Photos by Craig Schreiner | Written by Dana Krems   <img alt="John Chenoweth." class="img-responsive" width="800px" src="https://www.uww.edu/images/mmr/news/2020/110812CS_chenoweth_john_0560.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" title="John Chenoweth." />   Beginning fall 2020, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will offer the first online <a href="https://www.uww.edu/online/masters/business-analytics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Master of Science in Business Analytics</a> in the University of Wisconsin System. “We are pleased to offer this new program,” said Paul Ambrose, graduate program coordinator and associate dean of the College of Business and Economics. “The <a href="https://www.uww.edu/online/masters/mba#data-analytics">data analytics emphasis</a> in our MBA program and the <a href="https://www.uww.edu/online/certificates/business-analytics">graduate certificate in business data analytics</a> have both grown significantly in the last three years. The Master of Science in Business Analytics offers a degree option for recent graduates and professionals who want to specialize in business analytics.” Business analytics approaches data from a business perspective. Integrating data science, managerial acumen and effective communication, business analytics can inform decision-making across all areas of the business — including operations, marketing and finance. The 30-credit master of science program can be completed 100 percent online in about 24 months on a part-time basis. The curriculum layers foundational theories, advanced tools and techniques, and practical applications of analytics in business. In addition, the program is aligned with the <a href="https://www.certifiedanalytics.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Certified Analytics Professional</a> (CAP®) Handbook. CAP is the premier global professional certification for analytics professionals. <img alt="Will Funmaker, who earned a Master of Business Administration, walking at graduation" class="img-responsive" width="200" src="http://www.uww.edu/images/mmr/news/2020/121518CS_commencement_20A0292.JPG" style="vertical-align: middle; float: right;" title="Will Funmaker, who earned a Master of Business Administration, walking at graduation" height="331" caption="false" /> It is now easier and faster for organizations to acquire data, and software advances have made data analysis more affordable and accessible. As a result, qualified business analysts are in high demand. According to the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to analytics — including <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm#tab-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">operations research analysts</a>, <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">market research analysts</a> and <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">management analysts</a> — are expected to grow faster than average, and opportunities are best for professionals with at least a master’s degree. “UW-Whitewater is recognized for the excellence and affordability of its graduate business programs,” said John Chenoweth, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “ Accreditation by AACSB International is part of our DNA, and it ensures the degrees we confer will be respected by employers and other institutions. Both online and traditional on-campus students can be confident they’ll receive a world-class business education.” For more information on the M.S. in Business Analytics, contact Andrew Ciganek, department chairperson of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management, at gradbus@uww.edu or 262-472-1945.