Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Minnesota's data science program stands out for its deep integration with the Twin Cities' healthcare and retail sectors, offering domain-specific analytics tracks that funnel graduates directly into high-demand regional roles.
Hakia Insight: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Target translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Minnesota.
At the bachelor's level, the data analytics program at Minnesota leverages the Twin Cities' position as a major tech and healthcare hub, creating robust industry pipelines for students. The curriculum emphasizes both statistical rigor and practical machine learning application, with students building real-world projects through partnerships with healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic and tech companies headquartered in the region. The MS in Data Science tracks allow specialization in areas like healthcare analytics, business intelligence, and predictive modeling—each co-designed with industry advisors to ensure curriculum relevance. Faculty researchers actively publish in top-tier venues while supervising student projects that often transition directly into industry roles. The program's strength lies in its integration of domain expertise: students don't just learn algorithms in isolation, but apply them within healthcare, finance, and manufacturing contexts where Twin Cities employers actively recruit. Graduate outcomes consistently place students at companies like Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group, with many securing roles before graduation through capstone partnerships and internship networks the program cultivates year-round.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI)
- Institute for Health Informatics
Industry Partners
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
- Target (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
- Best Buy (corporate)
- 3M (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Vipin Kumar — Data mining, cluster analysis, and machine learning
- Arindam Banerjee — Machine learning, optimization, and online learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic (Rochester, ~90 miles)Target headquarters (Minneapolis)UnitedHealth Group headquarters (Minnetonka)3M headquarters (St. Paul)
Carleton College — Northfield, MN
Key Distinction: Carleton's data analytics curriculum stands apart by embedding rigorous statistical theory within a liberal arts framework that prioritizes cross-disciplinary collaboration and clear communication of analytical insights.
Hakia Insight: Carleton College's Carleton Math and Computer Science Department Research Groups creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Target, one of Minnesota's top data analytics employers.
At the bachelor's level, carleton's approach to data analytics emphasizes statistical foundations and computational thinking as integrated liberal arts skills rather than isolated technical training. The program weaves data analytics coursework across mathematics, computer science, and statistics departments, allowing students to develop mastery in probability theory and statistical inference before advancing to machine learning and predictive modeling. What distinguishes this pathway is the collaborative capstone requirement, where analytics students partner across disciplines—working with biology majors on genomic data analysis, economists on causal inference projects, or environmental scientists on climate datasets. This cross-disciplinary immersion mirrors how analytics work happens in industry: problems are messier and more human-centered than isolated algorithm exercises. Faculty maintain active research programs in computational statistics and applied mathematics, frequently bringing undergraduates into genuine research roles rather than simulated coursework. The college's small size creates advantages in mentorship and access: students work closely with faculty who know their mathematical gaps and career ambitions. While Carleton feeds graduates into graduate programs and industry roles at major tech companies and research institutions, its strength is cultivating analytical thinkers who can communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders—a skill that distinguishes Carleton graduates in the job market.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Carleton Math and Computer Science Department Research Groups
- Cognitive Science Research Lab
- Mathematics/Statistics Skills Center
Notable Faculty
- Daniel Kaplan — Statistics education, data science, and computational statistics
Location Advantages: Access to Twin Cities tech community (~40 miles south of Minneapolis)
University of St Thomas — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Capstone course paired with industry and community partners (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Travelers Insurance, Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement). Real-world analytical projects potentially leading to peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
Hakia Insight: St. Thomas's capstone model stands apart because it explicitly channels student work toward peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations—a rare pathway for undergrads that gives them actual research credentials before graduation, not just portfolio projects.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at University of St. Thomas is an interdisciplinary program blending mathematics, statistics, and computer science to teach students how to extract insights from structured and unstructured data. The curriculum progresses from foundational courses in statistics and programming (Python, Java) to advanced topics including machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and applied regression analysis. A cornerstone feature is the capstone course where students work semester-long on real-world analytical projects with industry and community partners including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Travelers Insurance, and the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement. Students gain hands-on experience through a statistical practicum and state-of-the-art computer labs. The program emphasizes practical application and research: 20% of graduates co-author peer-reviewed papers, 10% present at conferences, and 100% work with external sponsors. Graduates pursue careers in data science, data analysis, business intelligence, and machine learning engineering across technology, finance, healthcare, and government sectors. Students can double major with Computer Science or pursue a minor in Data Science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Microgrid Research
- START Center
- Center for Applied AI
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing
Industry Partners
- Best Buy (corporate)
- Target (corporate)
- U.S. Bank (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jason Sawin — Computer architecture and departmental leadership
- Dr. Sergey Berg — Statistical simulations and disease modeling
- Dr. Tommy Marrinan — Head-mounted displays and virtual reality
- Dr. Sarah Miracle — Format-preserving encryption and cryptography
- Dr. Amelia McNamara — Statistics and data visualization
- Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan — Microgrid research and renewable energy
- Dr. Mohamed Moustafa — Microgrid technology and grid stability
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7 minimum.
Requirements: Foundational courses in statistics, mathematics, and computer science, Advanced coursework in data communication, visualization, machine learning, and data mining, Applied regression analysis and computational statistics, Object-oriented design, database management, and discrete mathematics, Statistical practicum, Capstone course with industry/community partner project
Location Advantages: Twin Cities base with direct access to major employers (Target, Best Buy, U.S. Bank, UnitedHealth Group, 3M)
University of Minnesota-Duluth — Duluth, MN
Key Distinction: UMD's analytics pathway emphasizes strong CS and mathematical foundations, with research opportunities in applied domains like materials science and optimization.
Hakia Insight: UMD's Duluth location isn't a limitation; it's a specialization advantage: students access applied research in materials science and mining analytics that Twin Cities programs can't offer, creating distinctive expertise in optimization problems that regional manufacturers actively hire for.
UMD's data analytics pathway—offered through its computer science and engineering programs—is built on a strong foundation in applied mathematics and computational thinking, making it particularly attractive for students who want deep technical credibility and potential progression into research. Rather than a standalone analytics major, students typically pursue a bachelor's in computer science with analytics focus or mathematics with computational emphasis, combining core CS fundamentals (algorithms, data structures, databases) with applied statistics, machine learning, and visualization. The program benefits from UMD's location and connections to regional industries: mining analytics, materials science, and manufacturing optimization are areas where faculty maintain active research and industry collaborations. Undergraduate capstones often involve real datasets from local companies or research centers. The tight-knit size of UMD's engineering college means students get mentorship and research opportunities more readily than at large flagship campuses. Graduates commonly move into technical analytics roles at Duluth-area companies or use the CS foundation as a springboard to graduate programs at larger institutions. For students prioritizing deep technical foundations and potential research pathways over rapid job placement, UMD's approach is solid; it's less specialized-analytics-focused and more computer-science-grounded than some peer programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Duluth location with connections to mining analytics, materials science research, and regional manufacturing optimization needs
Winona State University — Winona, MN
Key Distinction: Winona focuses on analytics leadership and implementation, preparing graduates for managerial and strategic analytics roles in mid-market organizations.
Hakia Insight: Winona State's proximity to Mayo Clinic creates an unusual pipeline: its analytics graduates don't just learn healthcare data—they step into leadership roles in one of the world's largest integrated delivery networks, where analytics maturity demands immediately.
At the bachelor's level, winona State's analytics program grows from its strong business school and information systems tradition, creating a natural bridge between technical analytics skills and organizational strategy. The curriculum balances database management, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making with real-world capstone projects often sponsored by regional employers. Students work with faculty on projects involving healthcare data, agricultural analytics, and supply chain optimization—domains where Minnesota-based companies increasingly compete nationally. The program intentionally positions graduates not as data scientists but as analytics professionals who can manage analytics teams, implement analytics platforms, and translate business questions into analytical frameworks. Career placement reflects this positioning: graduates move into analytics manager, business intelligence lead, and analytics consultant roles rather than pure data scientist positions. Winona's smaller size and cohort-based model foster strong peer networks and collaborative learning, with many students reporting ongoing professional connections with classmates after graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic and regional healthcare systems with significant analytics operations
Minnesota State University-Mankato — Mankato, MN
Key Distinction: Mankato's analytics program uniquely serves working professionals with a flexible, business-focused curriculum that prioritizes immediate job-market applicability and regional industry partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Mankato's design for working professionals isn't a compromise on rigor; it's a compression of unnecessary theory—students learn applied analytics on the same tools they'll use on day one, cutting the typical 18-month ramp-up to competency down significantly.
At the bachelor's level, minnesota State Mankato has developed a data analytics program designed for working professionals and career-changers seeking applied credentials with minimal disruption to employment. The MS in Analytics delivers a streamlined, project-intensive curriculum that balances statistical methods with hands-on tools like Python, R, and Tableau—emphasizing skills employers hire for immediately rather than pure theory. The program's flexible delivery (hybrid and evening classes) accommodates students working full-time in regional industries: healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture technology, and business services. What sets Mankato apart is its explicit focus on business analytics and decision-making contexts: courses teach regression and classification through marketing analytics, customer segmentation, and supply chain optimization case studies drawn from real Mankato-area employers. Faculty bring industry experience, often consulting for regional companies, and they actively recruit students into projects with local businesses—creating a pipeline where students solve actual analytical problems during their studies. The practical orientation appeals to students who want to expand their analytics toolkit without pursuing a research-focused doctorate. Graduates typically move into senior analyst, business intelligence, or junior data scientist roles at companies seeking candidates who understand both the statistical foundations and the business problems worth solving.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional hub for agricultural technology and manufacturing
Gustavus Adolphus College — Saint Peter, MN
Key Distinction: Gustavus Adolphus College offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Gustavus Adolphus College offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs that prepare students for careers in technology.
Gustavus Adolphus College offers Data Analytics programs in Saint Peter, MN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Metropolitan State University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: A regionally-embedded, industry-aligned program emphasizing immediate employability and specialization tracks in high-demand analytics roles.
Hakia Insight: Metropolitan State's curriculum is built backward from Target and Medtronic hiring specs, not academic tradition—students graduate fluent in the exact tools and methodologies Twin Cities employers use today, not what worked five years ago.
At the bachelor's level, metropolitan State's data analytics offerings align tightly with workforce demand in the Twin Cities region, with curriculum designed around industry-standard tools and immediate job relevance. The program prioritizes hands-on experience—students work with SQL, Python, R, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) in project-intensive courses rather than theory-first lectures. Specialization tracks allow students to focus on business analytics, data engineering, or data science, with electives in marketing analytics, healthcare data, or financial modeling depending on career interests. Faculty bring real-world consulting and corporate analytics experience, often incorporating their active client projects into classroom instruction. The program maintains strong ties to local employers—Target, Medtronic, Mayo Clinic, and regional financial services firms regularly recruit graduates and host internships. Metropolitan State's student population skews toward working adults and career-changers, which shapes a pragmatic, outcomes-focused curriculum that values portfolio-building and professional certifications alongside degree completion.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Target (corporate)
- Medtronic (corporate)
- Mayo Clinic (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Target, Medtronic, Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group.
Location Advantages: Direct access to Twin Cities corporate headquarters (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth)Mayo Clinic presence and healthcare data opportunitiesGrowing Minnesota tech startup ecosystem
Minnesota State University Moorhead — Moorhead, MN
Key Distinction: MSUM prioritizes rigorous statistical foundations and computational depth, ideal for students pursuing advanced technical or research-oriented analytics careers.
Hakia Insight: MSUM's statistical rigor appeals to students who want to move beyond dashboard-building: faculty like those trained in advanced methodology create a foundation that translates directly into graduate school competitiveness or advanced technical roles others can't access.
At the bachelor's level, minnesota State Moorhead's data analytics offerings emerge from a computer science and mathematics foundation that prioritizes statistical methodology and computational thinking. The program leverages the university's position as a regional hub for STEM education, with faculty actively engaged in machine learning applications and data mining research that directly inform coursework. Students gain proficiency across the full analytics pipeline—from data acquisition and cleaning through advanced modeling and visualization—using industry-standard tools while maintaining theoretical grounding in probability and statistical inference. The proximity to Fargo-Moorhead's growing tech corridor, home to software companies, healthcare systems, and financial institutions, creates direct pipeline opportunities for internships and recruitment. Faculty mentorship tends toward deep technical development, making this program particularly suited for students interested in advancing to doctoral work or specialized technical roles in machine learning engineering or statistical computing.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Fargo-Moorhead tech corridor with growing software and fintech companies
Hamline University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Hamline uniquely integrates data ethics and social responsibility into its analytics curriculum, preparing graduates for impact-driven roles in nonprofits, healthcare, and public sectors.
Hakia Insight: Hamline's ethics-first approach isn't a soft skill add-on; it's embedded so deeply that graduates can articulate bias audits and privacy trade-offs in interviews—a competitive edge in regulated sectors (healthcare, finance) where ethical literacy is now a hiring requirement.
At the bachelor's level, hamline's data analytics program emphasizes ethical data use and social responsibility alongside technical rigor—a distinctive positioning that appeals to students wanting impact beyond corporate metrics. The curriculum balances statistical foundations with business intelligence tools (Python, SQL, Tableau, Power BI), but differentiates itself through required coursework in data ethics, privacy law, and responsible AI. Students engage in capstone projects often partnered with nonprofits and social enterprises, giving real-world experience in resource-constrained environments where analytics decisions carry tangible human consequences. Faculty bring backgrounds in both computer science and organizational psychology, creating an interdisciplinary lens rare in regional programs. The Twin Cities location provides access to healthcare, nonprofit, and government sectors—sectors where Hamline graduates frequently land roles. Career outcomes skew toward impact-driven organizations: graduates work in healthcare analytics, educational data science, and public policy analysis rather than purely finance-focused tracks. For students who view data science as a tool for social good rather than optimization alone, this program's explicit values alignment is genuinely distinctive.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Twin Cities proximity to healthcare systems (Mayo Clinic, Allina Health), nonprofit sector, and state government analytics roles
Best Master's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Accelerated one-year program. Industry capstone: 14-week consulting projects with Twin Cities companies
Hakia Insight: UMN's 14-week capstone isn't a case study; it's a consulting engagement where students solve live problems for Target or Mayo—meaning graduates enter their first job having already shipped real analytics work, compressing onboarding from months to weeks.
The Master of Science in Business Analytics at the Carlson School of Management is an accelerated one-year program designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in data-driven roles. The program emphasizes practical application through a unique industry capstone component: students serve as analytics consultants to Twin Cities companies for 14 weeks, working on real projects in data visualization and predictive analytics. Graduates frequently receive job offers upon completion. The program combines rigorous coursework with collaborative team-based learning, developing both technical analytical skills and professional competencies essential for leadership roles. Many alumni advance to senior positions such as lead data scientist within major corporations, with demonstrated salary advancement from entry-level analytics roles to mid-career leadership positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Business Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI)
- Institute for Health Informatics
Industry Partners
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
- Target (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
- Best Buy (corporate)
- 3M (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Vipin Kumar — Data mining, cluster analysis, and machine learning
- Arindam Banerjee — Machine learning, optimization, and online learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic (Rochester, ~90 miles)Target headquarters (Minneapolis)UnitedHealth Group headquarters (Minnetonka)3M headquarters (St. Paul)
University of St Thomas — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time flexible options with three start terms (fall, spring, summer). Evening classes 5:30–8:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, in-person or online
Hakia Insight: St. Thomas's three-entry model (fall, spring, summer) with evening 5:30–8:30 p.m. scheduling eliminates the false choice between career and degree—working professionals can start immediately without resignation, a flexibility that turns procrastination into enrollment.
The M.S. in Data Science at University of St. Thomas is a professional master's program designed for working professionals and career changers. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time options with evening classes (5:30–8:30 p.m.) available in-person or online through CoFlex delivery. The curriculum comprises 30 credits (10 courses) with 9 required courses covering Python, cloud computing, databases, data preparation, analytics, visualization, data warehousing, machine learning, and AI, plus one elective. Students can complete the program in approximately 2.5 semesters if taking courses sequentially, with customized coursework based on background. The program is STEM-approved and recognized by Fortune magazine. Career advancement is substantial: data scientists earn a median salary of $112,590, with employment projected to grow 34% through 2034. Many career changers transition successfully after 2–3 semesters. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through industry partnerships via the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, where graduate students collaborate with companies on real-world problems. Faculty include Ph.D.-holding tenured professors with extensive industry experience.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Microgrid Research
- START Center
- Center for Applied AI
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing
Industry Partners
- Best Buy (corporate)
- Target (corporate)
- U.S. Bank (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jason Sawin — Computer architecture and departmental leadership
- Dr. Sergey Berg — Statistical simulations and disease modeling
- Dr. Tommy Marrinan — Head-mounted displays and virtual reality
- Dr. Sarah Miracle — Format-preserving encryption and cryptography
- Dr. Amelia McNamara — Statistics and data visualization
- Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan — Microgrid research and renewable energy
- Dr. Mohamed Moustafa — Microgrid technology and grid stability
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7 minimum.
Requirements: Minimum GPA of 2.7 maintained throughout program, 9 required courses: SEIS 603, 615, 630, 631, 632, 732, 745, 763, 764, 1 elective SEIS course, STEM-approved program
Location Advantages: Twin Cities base with direct access to major employers (Target, Best Buy, U.S. Bank, UnitedHealth Group, 3M)
Rasmussen University-Minnesota — St. Cloud, MN
Key Distinction: Rasmussen delivers accelerated, competency-based data analytics training with direct employer pipelines, designed for working professionals seeking rapid entry into analytics roles.
Hakia Insight: Rasmussen's competency-based model means you don't pay for semesters; you pay for demonstrable skills—students who move fast graduate faster and cheaper, while employer pipelines mean job offers sometimes come before graduation.
At the master's level, rasmussen's data analytics offerings prioritize accessibility and career acceleration for working professionals—the program is designed around flexible, accelerated formats that don't require a traditional four-year timeline. Rather than pure theory, the curriculum front-loads applied tools: SQL, Python, Tableau, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) come early, with business context woven throughout. The program operates on a competency-based model where students advance by demonstrating mastery rather than seat time, allowing motivated learners to compress timelines. Rasmussen's strength lies in its extensive employer partnerships across retail, healthcare, and manufacturing—industries with immediate analytics hiring needs. Career services are particularly strong here; the university maintains relationships with staffing agencies and regional employers, creating direct pipelines into entry and mid-level analytics roles. Graduates often move into Business Analyst or Analytics Coordinator positions within 3–6 months. This is the program for working adults or career-changers who need credentials quickly and want practical, immediately deployable skills over academic theory.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Minnesota base with employer relationships across retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors statewide
Capella University — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Capella offers one of the few PhD programs in business analytics in the region, with master's tracks in specialized domains (predictive, marketing, organizational analytics), positioning graduates for leadership roles.
Hakia Insight: Capella's PhD in business analytics is rare enough regionally that its master's graduates already stand out; pairing that distinction with specialized tracks (predictive, marketing, organizational) creates credentials for leadership roles that generalist programs can't train.
Capella stands out for its research-intensive PhD in business analytics and its rigorous master's programs designed for career analysts ready to lead analytics strategy. The doctoral program is uncommon in the region—it emphasizes original research contribution, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or senior leadership roles in analytics. For master's students, Capella offers specialization tracks in predictive analytics, marketing analytics, and organizational analytics, allowing focus beyond general data science. The online-first structure with cohort-based courses creates peer learning networks that persist into careers; many Capella graduates report stronger mentorship and collaborative relationships than traditional programs. Faculty are active researchers with publications in peer-reviewed journals, bringing current methodologies and debates into classrooms. The program assumes students already have foundational statistics or technical skills—it's positioned for working professionals with some analytical background seeking advanced credentials and research-level expertise. Career outcomes trend toward senior analyst, analytics manager, and director-level roles rather than entry positions. Capella's differentiator is depth in statistical rigor and research design, appealing to students who want to move *into* analytics leadership rather than just *into* analytics.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Walden University — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Graduate Certificate in Information Systems included at no additional cost after completing 4 core courses. Five specialization options including Big Data Analytics
Hakia Insight: Walden's embedded Graduate Certificate in Information Systems (no additional cost) means students finish with dual credentials—the degree plus a standalone certification that lowers friction for immediate hiring in IT-adjacent analytics roles.
Walden's MS in Information Technology is a 30-credit program offering five high-demand specializations including Big Data Analytics. Students develop essential networking, programming, and database management skills in core courses, then pursue advanced training in their chosen specialization. After completing four core courses, students automatically receive a Graduate Certificate in Information Systems at no additional cost - providing an embedded professional certification. The program prepares graduates for senior IT specialist and management positions, with curriculum designed around geographically dispersed team collaboration skills essential for today's remote work environment. Students learn to create, maintain, and secure information systems across various organizational settings, with emphasis on selecting appropriate IT solutions based on business needs and regulatory requirements.
Programs Offered
- MS in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
Location Advantages: Online format with global cohortsStrong networks in healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors
Hamline University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Hamline uniquely integrates data ethics and social responsibility into its analytics curriculum, preparing graduates for impact-driven roles in nonprofits, healthcare, and public sectors.
Hakia Insight: Hamline uniquely integrates data ethics and social responsibility into its analytics curriculum, preparing graduates for impact-driven roles in nonprofits, healthcare, and public sectors.
At the master's level, hamline's data analytics program emphasizes ethical data use and social responsibility alongside technical rigor—a distinctive positioning that appeals to students wanting impact beyond corporate metrics. The curriculum balances statistical foundations with business intelligence tools (Python, SQL, Tableau, Power BI), but differentiates itself through required coursework in data ethics, privacy law, and responsible AI. Students engage in capstone projects often partnered with nonprofits and social enterprises, giving real-world experience in resource-constrained environments where analytics decisions carry tangible human consequences. Faculty bring backgrounds in both computer science and organizational psychology, creating an interdisciplinary lens rare in regional programs. The Twin Cities location provides access to healthcare, nonprofit, and government sectors—sectors where Hamline graduates frequently land roles. Career outcomes skew toward impact-driven organizations: graduates work in healthcare analytics, educational data science, and public policy analysis rather than purely finance-focused tracks. For students who view data science as a tool for social good rather than optimization alone, this program's explicit values alignment is genuinely distinctive.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Twin Cities proximity to healthcare systems (Mayo Clinic, Allina Health), nonprofit sector, and state government analytics roles
The College of Saint Scholastica — Duluth, MN
Key Distinction: 100% online, fully asynchronous format designed for working professionals. Accelerated eight-week terms enabling completion in under two years
Hakia Insight: Saint Scholastica's eight-week async terms with IBM and Medtronic partnerships mean the program moves at working-professional speed without sacrificing mentorship—faculty like Dr. Brandon Olson explicitly embed real industrial problems into coursework, not case studies.
The Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics at The College of Saint Scholastica is a 100% online program designed for working professionals seeking flexible, accelerated education. Completion in under two years with 37 credits, structured in eight-week terms. The program emphasizes hands-on learning using industry tools (Python, R, Tableau, PowerBI, SQL, Excel) and real-world capstone projects. Faculty bring advanced degrees and professional experience. Students can enhance credentials by pursuing the Applied Artificial Intelligence Certificate with two additional courses. The program supports career advancement in data-driven roles across healthcare, banking, management, marketing, HR, R&D, and IT sectors. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% growth for Data Analysts and 34% for Data Scientists through 2034, indicating strong salary advancement potential and employer demand.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- IBM (employer)
- Hallmark Business Connections (employer)
- Medtronic (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Brandon Olson — Data analytics, project management, IT strategy, systems thinking
- Matthew Moses — Data Engineering, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Cloud Architecture
- Dr. Tom Gibbons — Artificial intelligence, CS education and game design
- Kris Glesener — Programming, software development, and database systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.8. Application Deadline: Fall: Aug 15.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree from accredited institution, Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA, Completion of core and advanced coursework, Final capstone project
Location Advantages: Duluth regional healthcare systems and clinic accessManufacturing and industrial data opportunities in Upper MidwestRegional government and nonprofit sector partnerships
