MPS in Analytics Builds Applied Skills for Today’s Analytics Careers
For professionals looking to move into analytics — or deepen their expertise — understanding data is only part of the equation. The other part is transforming analysis into actionable insights that support complex business decisions. In today’s landscape, that requires technical expertise in areas such as machine learning and AI, as well as practical experience and strong communication skills.
So, how do you turn analytical interest into the aptitude to build an analytics career in Miami?
Northeastern University in Miami’s new offering, a Master of Professional Studies in Analytics, is designed to address both sides of the equation through a curriculum rooted in application.
The program’s launch aligns with broader workforce trends. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report identifies analytical thinking as the top core skill employers are looking for, with seven in 10 companies considering it essential.
A data analytics graduate program for working professionals
At its core, the College of Professional Studies program is built on the premise that analytics is best learned by doing.
Students develop a foundation in the technical and analytical skills for working with data — from understanding how it’s collected, structured, and modeled to identifying patterns and communicating insights. Coursework in statistics, business intelligence, analytics technologies, data governance and ethics builds on this groundwork.
Together, these areas help students understand not only how to analyze data, but also how to manage, interpret, and use it in organizational settings.
The combination of skills meets the needs of many organizations. McKinsey’s 2024 Data Summit survey found that 77 percent of companies report gaps in data talent and skill sets for mission-critical areas, such as cybersecurity and data management.
Grounded in a practice-based approach, the program’s structure helps students immediately translate concepts into professional practice.
Learning by doing in the MPS in Analytics at Northeastern University
Across Northeastern University’s global campus network, the MPS in Analytics is the top program in the College of Professional Studies for student participation in co-op and experiential learning. That focus is reflected in several key program components.
Students complete applied projects that form the basis of a portfolio. These assignments allow them to demonstrate technical capability, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with data visualization and communication tools, while showing their ability to turn analysis into recommendations.
To apply their skills in a business setting, students work with a sponsoring organization on a real-world challenge. The experience is an opportunity to become familiar with the Miami job market, engage with industry professionals, and expand their networks.
Students can also pursue co-op opportunities, which take them through the job search and preparation process in addition to gaining additional experience. The school’s partner network includes over 3,500 companies, including Amazon, Salesforce, Microsoft, and Google.
Built-in experiential learning is fundamental to Northeastern University’s education model. For more than 100 years, the university has emphasized application and professional connections. Those connections continue after graduation through a global alumni network of 350,000 members across 187 countries. Resources like NUsource provide access to over 11,800 active alumni members.
From analytics skills to career opportunities
Designed for working adults, the MPS in Analytics has a flexible structure. It can be completed in 12 to 18 months, is offered in both full- and part-time formats, and is delivered online and in person. The options enable students to fit graduate study around existing professional and personal commitments.
As students progress through the program, they can tailor their studies to align with specific interests and career goals. Options include concentrations in Applied Machine Intelligence and Statistical Modeling, while elective pathways let students explore additional technical or industry-focused topics.
The MPS in Analytics is also among the United States Department of Homeland Security’s STEM-designated degrees, reflecting its strong technical emphasis. Broader labour-market trends underscore the value of STEM-related skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 10.4 percent from 2023 to 2033, compared with 3.6 percent for non-STEM occupations.
So, what careers does MPS in Analytics prepare professionals for?
Graduates can pursue positions such as data scientists, operations research analysts, and management analysts.
These careers reflect some of the fastest-growing areas of the labor market. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report ranks data analysts and scientists among the 15 fastest-growing jobs through 2030. Employment projections reinforce this outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 34 percent growth for data scientists from 2024 to 2034, 21 percent for operations research analysts, and 9 percent for management analysts — all at or above the average for all occupations.
Turning analytics into professional impact
Uwe Hohgrawe is the Faculty Director of the Analytics & Enterprise Intelligence Domain at Northeastern University. For him, the value of analytics lies in turning data and technology into solutions for real organizational problems. That, he says, is where the program stands apart.
“It is critical to leverage data and technology, embed them in the comprehension of what the organizational questions are, anchor that in the human ability to recognize opportunities and barriers, and provide actionable solutions,” he says. “The MPS in Analytics educates you to use analytics expertly and ethically.”
By: Izabela Shubair