The Columbia University M.S. in Applied Analytics program recently unveiled a new curriculum, offering students greater flexibility to tailor their studies to their interests. The updated program introduces two specialized focus areas: Emerging Technologies and Quantitative Management Analytics. Learn more about the part-time and full-time program focus areas.
To gain a deeper understanding of the development, structure, and impact of these focus areas, we spoke with the program director, Professor Kitty Kay Chan, Ph.D., about how they were designed and how they will equip students for success after graduation.
Please tell us about the new curriculum in the M.S. in Applied Analytics program at Columbia University.
Our new curriculum takes what is already great about our current program and makes it even better. Our focus is still on building a foundation of well-rounded, highly portable skills. Now we are adding more flexibility—so students can truly shape their education around their interests.
Here’s how it works. Students can choose between two options. The first is a general degree, just like we offer now, but with even more room to explore topics through electives. The second option allows students to specialize by choosing one of two focus areas:
The Emerging Technologies area of focus is for those who want to dive into evolving analytics techniques and technical tools.
The Quantitative Management Analytics area of focus is for students looking to apply analytics in management.
Why is the program making these changes?
This redesign reflects a strategic effort to provide students with greater flexibility and room for specialization while maintaining a strong analytical foundation. With core courses streamlined and electives expanded, students can customize their learning to focus on areas most relevant to their career paths. We’re aiming to help students stay ahead of the game in their analytics careers.
How do the two specializations integrate with the broader Applied Analytics program?
The core curriculum is at the heart of our program, regardless of area of focus. These six core courses—split between technical and management-focused subjects—provide essential knowledge and skills that set the stage for success in a professional environment.
The program’s capstone challenges students to integrate concepts from their coursework to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions, serving as a crucial bridge between academics and real-world application. This experience strengthens critical thinking and collaboration skills and ultimately helps students to stand out in their careers by providing a tangible showcase of their expertise.
How will each area of focus help to set students apart in today’s data-driven economy?
In the Emerging Technologies area of focus, students will have the option to explore how to capture data with the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoTs); use blockchain technology for secure and transparent data storage; scale analytical solutions with cloud-based platforms; and apply generative AI algorithms to solve complex problems. This area of focus is all about equipping students from a technology angle to thrive in the fast-evolving landscape of today’s data-driven economy.
The Quantitative Management Analytics area of focus centers on analytic techniques relevant to different types of management. Students will have the opportunity to dive into technical approaches like algorithmic decision-making for financial portfolio management, quantitative risk analysis for cybersecurity, and optimization modeling to boost operational efficiency.
What advice do you have for prospective students considering the new curriculum?
Choose something you love. When you’re excited about what you’re learning, staying motivated is easy. You should follow your passion to build your future. Take your time, ask questions, and choose a path that excites you. When you love what you do, success comes naturally.
What career opportunities may open up for students who choose the curriculum?
Our general curriculum is all about building practical analytics skills that can be widely applied across different industries and a full range of business functions. This flexibility means students can explore a variety of career paths and easily adapt to different work environments where analytical skills are in demand.
All of the program focus areas continue to support this versatility.
The Emerging Technologies area of focus offers an opportunity to study evolving analytic techniques and technical tools that facilitate the capture, management, and analysis of digital information. This empowers students to be competitive amid the rapidly changing industry demands relating to new technologies for analytics.
The Quantitative Management Analytics area of focus allows students to focus on technical methods that drive decision-making in management. By diving into analytical techniques for management, this area of focus prepares students for industry leadership in increasingly data-centric management roles.
Ultimately, whether students choose a general degree or to specialize in an area of focus, they will develop a versatile skill set that allows them to work across industries, take on various roles, and stay relevant in a world where data is reshaping how businesses and all organizations operate.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Applied Analytics prepares students with the practical data and leadership skills to succeed. The program combines in-depth knowledge of data analytics with the leadership, management, and communication principles and tactics necessary to impact decision-making across industries and organizational functions.
The fall 2025 application deadline is June 1. Learn more about the program here. The program is available full-time and part-time, online and on campus.
