Demand for Big Data Drives New Analytics Minor
One of the most in-demand skills in the current job market will now be offered as a new program at Nazareth College. The College has announced the Analytics minor academic program to complement majors in a variety of fields. This Analytics minor will offer valuable knowledge for undergraduate students interested in working in business, government, or non-profit settings, including roles in management, marketing, communications, politics, and public health as well as a number of others.
Analytics is the integrated application of data, technology, statistics, and judgement to assess situations and inform predictions. It’s high demand stems from the large quantities of data that can now be generated with ever-improving technology, and all sectors need sound analyses of that data. “Analytics is applicable to so many different fields,” says Rochelle Ruffer, chair of the School of Management undergraduate programs., “We are excited about this interdisciplinary minor as a way to help our students differentiate themselves in the job marketplace.”
Chris Morris of CNBC has labeled analytics the “Sexiest Job of the 21st Century,” claiming that, “the demand for data analytic specialists — sometimes called data scientists, who know how to manage the tsunami of information, spot patterns within it and draw conclusions and insights — is nearing a frenzy.”
Bringing analytics as a minor will help students like Kelsey Quigley ‘16 pursue meaningful careers in the field. Quigley, a mathematics major while at Nazareth, spent time developing and researching predictive models for the NFL. “There’s so much data available online—for specific players or player positions, as well as performance stats from the regular season," she said. "We had freedom to brainstorm ways to use these different metrics to quantify what a good performing team would be.”
For More Information
Julie Long | Nazareth Chief Public Relations Officer | (585) 389-2456 | jlong2@naz.edu
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Kelsey Quigley '16 used her mathematics expertise to analyze data and develop predictive models for the NFL.