The request to establish a new post-baccalaureate certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics and create DSBA 6100

Date: June 3, 2013
To: Belk College of Business

To: College of Computing & Informatics
From: Office of Academic Affairs
Approved On: May 9, 2013
Approved by: Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee
Implementation Date: Fall 2013

Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.

Catalog Copy

Proposed Catalog Copy for Certificate

Graduate Certificate Program in Data Science and Business Analytics

The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics is to provide post-baccalaureate students with the opportunity to reach a demonstrated level of competence in the area of data science and business analytics. The certificate requires fifteen (15) graduate credit-hours of coursework. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with a related graduate degree program at UNC Charlotte.

Admission Requirements

The certificate in DSBA is open to all students who hold a B.S. or M.S. degree in any scientific, engineering or business discipline and either

  • are enrolled and in good standing in a graduate degree program at UNC Charlotte or
  • complete their undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

In addition, the program requires a current working knowledge of at least one higher-level (procedural) language; and a familiarity with computer applications. The following minimal background in mathematics is also required: two semesters of calculus and one semester of statistics. Individuals who have worked at a high professional level in the computer industry or business may be able to substitute work experience for specific subject area admission requirements. Individuals without a business degree or business experience will be required to complete an online business fundamentals course prior to enrolling in the program.

Transfer credit from another institution will not be accepted into this proposed certificate program.

Students pursuing the MS in Computer Science, MS in Information Technology and MBA degrees will have priority on space in the corresponding CS, SIS and MBA classes should demand for the proposed certificate exceed expectations.

Program Requirements

The certificate will be awarded upon completion of five graduate level courses (15 credits) in the area of data science and business analytics. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 will be required and at most one course with a grade of C may be allowed towards the certificate.

Students must take five courses, as outlined below, to receive the Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics:

Core requirements:

DSBA 6100 Big Data Analytics for Competitive Advantage (3)

ITCS 6160 Data Base Systems (3)

MBAD 6201 Business Intelligence and Analytics (3)

One of the following courses:

ITCS 5122 Visual Analytics (3)

IT IS 6520 Network Science (3)

One of the following courses:

MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis (3)

MBAD 6211 Advanced Business Analytics (3)

MBAD 6276 Consumer Analytics (3)

Proposed Catalog Copy for DSBA 6100 Course

DSBA 6100. Big Data Analytics for Competitive Advantage (3). This course provides an introduction to the use of big data as a strategic resource.A focus is placed on integrating the knowledge of analytics tools with an understanding of how companies leverage data analytics to gain strategic advantage.A case approach will be used to emphasize hands-on learning and real-world view of big data analytics. (Fall, On Demand).