Descriptive Analytics

Descriptive analytics is often considered the place to start when evaluating data and the historical insights needed to make effective business decisions. At first glance, descriptive data might appear as the least interesting part of the analytics ecosystem. Yet it forms the backbone of most analytics and, unlike machine learning and data science, most analysts, even those without quantitative backgrounds, intuitively understand descriptive results. Faculty will examine the synergies between data and the decisions we make, and by the end of the program, participants will comprehensively understand data collection and analysis, so the best data drives the best outcomes for your organization.

What You'll Learn

Why descriptive analytics is the most important starting point in developing an analytics driven workplace.
How to build a “level set” and common language in your organization around descriptive analytics.
Understanding and application of data aggregation, extraction, analysis, visualization and data story telling as each relates to descriptive analytics.
How to develop a framework for building descriptive analytics KPIs and communicating results effectively to both internal and external customers.
How to quickly build descriptive analytics models so that you can extract actionable insights.
How to influence leaders and decision makers at your organization by telling an impactful story around descriptive data.
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Course FAQs

What is asynchronous?
Asynchronous learning means that the instructor and the students in the course all engage with the course content at different times (and from different locations). The instructor provides students with a sequence of units which the students move through as their schedules permit.
What is the course structure?
Courses are offered fully online and are asynchronous. There is an optional, live interactive session offered weekly so students can engage with one another and with the faculty member. 

How long is each course?
Our mini-sessions (or terms) are 7.5 weeks long, and courses are offered in each mini. Each semester consists of 2 mini-sessions.
How many courses can I take in a mini-term?
We have structured our courses so students can take one course at a time; this is especially important for students balancing full-time employment. We do permit students to take a maximum of two courses in 1 mini-term (i.e. 6 credits over a 7.5 week period). While taking more than two courses in one semester may seem appealing, these online accelerated courses can be difficult to manage, especially while working full-time. In addition, taking more than one course in a mini session could cause conflicts in your weekly live sessions (i.e. they could be offered on the same day and time). 

What is a part-time course load vs. a full-time course load?
Part-time in SPS is defined as 3 credits (1 course) per semester, and full-time is defined as 6 or more credits (2 or more courses) per semester. Every course at SPS is 3 credits.
How fast can I earn a master's degree?
You can finish an SPS program in as little as 16 months if you take a course every mini semester*. If you need more time, that's okay too! We offer flexibility so you can go your own pace.

*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.