Program Description
Business Systems & Analytics (BSA) is the process of transforming data into insights for informed business decision making. Data management, data visualization, predictive modeling, data mining, forecasting, business application programming and modeling, simulation, and optimization are some of the methodologies used in business analytics to create insights from data. The MS program in BSA is designed to reflect an interdisciplinary play between the business analytics fields of Statistics, Operations Research, and Information Systems; and the functional business fields of Accounting, Finance, and Marketing. The program provides students with a practical and theoretical understanding of the latest business analytics tools and technologies for effective and informed problem-solving and decision-making. The emphasis across required MS courses in BSA is on problem formulation, modeling, solution, visualization, and interpretation, and communication of analytical results, as well as the sound application of analytic frameworks and technologies.
The M.S. program is structured in a Hybrid and Online format which allows working professionals greater flexibility and convenience as they move through the program. Courses are delivered in mix of hybrid and fully online courses.
- The hybrid courses are 50% online and 50% in the classroom. By leveraging the latest teaching and learning technologies, the educational experience reflects the ways in which companies operate today. This new approach creates an effective educational experience for working professionals attending as part time students.
- The fully online courses provide working professionals with greater flexibility and convenience as they move through the program. We have developed a learning experience that leverages the latest teaching and learning technologies to deliver an environment to deepen our students’ understanding of business and markets, and improve their decision making skills. With the Lasallian emphasis on the value and impact of personalized interactions among professors and classmates, our students are fully engaged in their education.
Mission
School of Business' Mission
Experiential and engaged learning is at the heart of everything we do. We provide excellence in business education through the integration of current business concepts with diverse experiential learning opportunities. As a Catholic Lasallian university, we are committed to the principle that all knowledge is practical and empowering, filled with the capacity to transform lives. Anchored by a foundation which affirms the value of both liberal arts and professional studies, our students are prepared to lead engaged and fulfilling lives marked by a commitment to the common good.
Master of Science in Business Systems and Analytics' Program Mission
The mission of the BSA program is to advance knowledge and promote the use of business analytics and data science for informed and effective problem-solving and decision-making. Through its faculty, curriculum, students, department-sponsored activities, and partnerships with the alumni and business community, the BSA major seeks to provide a value-added experience for students by communicating and demonstrating the importance of and the need for information business analytics and data science knowledge and skills in the workplace.
Program Goals
The goal of the BSA program is to advance student knowledge, skills, and competency in developing business analytics and data science solutions that can improve productivity and business performance. In today’s information age, professionals entering the marketplace require specialized training and education in problem-solving, creative thinking, analytical skills, organizational skills, technology skills, and communication skills. The BSA program and faculty are committed to developing these competencies through educational and extra-curricular activities.
Student Learning Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: To use analytic methods and information systems tools and technologies to drive effective and data-driven solutions to business problems and decisions.
- Learning Outcome 1.1: Students should be able to perform data analysis using various analytical techniques, interpret results to solve business problems and make informed business decisions.
- Learning Outcome 1.2: Students should be able to use data management tools and technologies to improve organizational support of data-driven solutions to business problems and decisions.
- Learning Outcome 1.3: Students should be able to formulate problems and develop data-driven solutions to business problems and decisions using information systems and analytics tools and technologies.
- Learning Outcome 1.4: Students should be able to identify, formulate, and solve optimization problems, and perform sensitivity analysis and simulation to examine alternative scenarios.
Learning Goal 2: To effectively communicate the results of analytic solutions to business problems and decisions.
- Learning Outcome 2.1: Students should be able to effectively convey, through oral and written communication, the results of analytical solutions to business problems and decisions.
- Learning Outcome 2.2: Students should be able to perform exploratory analysis and design effective reports, visualizations, and dashboards.
- Learning Outcome 2.3: Students should be able to apply data visualization best practices.
Learning Goal 3: To use analytics tools and technologies for effective functional business decision making.
- Learning Outcome 3.1: Students should be able to utilize accounting analytics methods and technologies for financial and managerial accounting problem solving and decision making.
- Learning Outcome 3.2: Students should be able to use financial analytics tools and techniques in business decision making.
- Learning Outcome 3.3: Students should be able to apply marketing analytics tools and metrics to investigate the impact of marketing activities and strategies on business productivity.
Program Specific Information
Business education has been part of the La Salle curriculum since its founding in 1863. The School of Business, one of three schools in the University, was established in 1955, and its MBA program began in 1976. As a business school in a Catholic, Lasallian University, students are taught fundamental business knowledge and skills within an ethical framework which emphasizes the primacy and value of human dignity.
STEM Designation
The MS program in BSA meet the requirements of what the Department of Homeland Security considers to be a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field of study. International students who graduate from these programs may be eligible to apply for a 24-month OPT extension.
Admission Deadlines
New students will be admitted each Fall and Spring semester. All application documents must be received one week prior to the start of the term. International student applications should be completed at least two months prior to the dates listed above.
- Application deadline - the deadline to complete an application for consideration of admission for a particular term is 2 weeks prior to the start of that term.
- Documentation deadline - The deadline to submit all corresponding documentation for admission consideration is two Wednesday's prior to the start of that particular term.
- Registration deadline - The deadline to register is the Monday prior to the start of the term.
Admission Requirements
The Admission Committee evaluates each applicant’s interest, aptitude, professional experience and prior academic success to assess his/her potential for achievement in graduate business studies. The structure of the La Salle MS in Business Analytics program lends itself to those students with or without an undergraduate degree in business.
Before an applicant will be evaluated, he/she must submit the following information:
- Application (Online)
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Test scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or, with permission of the Director, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Professional resume
Based on prior academic and/or professional success, the admission requirement to take the GMAT/GRE may be waived or deferred. Please see the section below "Waiver of GMAT or GRE".
All documents should be sent to the following:
Office of Graduate Enrollment
La Salle University- Box 826
1900 W. Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
215.951.1100/ Fax 215.951.1462
grad@lasalle.edu
Because each applicant’s background and profile is unique, the Admission Committee does not establish specific quantitative minimum requirements for admission; the admission committee’s decisions are based on evaluating many factors to determine a student’s potential for success in the MS program.
Please refer to the University's Nondiscrimination Policy in the General Reference section of this catalog. Admission is based solely upon an applicant’s qualifications.
Waiver of GMAT or GRE Requirement
Applicants with an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited program who have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.2 or above are not required to complete the GMAT or GRE exam for admission into the program.
The GMAT (or GRE) may be waived for an applicants if he/she meets the one of the following:
- Has an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited University and has
- An overall GPA of 3.2 or above,
- An overall GPA of 3.0 or above and 3 years of professional experience, or
- More than 5 years of professional experience.
- Holds a CFA Charter or CPA license or has passed the CPA or CFA certifying exams
- Earned master’s degree or higher from a graduate program accredited program in its discipline.
The GMAT/GRE may be deferred and eventually waived if an applicant has graduated with a 3.0 GPA in any undergraduate discipline and has at least 2 years of business experience. These students are eligible to take up to 12 credits in the program. If the student achieves a B- or better in each course and an overall GPA of 3.3, the GMAT/GRE will be waived.
Tuition and Fees
Students may find the tuition and fee schedule on the Financial Aid website.
Tuition Assistance
There are loan programs available for graduate students. Information about financial aid and the application forms may be obtained from Student Financial Services, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA 19141 or by calling 215.951.1070.
M.S. Academic Standing and Graduation Requirements
Every student in La Salle University’s M.S. program is required to maintain a cumulative scholastic average of 3.0, which translates to an overall G.P.A. equivalent to a B (a B- average is not sufficient). A student whose academic performance falls below this standard is subject to academic review by the Program Manager, and may be required to withdraw from the program, revise his/her course of study or repeat specific classes.
A student with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 is automatically in academic jeopardy whether or not he/she receives written notification of this status, and regardless of the number of credits earned. Students with a G.P.A. below 3.0 should consult with the Program Manager to ascertain any potential actions to improve academic success within the program.
To graduate from the M.S. in Business Analytics Program at La Salle, a student must have:
- A minimum of a 3.0 G.P.A. overall within the M.S. curriculum, and,
- No more than two grades of “below” a B- in all courses.
Should a student complete all required courses, but fall below a 3.0 cumulative GPA, he/she will not be eligible to graduate.
Academic Requirements
Students must complete 12 credits to complete the Certificate in Business Systems & Analytics at La Salle University.
Business Perspective
The Business Perspective course is designed to develop a general understanding and acquire core competencies in business analytics before taking more advanced and technical courses.
- MBA 693 - Business Analytics for Informed and Effective Decision Making
Data Perspective
The Data Perspective courses are designed to teach students the role of data in business analytics by studying data warehousing, data mining, simulation, and optimization. The students also learn to communicate the practical implications of quantitative analyses effectively through data visualizing and dashboarding.
Students will complete:
- BSA 720 - Data Warehousing and Data Mining
And, students will select one of the following courses:
- BSA 730 - Optimization and Simulations
- BSA 740 - Data Visualization
Systems Perspective
The Systems Perspective courses are designed to teach students the problem-solving methodology that employs computer programming and scripting. Emphasis is placed on identifying the capabilities and limitations of statistical computing languages for big data. Students will learn skills to solve big data problems by designing the solution logic and formal representation of program specifications using selected high-level languages. The students also learn about systems analysis and structured analysis, and design methodology for complex business systems.
Students will select one of the following courses
- BSA 700 - Business Application Programming
- BSA 710 - Systems Analysis and Database Design
Course Sequence
A student's course sequence and timing will be based upon their desired program completion plans. The certificate can be completed in one year, but can extend to two years if the timing works better for the student.
We offer the courses in 8-week terms, five times per year. The terms begin in August, October, January, March, and May. New students can enroll in the August or January terms.
At the time of admittance, students will work with an advisor to develop an appropriate course sequence.
Degree or Certificate Earned
Certificate in Business Systems & Analytics
Number of Courses Required for Program Completion
4 Courses
Number of Credits Required for Program Completion
12 Credit Hours
GPA Required for Program Completion
3.0
Program Contact Information
M.S. in Business Systems and Analytics
Founders' Hall Room 231
blairn@lasalle.edu
(215) 951-1057
Staff Contact Information
Nicole Blair
Director of PT MBA and MS in Analytics Programs
215.438.6676
blairn@lasalle.edu
If you have any questions regarding the M.S. in Business Analytics program, please contact: blairn@lasalle.edu or visit our website dev-lasalle.pantheonsite.io/ms-bsa
Faculty
Dean: MarySheila McDonald, J.D.
Department Chair: Madjid Tavana, Ph.D.
Director: Nicole Blair, M.B.A., M.S.
Professors: Jiang, Tavana
Associate Professors: Kennedy, Leauby, Szabat, Ugras
Assistant Professors: Radetskiy, Varzgani
Course Descriptions
BSA 700 - Business Applications Programming
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of business application programming for business analytics using selected high-level languages such as R, Python, and Hadoop. Emphasis is placed on identifying the capabilities and limitations of statistical computing languages for big data. Students will learn skills and techniques to solve big data problems through a series of steps that involve identification of problems, design of the solution logic, formal representation of program specifications, and implementation. The focus is on accessing data from multiple sources, manipulating different types of programming objects, performing character manipulation, and generating reports. Students will design and develop several computer programs throughout the term.
Number of Credits: 3
How Offered: Online
Prerequisites: MBA 693
BSA 710 - Systems Analysis and Database Design
This course is about structured analysis and design methodology for complex business systems. Students become familiar and use Entity Relationship Diagrams, Data Structure Diagrams, Data Flow Diagrams, Data Dictionaries, and Process Specifications to develop Systems Specifications. These specifications are utilized as the blueprint to develop and implement relational databases, and explore the Structured Query Language (SQL) used to manipulate and operate the database.
Number of Credits: 3
How Offered: Online
Prerequisites: MBA 693
BSA 720 - Data Warehousing and Data Mining
This course focuses on data warehousing and data mining in organizations. Topics covered in the course include: data warehousing and mediation techniques aimed at integrating distributed, heterogeneous data sources; data mining techniques such as rule-based learning, decision trees, association rule mining, and statistical analysis for discovery of patterns in the integrated data; and evaluation and interpretation of the mined patterns using visualization techniques.
Number of Credits: 3
How Offered: Online
Prerequisites: MBA 693
BSA 730 - Optimization and Simulation
This course introduces students to decision making and problem solving with simulation and optimization tools and techniques. Students learn to formulate and construct a decision model with spreadsheets and use the optimization tools, Monte Carlo simulation, and sensitivity analysis to generate and interpret solutions. The course covers different types of optimization and simulation models, including linear programming, sensitivity analysis, integer linear programming, goal programming, multiple objective optimization, simulation modeling, and queuing theory.
Number of Credits: 3
How Offered: Online
Prerequisites: MBA 693
BSA 740 - Data Visualization
One of the skills that characterize great business data analysts is the ability to communicate practical implications of quantitative analyses to any kind of audience member. In this course, students will learn how to visualize data, tell a story, and explore data by reviewing the core principles of data visualizing and dashboarding. The course aims to focus on effective and high impact visualizations of common data analyses to help them convey conclusions directly and clearly. Students will be able to get practiced in designing and persuasively presenting business “data stories” that use these visualizations, helping stakeholders make decisions and take action based on their business data capitalizing on design principles.
Number of Credits: 3
How Offered: Online
Prerequisites: MBA 693
MBA 693 - Business Analytics for Informed and Effective Decision Making
This course introduces students to the growing field of business analytics. Business analytics is the use of data, information technology, statistical analysis, and quantitative methods and models to support effective organizational problem solving and informed decision making. The course includes methods, tools, and techniques for summarizing and visualizing historical data, which is relevant to descriptive analytics – the use of data to find out what has happened in the past or is currently happening; methods, tools, and techniques for extracting information from existing data in order to determine patterns, which is relevant to predictive analytics – the use of data to find out what will happen in the future; and methods, tools, and techniques for optimization, which is relevant to prescriptive analytics - the use of data to determine the best course of action in the future.
Number of Credits: 3
How Offered: Online
Prerequisites: Completion of online Math Assessment (if not waived).
