Course Listing

Course Listing BAN 120: Data in Society

3 credit hours This course introduces students to the field of analytics, including how data is gathered, distributed, used, and sometimes abused by businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. Students will use data to think critically about business topics but also about issues of globalization, trade, poverty, politics, criminal justice, climate, and more. In today’s connected world, this course has relevance for all students and majors.

BAN 121: Data Visualization and Reporting

3 credit hours Prerequisite: MAT 201 or permission of the instructor This course introduces key concepts in data visualization and reporting. Topics include concepts and methods used in graphical representation of data, exploration and reporting of data, and basic linear regression methods. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively use graphical tools to communicate insights about data.

BAN 210: Decision Science

3 credit hours Prerequisites: MAT 201 Vast amounts of data are collected in today’s business environment. The most successful managers are those that can put this information to work effectively to guide their decision process. This course prepares student to describe, gather, and analyze business data and to use statistical and management science tools to make effective business decisions in operations, finance, marketing, management, and staffing. Offered in fall.

BAN 260: Programming for Analytics

3 credit hours Prerequisite: BAN 210 This course is an introduction to the Python programming language. Python is a language with a simple syntax and a robust set of libraries. It is an interpreted language, with a rich programming environment, including a robust debugger and profiler. While it is easy for beginners to learn, it is widely used in many scientific areas for data exploration.

BAN 310: Forecasting and Simulation

3 credit hours Prerequisites: BAN 210 In this course students will learn how to handle time-series data and generate forecasts. Topics include exponential smoothing, moving averages, and auto-regressive models such as ARIMA. Students will learn to run scenarios and use random numbers to create simulations. This course will also introduce students to data mining concepts, including queries and clustering techniques.

BAN 340: Advanced Data Visualization

3 credit hours Prerequisite: BAN 121, BAN 210 or permission of instructor This course introduces key concepts in advanced data visualization, reporting and dashboard design using Tableau software. Topics include data prep (connecting to and managing source data), Data Visualizations (comparison charts, line charts, etc.), Adding Calculations, Dashboard Design and Publishing results. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively use graphical tools within Tableau to extract data,

complete analysis, design visual stories and communicate insights about data. Course will combine pedagogical concepts and theory with practical examples.

BAN 360: Big Data

3 credit hours Prerequisite: BAN 210 In this course students will learn how to handle large amounts of messy data; clean data; and make queries. Students will also learn how to join and update data sets. In addition, students will learn how to employ proper data building methods to prevent messy data. A variety of tools will be used, including Excel, SAS, and SQL.

BAN 420: Data Modeling

3 credit hours Prerequisite: BAN 210 In this course students will learn to build data models for prediction and machine learning. Topics will include linear and non-linear models, multiple regression, logistic regression, and optimization models.

BAN 450: Applied Analytics

3 credit hours Prerequisite: BAN 210 and 3 upper-level BAN courses or 2 upper-level BAN courses and MAT-301 Students in this course will have the opportunity to explore their particular area of interest in analytics (i.e., financial analytics, marketing analytics, healthcare analytics, etc.). Students will work with data sets and learn the language and challenges specific to their area. We will also explore how companies are using analytics to improve business activities.

BAN 295/395/495: Special Topics

1-4 credit hours A course whose content may vary from term to term according to the needs of the academic department, student demand or the interests of the faculty member.

BAN 392/492: Directed Study

2-4 credit hours Prerequisite: junior or senior status A course of study addressing a specific topic or problem of interest to a student, designed collaboratively by the student and faculty member(s), and resulting in a paper, report, critiqued performance or production, or other assessable evidence of value added to the student’s educational experience. A contract of expectations by the student and by the supervising faculty member(s) must be approved by the advisor and the Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to registration. No more than six (6) semester hours toward the baccalaureate degree can consist of directed study credit.