University at Buffalo School of Management

2 Buffalo Business Autumn 2021 Data surge inspires MS in business analytics The proliferation of data throughout businesses and organizations worldwide has created skyrocketing demand for individuals who can use it to solve complex problems. New this fall, the School of Management offers a Master of Science in business analytics to prepare graduates for careers in this high-growth field. The program is the first business analytics master's to be offered in the SUNY system, and was designed with input from corporate recruiters, alumni and industry experts to meet the exponentially growing needs of the marketplace. The 30-credit- hour curriculum can be completed in just two semesters and focuses on the skills employers seek: data-driven decision- making, visualization, storytelling and business intelligence. Students will gain a combination of technical, managerial and communication skills, allowing them to rise to leadership positions in organizations worldwide. According to The NextTech, the world generates 2.5 quintillion (that's a million times a trillion) bytes of data per day, all of which must be analyzed, so demand is soaring for data analysts and data storytellers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects opportunities in this sector will grow by more than 450,000 jobs by 2026. "Our degree portfolio is constantly evolving," says Paul Tesluk, dean of the School of Management. "The Master of Science in business analytics will position our graduates for successful careers and enable them to make a positive impact on their organizations and society." For more information on the Master of Science in business analytics, visit management.buffalo.edu/msba. Startups School passes accreditation review with flying colors AACSB International has once again granted the School of Management exten- sion of its accreditation. Earned by less than 5% of B-schools, AACSB accreditation is considered the hallmark of excellence in business education. The school has been continuously accredited by AACSB International since 1930. Accreditation review is conducted every five years and includes all of the school's undergraduate, master's and doctoral business and accounting pro grams. Dual accreditation in business and accounting has been earned by only the top 1.5% of programs. In their report to the AACSB accredi- tation board, the peer review team lauded the school for its impressive strategic direc- tion; the strength of its faculty scholarship and engagement; and a strong interna- tional footprint and rapidly expanding global programming. New programs high- lighted included a BS in information technology and management, an MS in business analytics (see above), and new minors such as entrepreneurship and data analytics. The team also commended the school for providing students with significant opportunities to engage with businesses and the community through innova- tive experiential learning programs like the Terese Kelly Investment Group, LeaderCORE™ (see page 24), Nonprofit Board Fellows (see page 14), Corporate Champions and activities generated by the Career Resource Center. Other initiatives with high-quality outcomes noted by the review team included the school's social innovation programs, the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and the Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness. "We strive for excellence in all of our programs, and it's gratifying to see our efforts recognized by this prestigious accreditation," says Paul Tesluk, profes- sor and dean of the School of Management. "This is truly a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, and the dedication of our alumni." School of Management student Anu Patel. Photo: Tom Wolf

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