Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics, M.S.

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Program Description

The Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics is a technology-enriched 36-credit graduate degree. The degree is intended to prepare learners with a solid foundation of hands-on technology to leverage new, exciting approaches in analytics and intelligence fields: 1) data acquisition, 2) data engineering, 3) principles of data science, and 4) geoanalytics and visual intelligence. These key areas are designed to provide a solid foundation in understanding technology, data development, data analysis, research, decision making, and presentation/communication skills vital for organizational effectiveness. Data intelligence provides insight to address questions about data: where to find it, how to assess it, what it means, how to organize it, how to display it, how to create meaning from it, how to leverage it for decision making, and how to share it. Geoanalytics provides a powerful combination of information and analytics with geographic information systems (GIS) to meet growing demands sought after in today’s market of integrated technology solutions.

The integration of data intelligence and geoanalytics is ideal for a wide range of data-rich fields, such as public health analytics, natural resource management, business applications, urban planning, public safety, public policy, political science, demographics, and government applications. For example, it is possible to assess impacts to healthcare populations by forecasting illness or disease outbreaks, such as influenza, that will escalate in geographic areas. Evaluating data intelligence on how outbreaks will respond makes it easier to strategize localized planning logistics for providing vaccines. In learning how to couple GIS technology with growing data intelligence capabilities, graduates will be more versatile in integrating technology and data science platforms, addressing issues, and solving real-world problems to generate more informed perspectives in decision making.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students are expected to be able to do the following:

Analyze geospatial data.
Apply skills in data collection, data engineering, and database administration.
Develop custom applications and scripts for visualization and analytics.
Engage in complex critical thinking.
Design effective projects and research.
Communicate with clarity and coherence.
Evaluate the ethical and legal implications of decision making.

Program Structure and Delivery

The Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics is offered as a 12 month or 24 month program of study and courses are delivered in an online format.

The Master of Science Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics with a Business Engineering Emphasis is offered as a 12 month program of study and courses are delivered both in an online format (15 credits) and a blended format (21 credits).

The Geographic Information Science (GIS) Certificate and Data Engineering certificates are offered as part of the Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics program. The certificate courses, while offered as a portion of the Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics program, are not included as part of the Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics with a Business Engineering Emphasis program. For those pursuing certificates, either certificate (or both) can be applied to the Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics or Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics with Business Engineering Emphasis, if a student wants to continue studies in the master’s degree after earning a certificate.

Students completing a master’s degree from the Schools of Business and Technology may add either the GIS Certificate (15 cr) or the Data Engineering Certificate (15 cr) for just 9 credits. GIS Certificate or Data Engineering course plans will be approved and designed by the GIS Certificate or Data Engineering Certificate program director on a case-by-case basis.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics

Required Core Program Courses	33 cr.
Contextual Application Elective Courses	3 cr.
Total	36 cr.

Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics with Business Engineering Emphasis

Required Core Program Courses	15 cr.
Research and Writing Courses	9 cr.
Business Engineering Emphasis Courses	12 cr.
Total	36 cr.

Master of Science Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics

Required Core Program Courses: 33 cr.

Contextual Application Elective Course: 3 cr.

Master of Science Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics with Business Engineering Emphasis

Required Core Program Courses 15 cr.

Research and Writing Courses 9 cr.

Business Emphasis Engineering Courses 12 cr.

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel and their immediate family) and,
An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
A personal statement which includes:

brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
personal information the applicant wishes to share.

Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404

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