Application and Admission
What are the academic requirements for admission into the Master of Science in Applied Analytics program?
A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 (or 2.9 in last 60 credits) of a completed bachelor’s degree.
How do I apply for admission?
Please see the Admission Criteria & Application Checklist section of this webpage.
What is the application deadline?
Fall enrollment – all materials due by August 1.
Spring enrollment – all materials due by January 1.
Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis.
Does the Master of Science program require any particular undergraduate degree?
Students are eligible for this program regardless of their undergraduate major. Programming knowledge/experience is not required, but familiarity with statistics is beneficial. It’s a myth that you need to be an expert in math or programming in order to effectively analyze data. Programming is useful for doing data analysis, but not necessary. Nor is it sufficient. Using data to improve decision-making requires actionable insight. This means understanding where analytics can improve decisions, obtaining the appropriate data, understanding what it does/does not measure, shaping it into an appropriate form, building useful predictive or explanatory models, and communicating the insight to multiple audiences: customers, employees, owners, communities, and beyond. Actionable insight also requires using your existing knowledge to ask the tough questions needed to move your organization or business forward. Loras’s graduate analytics programs are designed to provide and sharpen this skill-set for working professionals.
How long will it take to receive an admission decision regarding my application?
Immediately following receipt of all application materials, your file will be reviewed by the program director and you will be notified of an admission decision within one week.
How will I be notified of the admission decision?
You will be contacted by email once a decision has been made.
Can I take some courses as a non-degree student?
Individuals who would like to take graduate classes for professional development, continuing education credits, or personal enrichment may take up to 9 graduate credits as a non-degree (Special) student. Special students may not enroll in practicum, clinical, internship courses or other courses without approval from the program director.
In order to enroll in the course(s):
- Complete the free Loras College Special Course Application. Select “Graduate Course” as the Course Registration Type. You will need to upload copies of your unofficial transcript(s) from each college/university attended before submitting the application.
- The transcripts will be evaluated by the Program Director to ensure that any necessary pre-requisite course requirements have been met.
- After review of the transcript(s), the Registrar’s Office will be in touch with information about your next steps.
- Please note that enrolled degree-seeking students have registration preference if a course is full.
- After the completion of 9 non-degree credits, a student must then apply for formal admission into the graduate program in order to move forward and take additional courses.
- Graduate courses completed by a “Special” student with a grade of B or better may be applied to a future graduate degree at Loras College with the approval of both the Program Director and the Academic Dean.
- Financial aid is not available to non-degree “Special” students.
- Students interested in any of Loras’ Professional and Continuing Education programs should refer to the individual program webpage for application and enrollment instructions.
How can I receive more information about the Master of Science in Applied Analytics program?
For more information about the program curriculum, please contact Dr. Robert Keller, Program Director, at robert.keller@loras.edu. For more information about the application and admission process, please contact Megan Henderson, Director of Admission for Graduate and Professional Education Programs, at: megan.henderson@loras.edu or 563.588.7140.
Curriculum, Class Format, and Benefits
How would earning this degree advance my career trajectory and salary potential?
Graduates of the program stand out in their abilities to competently handle data and provide timely and insightful recommendations regarding both tactical operations as well as strategic initiatives. Those in C-suite level positions readily recognize the critical need for such employees, especially those who not only know how to answer, but also ask good questions.
Can you share a specific example of a capstone project a student in this program has completed to show the practical application of the subject?
Previous capstone projects include: exploring food insecurity in the greater Dubuque region, analyzing student performance data for a school district, and a project for 7 Hills Brewery that started with the basic question: “Nationally, there is some momentum to raise the minimum wage. Using data from 7 Hills, can we validate or refute the hypothesis that restaurants and similar business can adapt to this significant change?”
How many credits are required?
A total of 30 credits are required for the Master of Science in Applied Analytics degree.
What is the class format?
Classes are held in a convenient live online format and each class is held just one night per week, allowing students to continue working while in school. Our flexible scheduling allows students to either begin in the Fall (with an option to complete the program in one year or two years), or Spring (with a 15-month completion timeline). For more details about specific class times, please see the “Course Requirements and Schedule” section of this webpage.
What kind of technology do I need to participate in the program?
To participate effectively in the online graduate Analytics program, you will need a computer that is able to run video conferencing (including a working camera and microphone) and has an up-to-date operating system, as well as a stable high-speed internet connection.
How long does it take to complete the programs?
The Master of Science degree can be completed in either one year or two years (Fall start) or 15 months (Spring start).
Does this program accept transfer credits?
Students may transfer in up to 9 graduate credits into the Master of Science in Applied Analytics degree. Please consult the Graduate Bulletin for details.
What is the time commitment outside of class?
Time commitments vary depending on the course and individual’s specific skill set. As a general rule, students will spend 4 – 6 hours per week outside of classroom instruction on class-related work for each class.
Will there be an orientation prior to the first class?
Yes, students are required to attend the New Graduate Student Orientation prior to beginning coursework so they can become familiar with the faculty, campus services, and their peers.
Is Loras College accredited?
Yes, Loras College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
If I’m interested in playing a sport at Loras while in graduate school, how many credits do I have to take?
Graduate students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program to be eligible to participate in NCAA athletics at Loras.
Student athletes enrolled in one of our degree-seeking master’s programs need to have full-time status (taking at least 6 credits per term) during the semester(s) they’re practicing or competing in the sport. Students also need to be making satisfactory progress towards their degree (as determined by Loras). If a student wants to participate in athletics while being enrolled less than full-time, they will need to work with their coaches to determine if they are eligible for a waiver.
Please note that while 6 credits per term is considered full-time for graduate students at Loras, students only need to take at least 3 credits per term in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
Financial
What are current tuition rates for the Master of Science in Applied Analytics program?
Visit the Graduate section of our Tuition & Fees page for detailed cost information.
Tuition and Fees are subject to change at any time.
Is financial aid available?
Degree-seeking graduate students (enrolled in a master’s program) are eligible to receive $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds for each academic year. Students may choose to accept all or just part of the $20,500 amount. To obtain a loan, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year at: https://studentaid.gov/ and take at least 3 credits per term. Loras’ school code is 001873.
The loan will disburse directly to Loras to cover the cost of the term(s). For financial aid purposes, Loras’ academic year runs from summer-spring (ie: summer 2022 through spring 2023). Please be sure to complete the correct FAFSA for the term(s) you wish to receive loans. For example, students beginning a graduate program in summer 2022 would complete the 2022-2023 FAFSA.
Loras College does not offer institutional scholarships or federal grants for graduate and professional education students at this time.
Information about private loans can be found at: https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/187300/1
Students who have outstanding loans from their undergraduate education may be able to defer payment on those loans while enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program. Deferment options are generally available to students who are enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program (3 credits or more per semester). If deferment is a requirement for you to be able to afford to enroll in a graduate program, we advise you to connect with our Financial Planning Office or your loan service providers to make sure you know exactly how deferment applies to your previous loans.
