The advent of big data is creating billions in value for business and countless jobs in analytics. “Data is almost the currency of the future,” says Mazhar Hussain, director at KPMG Digital & Analytics, and at Imperial College Business School.But the demand for the hottest data roles continues to stymie companies, who are demanding that managers become masters of data analysis.
There has been a shift in the education and training of future executives, who will need to use business data to create market advantages and enhance operational performance.
“Companies are increasingly data-driven and there is a vast need for professionals who are able to analyze that data and translate it into meaningful business outcomes,” says Robert Sullivan, dean of the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, which launched the Master of Science in Business Analytics this summer.
The proliferation of specialist degrees in business analytics has been salient, agrees Arne Strauss, associate professor on the MSc Business Analytics at Warwick Business School. Over the past few years, scores of top business schools have announced the creation of analytics degrees. These include programs at USC Marshall, Melbourne, and the McCombs School. More have said privately that they are developing data initiatives.
And with the gaping shortage of analytics talent failing to abate, these programs have become among the fastest-growing business masters degrees. “We plan to further expand based on demand from working professionals,” says Jana Stern at W. P. Carey School of Business, one of the first to run an MSc in Business Analytics.
Meanwhile, the rise of analytics courses within MBA programs has been rapid, seen at the likes of Wharton, HEC Paris and Chicago Booth business schools. Many have teamed up with companies blazing a trail in big data, such as IBM and KPMG.
“The only way for MBAs to really learn how to handle big data is to actually work with it, and to interact with student engineers and data scientists,” says Greg La Blanc, lecturer at UC Berkeley’s Haas School, which created a big data curriculum with Accenture.
While MBA students need not become data scientists, organizations’ strategies are increasingly being shaped by the use of analytics. “You need to be technical enough to speak the language of data science,” says Roy Lee, assistant dean of global programs at NYU Stern, which runs an MS in Business Analytics. “But you also need to know how to use data to solve business problems and deliver results.”
Meanwhile, the top schools have partnered with digital learning providers to offer business analytics degrees online. Data analysis is already among the most popular Moocs, or massive open online courses. “We have seen great interest in data analytics courses,” says Nancy Moss, director of communications at edX, a leading Mooc platform.
Wharton, Duke University and UC San Diego recently launched a series of online degrees focused on big data with Coursera, one of the world’s biggest online learning companies.
Anne Trumbore, director of Wharton Online, says that online education is critical in closing the analytics skills gap, particularly as the data science field is so rapidly changing.
Yet there is a “missing link” between having data and creating strategy with that data, she says. Theos Evgeniou, professor of decision sciences and technology management at INSEAD, says: “Being open to innovations that may be coming from bottom-up instead of top-down may be a challenge for many organizations.”
Today any business school worth its salt is thinking about how to address these challenges. The answer for many it seems is a data management degree. “In the near future we will all need to develop analytical skills in order to succeed in our jobs,” says Juan José Casado Quintero, academic director of the Master in Business Analytics & Big Data at Spain's IE Business School.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
1 
Comments.