with hands-on labs to teach students necessary skills to install, upgrade, manage & administer SQL Server instances and databases for performance, high availability &Disaster Recover. Topics covered in the class will include System Databases, Data Files, Log Files & Check Points, Memory CPU and Disk Redundancy Discussions, indexing and query optimization, Database backup and restoration, Log Shipping, Database Mirroring, Database Replication, Database Snapshots, Security, Policy Based Management, SQL Agent, Task Scheduling& Automation, Database Mail, Database Maintenance Plans, Monitoring, Alerting & Tuning, Blocking Transitions & Dedicated Administrator Connection.
Prerequisite: MSIN 615
3 Credits

MSIN 615

Database Management and Administration Technologies

This course provides students with a solid foundation in database management and design concepts and related skills. The course will explore database design techniques such as Entity Relationship modeling, normalization, database modeling/design tools such as Microsoft Visio or MySQL Workbench and UML, database implementation techniques using SQL Server Express. Students will learn how to examine user requirements and design and implement a database that supports the requirements and helps enforce the business constraints. Students will utilize various techniques to identify and correct errors that exist in proposed database designs. Students will design and implement databases and use SQL to construct simple and nested queries and inner joins to retrieve and manipulate data. Students will become familiar with SQL Server Management Studio, using it to implement and populate databases and test queries written in SQL.
Prerequisite: MDAN 610
3 Credits

MSIN 616

Advanced Database Management and Data Analytics

Building on Database Management and Administration, the course explores additional data modeling techniques, concepts of database integrity and transaction management, stored procedures, user-defined functions, database programming, query optimization, performance and tuning, and other advanced SQL topics.
Prerequisite: MSIN 615
3 Credits

MSIN 677

Advanced Data Visualization

In this course, students will explore data analytics and visualization. The course will begin by reviewing analytical methods with an emphasis on the art of crafting compelling data stories. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on tutorials, students will learn how to transform datasets into visualizations and dashboards that communicate key findings and that utilize visual design principles. By the course's end, students will be equipped to present insightful, data-driven narratives that enable decision-makers to discern trends and make informed choices.
Prerequisite: MSIN 627
3 Credits

OR

MSIN 678

Business Intelligence Through Data Visualization and Power BI

This course combines lectures with hands-on labs to teach students necessary skills to connect to Various Data sources, Transform Data, Design Data Models, create, manage, and format Charts/Visuals/DashBoards using various data sources e.g. excel files, SQL Server Databases, and MS Access databases etc. of various complexities & Work with Filtering Students will start with connecting to Datasources, transform data, design models and create simple charts and move onto designing more complex Models and charts of various types including analyzing data over time, trends analysis etc. Advanced formatting, DAX expressions and Filtering will be utilized to make charts stand out.
Prerequisite: MSIN 627
3 Credits

Elective Courses

MSIN 620

Data Warehousing and Data Mining

This course combines lectures with hands-on labs to teach students necessary skills to administer SQL Server instances and databases. Topics covered in the class will include System Databases, Data Files, Log Files & Check Points, Memory CPU and Disk Redundancy Discussions, Functions, Stored Procedures, Triggers, indexing and query optimization, Database backup and restoration, Log Shipping, Database Mirroring, Database Replication, Database Snapshots, Security, Policy Based Management, SQL Agent & Task Scheduling/Automation, Database Maintenance Plans, Monitoring, Alerting & Tuning, New Features, Blocking Transitions & Dedicated Administrator Connection.
Pre-or Corequisite: MSIN 614 & MSIN 615
3 Credits

MDAN 621

R for Data Analytics

Students will learn about the basics and fundamentals of R programming/syntax to eventually being able to write R scripts. R will be used to solve problems related to data. Students will learn to assign variables and perform simple operations with vectors. Students will also learn about lists, matrix, arrays and data frames. To complete the basics, the course will cover conditional statements, functions, classes and debugging. Students will advance to reading and writing data in R, in either table format (CSV, Excel) or in a text file (.txt). Finally, students will cover important functions for character strings and dates in R.
3 Credits

MDAN 622

Python for Data Analytics

This course introduces the basics of the python programming environment, including fundamental python programming techniques such as lambdas, reading and manipulating csv files, and the NumPy library. The course will introduce data manipulation and cleaning techniques using the popular python pandas data science library and introduce the abstraction of the Series and DataFrame as the central data structures for data analysis, along with tutorials on how to use functions such as group by, merge, and pivot tables effectively. By the end of this course, students will be able to take tabular data, clean it, manipulate it, and run basic inferential statistical analyses.
Pre-or Corequisite: MDAN 608 & MDAN 610
3 Credits

MSIN 626

Principles and Applications of Data Security

This course explains why database security is becoming increasingly important and critical to businesses and individuals. It demonstrates different methods/approaches that can be used to compromise the data in a database and what types of remedies can be applied. It addresses the underlying concepts of security and shows how database security can be realized by implementing Windows OS security, network security, SQL Server security and Web application security. It describes how auditing is used to help implement database security. It illustrates how a robust backup and recovery plan can help secure a database. Students will implement database security using Windows OS and SQL Server.
Prerequisites: MSIN 615
3 Credits

MSIN 633

Data Modeling, Analysis, and Visualization - Alteryx

This course combines lectures with hands-on labs to help students understand transaction systems, data warehouses, fact and dimension tables, design custom columns, custom tables and create multi-dimensional data models based on a wide variety of data sources. Dashboards and widgets of varying complexities will be created using hierarchies, expressions, and functions for data analysis, visualization and decision support.
Prerequisite: MSIN 616
3 Credits

MAIN 610

AI Principles and Practice

This course explores the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing ethical considerations and practical applications across diverse sectors. Participants will gain essential AI knowledge, learn to evaluate ethical dilemmas, and enhance their ability to implement AI strategies in real-world scenarios, fostering innovative and ethical problem-solving skills.
3 Credits

Thesis Courses (Choose 1)

MDAN 615

Data Analytics Internship

This course provides students with the opportunity to work as an intern in the Data Analytics area, and then to formulate a paper or project based on the approved internship. The internship must be pre-approved and should provide the student with the ability to combine his/her conceptual, technical, and applied knowledge in a business environment. This internship should draw on the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program. Regular progress reporting is expected throughout the internship. International students are required to apply for CPT for eligibility to work during their internship. The Internship MUST be approved in advance by the Program Chair. At the end of the internship, the student will be expected to take and pass a recognized certification test to show competency in an aspect of Data Analytics. Pre- or Corequisite: Permission of the Program Chair
3 Credits

MDAN 617

Advanced Research in Data Analytics

The Advanced Research course is designed to give students an individualized research, project including reading and reporting on a specific topic approved by an instructor. The subject, topics and related material must be relevant and advanced regarding data analytics either from a technology perspective or from a business perspective depending on the student's area of concentration.
3 Credits

MSIN 681, 682, 683

Professional Internship Experience 1, 2, 3

These courses provide students with the opportunity to integrate skills presented during course work into real world practice, as well as enhance their awareness of technology in their respective profession. The students will utilize their work as a means of enhancing the educational experience, making on-going strides academically with their professional work. The students will work in a professional environment for a minimum of 240 hours. Students are expected to secure an internship independently. International students are required to apply for CPT for eligibility to work during their internship. Weekly logs and examples of work are required for the successful completion of the internship, and are reviewed by the Faculty Internship Coordinator, upon completion of the internship. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field of expertise to complement their coursework. The Internship MUST be approved in advance by the Program Chair. Students may enroll in MSIN 681 only during the fall or spring semester. MSIN 683 will require students to complete one professional certification at the end of the course to demonstrate their proficiency in their field from the experience acquired throughout the internship and their classes.
1 Credit Each

Preparatory Courses

Students with insufficient background in computer science or information systems degree, will be required to complete some or all of these courses:

MSIN 511

Technology Concepts and Essentials

The IT Essentials (ITE) curriculum emphasizes practical experience to help students develop fundamental computer and career skills. ITE helps students prepare for entry-level career opportunities in ICT and the CompTIA A+ certification. The course also provides a learning pathway to Cisco CCNA .
1 Credit

MBAN 503

Introduction to Statistics

This course is structured to enable students to develop and increase their competence in the broad area of statistics and quantitative analysis. Each PowerPoint module will provide definition of terms, the statistics, examples of applied usage & its interpretation. External readings and audiovisual recordings of key concepts will also be required.
1 Credit

MDAN 608

Introduction to Programming (Python)

This course introduces core programming basics—including data types, control structures, algorithm development, and program design with functions—via the Python programming language. The course discusses the fundamental principles of Object-Oriented Programming, as well as in-depth data and information processing techniques. Students will problem solve, explore real-world software development challenges, and create practical and contemporary applications using graphical user interfaces, graphics, and network communications.
3 Credits

MDAN 609

Introduction to Analytical Processes (Excel)

This course will allow the student to comprehend and appreciate creating and working with excel lists. Using multiple worksheets and workbooks. Applying excel editing and web tools. Developing an excel application. Students will use tutorial lab exercises to grasp the above excel concepts.
1 Credit

MDAN 610

Introduction to Database

This course covers the database concepts that are the foundation and building blocks of sound database design and management. It explains why good database design is critical to the accurate and efficient storage and retrieval of data. The course will explore database design techniques such as database models, database modeling/design tools. The course identifies the functions provided by a database management system to help ensure the integrity of data. It teaches students how to design a database that maximizes data integrity using normalization techniques. It also covers the use of SQL to create and populate tables and retrieve and update data.
3 Credits

Non-Degree-Bearing Courses

MSIN 684, 685, 686

Professional Internship Experience 4, 5, 6

Through practice and participation in professional activities, students will be able to integrate skills presented during course work into real world practice, as well as enhance their awareness of technology in their respective profession. The students will utilize their work as a means of enhancing the educational experience, making on-going strides academically with their professional work. These courses are designed to continue advancement in professional development. These are elective courses which do not count towards the degree. The students will work in a professional environment for a minimum of 240 hours. Students are expected to secure an internship independently. International students are required to apply for CPT for eligibility to work during their internship. Weekly logs and examples of work are required for the successful completion of the internship, and are reviewed by the Faculty Internship Coordinator, upon completion of the internship. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field of expertise to complement their coursework. The Internship MUST be approved in advance by the Program Chair.
1 Credit Each