TESTING BSPS DA

Our Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies (BSPS) major in Data Analytics combines coursework in data analytics, statistics, math, leadership and ethics to build well-rounded professionals and prepare students to be information technology specialists and decision makers. You’ll learn skills to take complex information and turn it into valuable insights for decision making, often applying the learning to real-world situations.

The BSPS major in Data Analytics provides a foundation in leadership, data ethics and quantitative analysis. You’ll study and develop methods to select the appropriate data, choose the appropriate tool for analysis, then analyze, interpret and present the results effectively and persuasively to stakeholders and decision makers.

Like our other bachelor’s degrees, interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills are integrated throughout the program, ensuring that our graduates integrate effectively into workplace cultures.

Our program integrates quantitative competencies across the curriculum. The skills you will learn are highly transferable, and graduates can use their knowledge to bring value to a wide spectrum of industries. As an added value, you’ll have the option to earn digital badges throughout the program, boosting your résumé before you even graduate.

The BSPS requires 120 semester hours of coursework, including 30 hours for the major in Data Analytics. You may transfer up to 60 semester hours into the degree.

DA Major Program of Study

The undergraduate major in Data Analytics is available for the Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies (BSPS).

Total: 30 semester hours. Numbers after course titles represent semester hours earned.

Professional Core

9 semester hours

Required

9 semester hours

Focus

12 semester hours from the following:

ISYS Courses

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  • ISYS 198U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1-3

  • ISYS 299U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1-3

  • ISYS 302U Local Area Networks

    Credit Hours: 4

    Description
    Junior-level course on concepts of shared and switched media local area networking including Ethernet (802.3), and Wireless (802.11). Topics include LAN definition, use, topologies, media, standards, network interface cards, protocols, repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches, and routers. Discussions include network design, the OSI Model, design rules, component selection, administration, management and TCP/IP. Students may present research projects on various networking topics.
  • ISYS 303U Information Technology Security

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    The study of computer and network security threats, prevention and response, from technology and management perspectives. Development of security plans and architectures reflecting organizational requirements.
  • ISYS 304U Introduction to Data Analytics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Provides a foundational understanding of the uses and value of data analytics. Data analysis and statistical methods that enable an organization to realize value and competitive advantage from the data available to it are introduced, demonstrated and practiced. Fundamental probability concepts that underpin informed use of the results of the presented data and statistical analysis methods are integrated into course materials and activities. Course activities emphasize practical aspects of data and analysis. Required mathematics competencies are presented and discussed in the context of the course.
  • ISYS 305U Collaborative Project Planning and Control

    Credit Hours: 1

    Description
    Introduction to project planning and control and constraints encountered when collaboratively managing projects. Developing project charters, scope statements and work breakdown structures. Improving project management efficacy using collaborative software.
  • ISYS 306U Systems Analysis and Design

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Methods and techniques necessary for conducting systems project, from feasibility analysis and specification of functional requirements through system implementation and evaluation. Includes participation in one or more systems design projects.
  • ISYS 308U Digital Forensics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Provides theoretical and practical foundations necessary to perform digital forensic investigations through hands-on use of industry standard tools tactics, and techniques. Uses real world laboratory exercises to demonstrate practical use of tools and techniques, analysis and interpretation. Topics include Legal and Ethical issues, Evidence Acquisition and Handling, Disk Analysis and File Recovery, Windows Artifact Analysis, Brower Forensics, Network Forensics, and Memory Forensics.
  • ISYS 309U Data Ethics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Explores moral, social, and ethical ramifications of data use at different stages of data analysis, ranging from data collection and storage to feedback loops in analysis. Uses discussion, case studies and exercises to encourage ethical thinking in science, understand the history of the ethical dilemma in scientific work, and consider ethical dilemmas associated with scenarios in data analytics and technology today.
  • ISYS 311U Database Design/Business Intelligence

    Credit Hours: 4

    Description
    Junior-level course in logical and physical design of database systems: rules of normalization in data modeling, SQL programming, and physical design issues impacting the I/O performance of commercial-level database management systems in Oracle. Introduction to data warehousing and business intelligence tools for corporate decision-making using Oracle Discoverer.
  • ISYS 312U Predictive Analytics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Explores concepts in data management, processing, statistical computing, and dynamic visualization. The purpose of predictive modeling is to be able to predict the behavior of new data. Participants are introduced to managing and analyzing data for purposes of extracting useful information and providing actionable forecasting. Activities include importing and exporting, cleaning and fusing, modeling, analyzing and synthesizing complex datasets using data analytics techniques. Linear regression is used to build models for predicting responses.
  • ISYS 314U Data Visualization

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction to data visualization, with emphasis placed upon applied projects and issues. The goal of the course is developing the ability to turn data into descriptive graphics. Participants will design and create data visualizations based on available data and goal. Students will use data visualization tools, and will be introduced to data visualization evaluation.
  • ISYS 315U Big Data Analytics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Provides competencies to handle and use data sets too large for relational databases. Uses the enterprise environment to capture data from new sources, relate the data to existing datasets and provide answers to business questions with improved accuracy and efficiency. Develops skills to define and frame a question, select a data source, conduct an analysis, and interpret, visualize and communicate the results. Develops the ability to understand the business intelligence landscape by discussing big data, as well as current and emerging shifts in the marketplace and technology.
  • ISYS 316U Introduction to Business Analytics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction to methods and approaches for business decision making through spreadsheet modeling and decision analytics. Knowledge is gained through the practice of quantifing performance, solving problems, and developing skills to make sound conclusions driving business value. This course focuses on strategies around operations, logistics, finance, and technology seeking proficiency in today’s widely used business analytics techniques. A broad perspective on analysis, providing students opportunities to use tools, case studies, and simulations through text and real-world situations will all be explored.

     

    Prerequisites

    ENGL210U

  • ISYS 317U Social Engineering

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Social engineering is an attack against the weakest link in information security – the human element. This course uses a problem solving scenario and case approach to teach critical thinking skills. Criminal techniques, such as accessing personal files, passwords and sensitive information will be explored. Examination of illegal tactics (pretexting, elicitation, surveillance, dumpster diving, tail-gating, and phishing) and how to identify and protect against these attacks will also be studied.

     

    Prerequisites

    ENGL 201U for degree-seeking students.

  • ISYS 320U Prescriptive Analytics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Explores prescriptive analytics from a holistic, enterprise view. Specifically, procedures and techniques for using data to inform and enhance the decision-making process are explored. Topics include optimization, decision analysis, game theory, and simulation. Computer implementation and applications will be emphasized.
  • ISYS 355U Computer Programming in Java

    Credit Hours: 4

    Description
    Concepts of structured and object-oriented programming, including data types, control structures, methods, arrays, strings, file operations, classes, and inheritance. Emphasis on effective programming skills to promote software reusability, reliability, and maintainability. Windows environment.
  • ISYS 360U Electronic Commerce

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction to electronic commerce terms, definitions, and concepts. Technological and strategic business aspects of successful e-commerce. Evaluation of e-commerce applications and the vital role they play in modern business practice. Students develop a business proposal for a commercial web site.
  • ISYS 365U Cloud Computing: Infrastructure and Services

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Overview of cloud computing concepts and capabilities across various service models. Familiarizes students with use of vendor maintained applications and processes, and covers security and other challenges associated with cloud computing. Students learn how to configure and program cloud services, develop cloud-based software applications, and leverage technologies to build comprehensive end-to-end solutions on the cloud.
  • ISYS 370U Introduction to Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Provides analysts and managers with the competencies necessary to conduct and manage offensive IT security, through actual use of techniques and tactics used to simulate hacker and threat agent activity. Use of these methodologies to ethically test the efficacy of enterprise security systems and controls is discussed. Penetration testing, adversarial threat simulation, social engineering and IT security assessment topics are explored in detail. Includes practical exercises culled from real world security assessments.
  • ISYS 375U IT Control and Audit

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Overview of information technology (IT) control and auditing. Topics include assurance, security, control and audit with a focus on corporate IT governance frameworks. Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT) framework used in auditor certification is examined in detail. Covers the roles and responsibilities of the information security auditor, discusses topics students need to become certified auditors, and helps them prepare for certification. Effects of emerging technology, such as cloud computing and server virtualization, are discussed in the context of the information systems audit.
  • ISYS 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1-6

    Description
    Selected topics in Information Systems.
  • ISYS 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1-6

  • ISYS 450U Project Management

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Practical and theoretical foundation for IT project management. Concepts and techniques for evaluating business strategies and developing projects to align with strategic plans. Project planning and estimation, scheduling, staffing and teamwork, costing and budgeting, managing change. Use of computerized tools for project management, resource tracking, and reporting.
  • ISYS 490U Managing IT

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Analysis of case studies focusing on the real-life successes and failures of organizations as they manage situations impacted by information technology. Students take on the role of manager, consultant or other decision maker to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and propose actionable solutions to resolve problems. Case studies cover a broad range of current information technology topics as well as business issues, technical issues and project management issues.
  • ISYS 491U Information Technology Security Planning and Risk Management

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of digital security from a holistic, enterprise view. Threat and vulnerability assessment and analysis, planning and administration are discussed in detail. Techniques & strategies for risk mitigation are discussed in organizational terms. Processes for completion of comprehensive enterprise security plans using risk management techniques and methodologies are investigated.

     

    Prerequisites

    ENGL201U or ADED301U

  • ISYS 492U Consulting and Design of Online Systems

    Credit Hours: 4

    Description
    This course is intended to help students develop necessary consulting skills for the preparation, design and use of online business information systems. It is typically taken in the student's final year of study. The course ties together previous courses in the Information Technology Management Program, helping participants understand all aspects of consulting and design through a complete management information systems design project. Participants work as a team to complete the systems design project with a real-world client, leading to a comprehensive requirements document.
  • ISYS 504U Introduction to Analytics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Provides a foundational understanding of the uses and value of data analytics in the liberal arts environment and in personal affairs. Important data analysis and statistical methods that will help enable an organization to realize value from the data available to it are introduced, demonstrated and practiced. Fundamental probability concepts that underpin informed use of the results of the presented data and statistical analysis methods will be introduced and integrated into course materials and activities. Course materials and activities emphasize practical aspects of data and statistical analysis.

     

    Prerequisites

    MATH 265U

  • ISYS 506U Descriptive Analytics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduces students to statistical ideas and concepts with an emphasis on the methods and tools used most frequently in a liberal arts environment. The course takes a practical approach to collecting, organizing, summarizing, displaying, and analyzing data. Specifically, the course helps students understand basic concepts to interpret statistics reported by others in reports, journals, and in the media, develops logical, critical, and quantitative thinking skills, helps students appreciate statistics and its practicality in everyday life, and to analyze problems, identify pertinent information, use data, and select an appropriate method for solving problems.

     

    Prerequisites

    MATH 265U