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Earn Your MBA With a Business Analytics Concentration

100% Online Program

The MBA concentration in Business Analytics empowers students to transform data into actionable business strategies. This program emphasizes technical literacy, strategic decision-making, and effective communication of insights, preparing leaders to drive innovation and data-informed cultures across industries.

Why is NDNU partnering with Rize for the Business Analytics Concentration?

Flexible and practical: This program is a flexible three-to-four-course online asynchronous concentration emphasizing real-world, practical applications of business analytics through a data lens—and the skills to communicate them effectively. Through hands-on assignments and presentations that double as portfolio work, students won’t just learn technical skills—they’ll learn a strategic manager’s mindset, enabling them to lead with confidence in data-driven decision-making in the classroom and beyond.

Introduction to powerful, contextualized technical skills: Business analysts will almost always have some role in translating technical information. It is therefore important that students develop literacy around ‘hard’ analytical tools like those used for data querying, visualization, and modeling. Rize’s Business Analytics specialization allows students to graduate with the ability to meaningfully discuss and apply these tools.

Focus on using analytics for strategy: Each course uses case studies where students learn to find the data or analytical framework to meet and anticipate client needs. (When a CEO says she wants X and Y, what separates a good business analyst from a great one is predicting she’ll need Z as well.)

Interdisciplinary and cutting-edge: Just like today’s jobs, our program is interdisciplinary and touches AI and machine learning, so that our graduates are prepared to pivot as technologies and companies adapt. After graduation, students will be prepared to meet the demand for data-driven business analytics expertise in almost every industry.

For more information regarding the NDNU Rize partnership Click Here

Why Business Analytics?

Whether it’s identifying market trends, optimizing operational processes, or personalizing customer experiences, at its core, business analytics is all about extracting actionable insights from data—and communicating it to others—to help businesses stay ahead. Companies that champion data-driven insights in business are 77% more likely to have significantly exceeded their business goals. And businesses are prepared to pay very well for those gains: entry-level management analyst positions start at $115,523.20 [Lightcast.io].

However, many professionals are not comfortable accessing or using data. In a recent survey of Fortune 1000 CIOs and data executives, about 6 in 10 leaders acknowledged that they haven’t been able to establish a data- and analytics-driven culture. When data analytics falter, innovation falters. MBA students will come away from this program with not only the skills to analyze data, but the ability to help drive that cultural shift, ensuring that organizations understand what they want their data to do.

Studying business analytics opens doors to virtually any industry, offering a ton of flexibility and the excitement of applying your skills everywhere from finance and IT to start-ups and hospitals. Business analytics professionals thrive on the diversity of problem-solving opportunities across an organization, from sales and finance to warehouse management.

Business analysts get the chance to work closely with business leaders and top decision-makers and develop a deep understanding of the purpose and significance behind every project. If you enjoy problem-solving, deconstructing complex processes, and discovering opportunities for improvement, you just might have the perfect aptitude for business analytics—a lucrative and powerful field that’s the perfect complement to any MBA.

Program Mission Statements‬

Transform Data, Transform Business: Every data point tells a story. Through our MBA in Business Analytics, you’ll develop the vision and skills to turn raw information into strategic insights that drive organizational success.

Shape Tomorrow’s Businesses Today:‬‭ Our program goes beyond the numbers.‬ Data is the key to understanding market dynamics, customer behavior, and‬ competitive landscapes. You’ll learn to decode complex information and make‬ decisions that give your organization a competitive edge.

Bridge Technology and Business Strategy:‬‭ In today’s digital world, successful‬ leaders can seamlessly integrate technological tools with strategic thinking. You’ll‬ master using advanced analytics to solve real-world business challenges.

‭Lead with Purpose:‬‭ Business analytics isn’t just about‬‭ collecting data — it’s about‬ telling compelling stories that drive action. You’ll develop the skills to translate‬ complex datasets into clear, impactful strategies that guide executive‬ decision-making.‬

Admissions Information

To be admitted into the MBA program, students need to meet the following requirements:

A four-year bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from a regionally accredited institution
A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better
Two academic and/or professional recommendations
One or more courses in each of the foundation areas of accounting, economics, statistics, and math.

International students should also refer to the general graduate admission requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Create data queries and visualizations using industry-standard tools to analyze complex datasets.
Develop and communicate data-driven strategies to achieve organizational goals.
Demonstrate proficiency in Python data analysis techniques to support decision-making and drive business insights.
Communicate business analytics concepts and solutions to diverse stakeholders.
Assess career opportunities and key sectors relevant to business analytics.
Manage the complete lifecycle of machine learning projects, ensuring successful implementation and alignment with business objectives.

Key Skills You'll Gain:

Data Storytelling
- Turn numbers into compelling insights
Predictive Analytics
- Forecast trends with spreadsheet modeling
AI in Business
- Leverage machine learning for growth
Python for Business
- Automate and analyze data

The Role of a Business Analyst:

Identify Market Trends
- Anticipate changes and capitalize on opportunities
Optimize Business Operations
- Improve efficiency and reduce costs
Personalized Experiences
- Leverage data for targeting customer engagement
Bridge Communication Gaps
- Make complex data accessible to key stakeholders

Rize Concentration (3 Units / 8-Week Courses)

BUS 4330 – Storytelling with Data

Students create data visualizations and narratives, effectively communicate complex insights to diverse audiences, and drive business decisions through data storytelling.

BUS 4333 – Spreadsheet Modeling for Decision-making

Students use spreadsheet modeling to analyze complex datasets, create financial forecasts, and effectively communicate insights to support data-driven decision-making in business contexts.

BUS 4334 Python for Business Analytics

Students transition from Excel to Python for business data analysis and workflow optimization. Prepares students with little or no prior programming experience with key foundational analytics operations in Python.

BUS 4660 Managing AI Projects

This course equips students with the skills to manage AI projects comprehensively, emphasizing bias mitigation, ethical considerations, model accuracy, and continuous monitoring to ensure responsible and effective business outcomes.

Course Highlights

Storytelling with Data‬: Learn to create compelling data visualizations and narratives that communicate complex‬ ‭ insights to diverse audiences, transforming raw numbers into strategic stories.‬ ‭

Spreadsheet Modeling for Decision-Making‬: Master advanced spreadsheet techniques to analyze complex datasets, create financial‬ ‭ forecasts, and support data-driven business decisions.‬‭

Python for Business Analytics‬: Develop programming skills to analyze and optimize business workflows, transitioning‬ ‭ from essential spreadsheet tools to more advanced analytical techniques.‬ ‭

AI Project Management‬: Learn to manage AI projects comprehensively, addressing ethical considerations,‬ ‭ mitigating bias, and ensuring responsible technological implementation.

Subject Matter Expert

Dr. Michael Parzen is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, where he teaches Applied Business Analytics. With a strong background as an applied statistician, he has held academic positions at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. He also served as Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies and Director of the Master’s Program in Statistics at Harvard University and co-designed the Foundations of Quantitative Analysis course for the Harvard Business Analytics Program. Coincidentally, he taught many of Rize’s Harvard alumni in his undergraduate statistics classes. His research focuses on statistical education and methods for handling Missing Data and Non-Standard Regression Modeling, with publications in prestigious journals like Biometrika. He holds advanced degrees in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon and Brown Universities, respectively, and a Sc.D. in Biostatistics from the Harvard School of Public Health. He also has extensive consulting experience with major corporations and data analytics startups.

Business Analytics Concentration FAQ’s

What makes this program special?

In addition to its exceptional development team:

Online-First: We built this program to ensure that its online classes are not merely recreating the in-person experience but genuinely leverage the strengths of online learning to deliver more value. Students will enjoy the flexibility of remote coursework and engage with students at other leading institutions, bolstering their professional networks for the future.

Comprehensive Skill-Building: This MBA specialization addresses the complexity of modern business analytics, blending data visualization, statistical modeling, Python programming, and AI project management. Courses like “Storytelling with Data” and “Managing AI Projects” equip students to lead with both technical expertise and strategic business acumen.

Built for Executive-Level Leadership: This program creates well-rounded analytics leaders who balance technical implementation with strategic vision. It bridges the gap between data science and business strategy, preparing graduates to drive innovation while ensuring their analytics initiatives align with organizational goals. Students learn not just how to analyze data but how to communicate insights that motivate action across all levels of an organization.

Who should take this program?

Business and Marketing Managers
Why: To elevate their decision-making with data analytics, moving beyond gut instinct to lead data-driven strategies and transformations.
Example: A marketing manager who wants to advance to Director of Marketing Analytics or Chief Marketing Officer.

Finance and Operations Professionals
Why: To enhance their analytical capabilities and lead more sophisticated data-driven planning and optimization initiatives.
Example: A financial analyst aiming to become Head of Financial Planning & Analytics or Chief Financial Officer.

Software Developers and IT Professionals
Why: To advance their careers, deepen their knowledge, and update their skills in healthcare management and policy.
Example: A hospital administrator seeking to move into a higher executive role, such as a hospital CEO or COO.

Data Analysts and Business Intelligence Professionals
Why: To move beyond technical analysis into strategic leadership positions where they can drive organizational change.
Example: A data analyst seeking to become Director of Analytics or Chief Data Officer.

Industry Professionals Transitioning into Analytics
Traditional Business Roles
Why: To pivot into the high-growth field of business analytics while leveraging their existing industry expertise.
Example: A retail buyer interested in becoming a Retail Analytics Manager or Customer Intelligence Director.

Consultants and Project Managers
Why: To add advanced analytics capabilities to their consulting toolkit and lead data transformation projects.
Example: A management consultant looking to specialize in data strategy and digital transformation consulting.

Recent Graduates
Business and Economics Graduates
Why: To build upon their foundational business knowledge with advanced analytics skills highly valued by employers.
Example: A recent business graduate seeking to specialize in the high-growth field of business analytics.

What if a student is interested in these courses but doesn’t want to work in Business‬ ‭ Analytics?

This program offers valuable skills that extend beyond business analytics. Data-driven decision-making and strategic planning can enhance performance across marketing, finance, operations, and entrepreneurship. While those pursuing purely creative or qualitative roles may want to carefully consider the time investment, basic data literacy is becoming increasingly valuable in nearly every industry.

Career Opportunities In Business Analytics

State Authorization for Online Programs

The Department of Education requires that institutions offering online or distance learning programs outside of their home states must seek authorization to operate from regulatory bodies in those states. Each state has a different set of requirements when it comes to allowing out-of-state colleges and universities to offer online degree programs to its residents.

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, NDNU will make employment decisions irrespective of the staff member’s race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (a cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the NDNU will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if they are otherwise qualified to perform all essential functions safely and do it without undue hardship to the NDNU. Inquiries regarding the College’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at hr@ndnu.edu. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist.

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.