A Data Analytics Master's for Skilled Analysts

Stonehill's Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Analytics ensures students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze data and extract actionable information from complex data sets to support informed decision-making across a variety of industries.

The applied data analytics specialization focuses on data management, statistical analysis, programming and visualization, preparing students to analyze and extract data from a variety of sources and leverage it to inform strategy, drive data-driven decision making and improve business results. 

Through this specialization, students will learn to:

  • apply statistical, data mining and programming techniques to analyze structured 
    and unstructured datasets, evaluate model performance, and generate data-driven 
    insights for decision-making
  • communicate analytical findings effectively through data visualizations, 
    dashboards and professional reports tailored to both technical and non-technical 
    audiences
  • implement data analytics practices that uphold data quality, security, privacy and 
    ethical standards, including responsible and transparent use of data and AI

All data analytics master's students are required to take five core courses as well as the five specialization courses to complete their program. For the applied data analytics specialization, courses such as SAS Programming for Data Analysts and Visualization & Digital Storytelling ensure students gain a strong understanding of data-driven decision-making and strategy.

Sample Courses

Visualization & Digital Storytelling

DAT 605
A hands-on course emphasizing the importance of data visualization in understanding data. This course will utilize visualization software to prepare student to create reports and dashboards. Students will learn exploratory and explanatory data analysis and learn how to ask the right questions about what is needed in a visualization. Students will assess how data and design work together and learn which visualization to use in various situations and how to balance the goals of their stakeholders with the needs of their end-users and be able to structure and organize a digital story for maximum impact.

Security, Privacy & Ethics in Data Analytics

DAT 607
A survey and case study course emphasizing the importance of data privacy and security. We need to share data in organizations, but the more we share it, the more it becomes necessary to protect it. By the end of the course, students will understand the legal, social, and ethical ramifications of data security and privacy as well as the concepts behind data guardianship and custodianship and data permissions. Special attention will be given to industry-specific data privacy laws (HIPAA, FERPA, PCI DSS, etc.).

SAS Programming for Data Analysts

DAT 610
This course provides students with an introduction to the SAS programming language. It is for students who want to learn how to write SAS programs to access, explore, prepare, and analyze data. The course will also cover some intermediate topics as time allows. Through a series of mini projects, student will gain a basic working knowledge of the SAS programming language. This course also counts towards the professional SAS certification.

Leverage the Power of SAS

In this specialization, students will get extensive experience with products from SAS, a worldwide leader in analytics software. As the demand for professionals with data analytics skills and SAS experience grows, students will gain the in-demand skills employers seek.

219,000
JOB POSTINGS WITH SAS AS A DESIRED SKILL

In 2021, more than 219,000 job postings listed SAS as a desired skill, according to Emsi, an aggregator of labor market data.

8.5%
SALARY INCREASE

According to SAS, survey respondents say a base programming credential from SAS led to an average salary increase of 8.5%.

Earn a Master's Degree or Certificate in Data Analytics

For business professionals looking to expand their knowledge in the field of data analytics, Stonehill also offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Marketing, both with specialization options in data analytics. The College also offers a five-course professional certificate in data analytics. These programs focus on analyzing and extracting data and understanding how organizations utilize data to strengthen their decision-making. 

If a student completes the Data Analytics Graduate Certificate and wishes to pursue their master's degree, these courses can be applied toward the degree.

Upcoming Graduate & Professional Studies Events

Contact Information

Duffy – 124/126

Graduate & Professional Studies Admission assists students as they explore graduate and professional opportunities offered at Stonehill College.