University of Michigan-Dearborn Business Analytics Interview

Michael L. Kamen PortraitMichael L. Kamen, Ph.D., Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan-Dearborn joins us today to discuss their Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program.

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The director offers a fantastic insight into the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s accredited data analytics master’s program.


1. Can you tell us about the business analytics program offered at the University of Michigan-Dearborn?

The Master of Science in Business Analytics trains students how to carry out sophisticated forms of data analysis, then apply that knowledge to real-world business problems. Students specialize in one of five areas: finance, human resources management, information systems. marketing, or supply chain management. The degree is open to all students who have a mind for math and statistics, regardless of their undergraduate majors. The program requires 30 credit hours.

2. Is the GMAT & GRE required for acceptance into the program? Do international students have the same requirement?

International and domestic applicants who have three years of professional work experience, a degree in business or engineering, or other credentials may be eligible to waive the GMAT and GRE admission requirement. Full details are available on our website.

3. How long does a typical business analytics program take at the University of Michigan-Dearborn? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion?

Our typical business analytics student attends full-time and completes the program in 12-16 months, depending on course load and internship placement. Students may attend on a part-time basis, however. Regardless, the entire program can be completed in evening courses on campus, while some of the courses are also offered online and during the daytime.

4. What do you think makes the University of Michigan-Dearborn business analytics program stand out from other programs offered by similar schools in your region?

In addition to offering a University of Michigan degree, we offer a unique capstone course in which we place business analytics students in semester-long projects with major corporations, such as Ford Motor Company and DTE Engery. Students solve a real-world problem for their corporate clients by using the data analytics skills gained in the program.

5. How important would you say accreditation is when choosing a business analytics program?

Accreditation is valued in the marketplace. The College of Business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is one of only about 5% of business schools worldwide to have earned AACSB accreditation.

6. What are the advantages of earning a business analytics degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand with this degree?

The field of business data analytics continues to be in high demand, as corporations large and small across the US seek to use more and more sophisticated forms of data analysis to make business decisions. There is strong demand for this area of expertise in Michigan, which is the worldwide headquarters of the automotive/mobility industry and boasts numerous multinational and national corporations in a variety of non-automotive industries.

7. Does the University of Michigan-Dearborn offer job placement for students who graduate with a business analytics degree?

The College of Business hosts its own, in-house career management center, which offers assistance with internship and full-time placements, opportunities to network with corporate recruiters, a variety of career-development workshops, and one-on-one career development assistance.

8. What type of financial aid packages are available for students in business analytics? Are there any fellowships, grants, and scholarships available?

The College of Business offers generous admission scholarships to a small number of highly-qualified applicants each semester. Occasionally we also offer positions for tutors, research assistants, and similar campus-based positions.

9. Do you have any advice for students enrolling in a business analytics program at your University of Michigan-Dearborn?

The admissions committee conducts a holistic review of each application. There is no formula to define who will make a successful applicant, but the faculty are especially interested in evidence of strong quantitative skills, strong academic performance overall, and a brief but clear statement of purpose.

10. What do you enjoy most about your position at the University of Michigan-Dearborn?

I enjoy being a part of the University of Michigan, and I enjoy playing a part in the transformational difference a degree in higher education can create in a student’s life.


For more information on the business analytics program offered at the University of Michigan, visit them online. Thank you for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

Author: Michael L. Kamen, Ph.D

Michael Kamen, Director of Graduate Programs and Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business.