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ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMPredictive AnalyticsBuild the analytic and leadership expertise necessaryto implement high-level, data-driven decisions.
Go beyond analytics.MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PREDICTIVE ANALYTICSOrganizations of nearly every type, including marketing, health care,finance and resource management are recognizing the critical role ofdata in high-level decision making.Northwestern University’s Master of Sciencein Predictive Analytics program preparesgraduates for these challenges and forthe new opportunities that are emergingin the data science field. Northwestern’sMS in Predictive Analytics is a convenientonline program that brings together datamanagement, statistical analysis andleadership to help students become effectivedata scientists and educated consumers ofanalytics.Students learn how to utilize databasesystems (SQL and NoSQL) and analyticssoftware built upon R, Python, and SAS.Graduates can leverage this multilingualtraining when seeking careers and consultingengagements across a wide range ofindustries.The rigorous curriculum ensures thatstudents receive a thorough grounding inpredictive analytics and graduate as skilleddata scientists. Instruction focuses onconceptual understanding and practicalapplication, with concrete problem solving inspecific industries. Additional instruction incommunication and leadership provides theskills students need to articulate the valueof data-driven decisions and communicateacross disciplines as they lead new strategicinitiatives.The Predictive Analytics program enablesstudents of diverse backgrounds tomaster the mathematical content. Thisthorough grounding in analytics separatesthe Predictive Analytics program from atraditional MBA program that may stressmanagement theory over quantitative skill.
CurriculumStudents are required to complete12 courses to earn the degree. Thecurriculum covers eight core courses, twoelective courses, a leadership or projectmanagement course, and a capstone (498)or thesis (590) project.CORE COURSES (8) PREDICT 400 Math for Modelers PREDICT 401 Statistical Analysis PREDICT 402 Analytics and DataCollection PREDICT 410 Regression and Multi OTHER REQUIRED COURSES(2) PREDICT 475 Project Managementor PREDICT 480 Business Leadership PREDICT 498 Capstone Projector PREDICT 590 Thesis ResearchPROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSEUsing methods and models from this course, graduates will manageprojects with greater definition and structure and be able to executeprojects more effectively. This course introduces best practices inproject management, covering the full project life cycle with a focus onglobally accepted standards.AnalysisLEADERSHIP COURSEPREDICT 411 Generalized Linear ModelsTo gain exposure to theories and best practices in leadership,communication, innovation and change management, MSPA studentsjoin other SPS graduate students in a 10-week leadership class. Withthese skills complementing the core curriculum, graduates are betterprepared to face the challenges of the modern workplace.PREDICT 413 Time Series and ForecastingPREDICT 420 Database SystemsPREDICT 422 Practical Machine LearningELECTIVE COURSES (SELECT 2)Subject to change — see the website for themost up-to-date information PREDICT 450 Marketing Analytics PREDICT 451 Risk Analytics PREDICT 452 Web and Network DataScience PREDICT 453 Text Analytics PREDICT 454 Advanced ModelingTechniques PREDICT 455 Data Visualization PREDICT 456 Sports PerformanceAnalytics PREDICT 457 Sports ManagementAnalytics PREDICT 470 Analytics Entrepreneurship PREDICT 472 Analytics Consulting PREDICT 490 Special Topics in AnalyticsCAPSTONE PROJECTMSPA students may pursue their capstone experience independentlyor as part of a team. As their final course, students take either theindividual research project in an independent study format (PREDICT590) or the classroom capstone class in which students integratethe knowledge they have gained in the core curriculum in a projectpresented by the instructor (PREDICT 498). In both cases studentsare guided by MSPA faculty in exploring the body of knowledge onpredictive analytics while contributing research of practical valueto the field. The capstone independent project and capstone classproject count as one unit of credit.THESIS RESEARCHThis final project is meant to represent the culmination of students’experience in the program and must demonstrate mastery of thecurriculum and ability to conduct sustained independent researchand analysis.
AdmissionApplicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higherfrom a regionally accredited institution or its foreignequivalent. A competitive undergraduate record thatindicates strong academic ability is required, thoughapplicants need not have extensive academic experiencein predictive analytics or related fields. Work or researchexperience in the field of study is desirable but notnecessarily a requirement. For more information, visitsps.northwestern.edu/mspa.APPLICATION CHECKLIST Online application-sps.northwestern.edu/apply. 75 nonrefundable application fee One sealed copy of official transcripts from ALLattended colleges and universities. Official transcriptsmust arrive in our office in the original sealedenvelope issued by the institution. NorthwesternUniversity School of Professional Studies acceptselectronic transcripts from U.S. institutions via secureelectronic transcript providers. Consult with yourinstitution to see if they are part of a secure e-deliverynetwork. All electronic transcripts should be sentto spsadmissions@northwestern.edu. Please notetranscripts are not accepted by fax or personal email.Applicants with international transcripts must requestan official course-by-course evaluation of transcriptsfrom a NACES member such as WES or ECE. A courseby-course evaluation will translate courses, degreesand grades to U.S. equivalency. Two letters of recommendation focusing on academicand professional achievement and ability Statement of purpose (see following) Current resume or curriculum vitaAPPLICATION EVALUATIONYour application will be evaluated by the MSPAAdmissions Committee. The following considerationswill guide the Admissions Committee in reviewing yourapplication: The Statement of purpose demonstrates if a student’sacademic and professional goals are appropriate forthis degree. This statement will also aid the committeein determining if the prospective student possessesthe necessary writing skills and intellectual maturityfor succeeding in this program. The letters of recommendation serve to underscore theapplicant’s commitment to graduate education andability to succeed in graduate level work. The resume is used to provide evidence of a student’scontinuing commitment to and/or understanding of thepredictive analytics field. While we prefer candidatesto possess three to five years of work and/or researchexperience in a related area, recent university graduatesand career changers are also encouraged to apply.These applicants must demonstrate to the committeetheir commitment to the MSPA program by detailingprevious internship experience or academic work.Application DeadlinesApplications are acceptedevery quarter.FALL: July 15WINTER: October 15SPRING: January 15SUMMER: April 15STATEMENT OF PURPOSEApplicants must submit a 300-word statement ofpurpose explaining how the degree program will helpthem meet their academic and professional goals.Applicants who do not have a demonstrated quantitativemethods background should explain how other academicand nonacademic experiences have equipped them toundertake graduate study in this program.For detailed admission information visitsps.northwestern.edu/mspaFor application assistance call 312-503-2579 oremail mspa@northwestern.edu.TUITION 2016-17 tuition per course: 4,142 Estimated cost for entire program (total withtechnology fee): 51,144
(The MSPA program) pushed me to thinkdifferently when it came to understandingdata and finding insights to take action on.I came from a technology backgroundon the business intelligence side,so this made me sit in the shoesof my direct customer. It trulymade me appreciate howan information workerthinks and what theirchallenges are.”Jason Berkowitz (MSPA ’13)Senior Big Data SolutionArchitect at AmazonWeb Services“I found that the MSPA degree was a great way forme to transition to sports marketing analytics andcomplement the business skills I already had.”Leslie Cervantes (MSPA ’14), Analytics and Sales Consultant atBlock Six Analytics
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth Floor339 East Chicago AvenueChicago, Illinois 60611Go beyondanalytics.MSPAMASTER OF SCIENCE INPREDICTIVE ANALYTICS
PREDICT 453 Text Analytics PREDICT 454 Advanced Modeling Techniques PREDICT 455 Data Visualization PREDICT 456 Sports Performance Analytics PREDICT 457 Sports Management Analytics and analysis.PREDICT 470 Analytics Entrepreneurship PREDICT 472 Analytics Consulting PREDICT 490 Special Topics in Analytics
