M.S. in Analytics and Modeling

Students complete five required core courses built around statistics, databases, and visual imaging and take at least one course in computational applications in science, engineering, or other applied areas. Students also complete either an internship experience or a research project. To allow specialization, students fill out the program with elective coursework in computational science applications, mathematics, or computer science.

Required Courses

Undergraduate students at Valparaiso University may complete the M.S. in Analytics and Modeling in one year by following a special track that ensures completion of all admission requirements and allows elective graduate coursework during their senior year. As part of their undergraduate study, such students should have completed the following courses with a grade of B or higher by the end of their junior year:

• MATH 131 Calculus I (4 credits)
• MATH 264 Linear Algebra (3 credits) or MATH 260 Linear Systems and Matrices (1 credit)
• STAT 240 Statistical Analysis (3 credits), or a similar introductory statistics course
• CS 157 Algorithms and Programming (3 credits)

Students are also encouraged to take MATH 132 Calculus II (4 credits) and CS 158 Algorithms and Abstract Data Types (3 credits).

Students must also have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students interested in pursuing this track should consult with the Graduate School and/or the Analytics and Modeling program director, Tiffany Kolba, during their junior year.

The certificate in Analytics and Modeling is intended for the working professional interested in a deeper knowledge of the statistical, computational, and mathematical methods behind modeling and data analytics. The certificate requires only 18 credits, rather than the 36 credits required for the M.S. in Analytics and Modeling.

Required Courses

All students in Valpo’s M.S. in Analytics and Modeling program complete a 3-credit capstone experience, either an internship or research project, that provides students the opportunity to synthesize the skills they have learned in their coursework and apply them in a real-world setting. Below are examples of past capstone experiences completed by Analytics and Modeling students:

Internships

• Business Analyst Intern at Ready-2-Xecute, Summer 2023
• Junior Data Scientist at Cherish Technologies, Spring 2022
• Big Data Analytics Intern at Graco Inc., Summer 2021
• Assessment and Analytics Intern at the University of North Carolina Pembroke, Spring 2021
• Transportation Planning and Analytics Intern at the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, Fall 2020

Research Projects

• Analysis of Attendance Trends at the Valparaiso University Hesse Center, Mentor: Dr. Tiffany Kolba, Department of Mathematics and Statistics , Summer 2022
• Framework for Deep Reinforcement Learning Experimentation, Mentor: Dr. Michael Glass, Department of Computing and Information Sciences, Spring 2021
• Estimation of Population Parameters Using Sample Extremes from Nonconstant Sample Sizes, Mentor: Dr. Tiffany Kolba, Department of Mathematics and Statistics , Summer 2020

Courses are offered during three academic terms each year: Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May), and Summer (May-August). Students can enter the Analytics and Modeling program at the beginning of any of the three academic terms. Full-time students typically complete the M.S. in Analytics and Modeling program over three or four academic terms. Four academic terms is recommended for international students, who must also take GRD 500: Graduate Academic Success (0 credits) during their first term.

Example Three Term Degree Map:

Example Four Term Degree Map:

Instructions for how to apply can be found on the Valpo Graduate School’s website.

If you are interested in learning more about our Master’s degree in Analytics and Modeling, please fill out and submit the form below and a graduate studies representative will respond to you soon.