May 8, 2017
College of Business Administration to launch undergraduate certificate in data analytics in fall 2017
Submitted by Brent Fritzemeier
In an effort to meet the demand of one of the fastest growing job markets in the world, the College of Business Administration will launch a new undergraduate certificate in data analytics in fall 2017.
Data analytics is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that involves collecting, processing and analyzing large data sets. Analysts then effectively communicate research findings to key decision-makers who use the data to strategize changes or solve problems in their companies or institutions.
"As many real-world problems are becoming more complex than before, data- and algorithm-driven decision-making emerges as an increasingly important approach in academia, industry and government," said Bongsug Chae, professor of management at Kansas State University. "As a result, data analytics is becoming one of the most essential skills for professionals in social science, business, education and engineering."
Forbes listed data analytics as the toughest job for employers to fill in 2016, and Glassdoor lists it as the best job in America, with more than 1,700 openings and a median base salary well over $100,000.
"Most CEOs agree that those who use data the best to make business decisions are most likely to gain ground on their rivals," Chae said. "All industries can benefit from employees with competent data analytics skills, though higher education is lagging behind in providing graduates who are well equipped in these skills."
In response to this increasing demand for qualified data analytics professionals, the college's new undergraduate certificate, which takes 15 credit hours to complete, includes three required courses and two electives. The certificate is open to any student across all majors at the university.