Big Data Analytics

Graduate Information

OFFICE: Storm Hall 329
TELEPHONE: 619-594-8555
EMAIL: info.bigdata@sdsu.edu
WEBSITE: https://big.sdsu.edu

Faculty

Committee for Big Data Analytics

Ming-Hsiang Tsou, Professor of Geography, Chair of Committee and Director of Big Data Analytics Program (B.S., National Taiwan University, Taiwan; M.A., State University of New York at
Buffalo; Ph.D., University of Colorado)

Gabriela Fernandez, Graduate Adviser, Adjunct Faculty, Department of Geography and the Center for Human Dynamics in the Mobile Age (HDMA), (Ph.D.)

Li An, Professor of Geography (B.S., Beijing University, China; M.S., Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; Ph.D., Michigan State University)

C. Janie Chang, Professor of Accountancy, The Vern E. Odmark Chair in Accountancy (B.B.A., Tamkang University, Taiwan; M.S., University of Illinois at Chicago; Ph.D.,
University of California, Irvine)

Jean Mark Gawron, Professor of Linguistics (B.A., New York University; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley)

Piotr L. Jankowski, Professor of Geography (M.S., Poznan University of Economics, Poland; Ph.D., University of Washington)

Samuel S.P. Shen, Albert W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Mathematics (B.Sc., Nanjing University of Science and Technology, China; M.A., Ph.D.,
University of Wisconsin, Madison)

Bongsik Shin, Professor of Management Information Systems (B.A., Sogang University, South Korea; M.S., Bernard M. Baruch College, The City University of New York; Ph.D., University of Arizona)

Faramarz Valafar, Professor of Public Health (Vordiplom, Kaiserslautern University, Germany; M.S., Michigan Technological University; Ph.D., Purdue University)

Audrey N. Beck, Associate Professor of Sociology (B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; M.A., Ph.D., Duke University)

Jianwei Chen, Associate Professor of Statistics (B.S., National Huaqiao University, China; M.S., Ph.D., Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

Ke Huang, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (B.S., M.A., Joseph Fourier University, France; Ph.D., University of Grenoble, France)

Xialu Liu, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems (B.S., Zhejiang University, China; M.A., Peking University, China; Ph.D., Rutgers University)

Xiaobai Liu, Associate Professor of Computer Science (B.S., Fudan University, China; Ph.D., Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China)

Lourdes Martinez, Associate Professor of Communication (B.A., Johns Hopkins University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania)

Atsushi Nara, Associate Professor of Geography (B.S., Shimane University, Japan; M.S., University of Utah; Ph.D., Arizona State University)

Bo-Wen Shen, Associate Professor of Mathematics (B.S., M.S., National Central University, Taiwan; Ph.D., North Carolina State University)

Wei Wang, Associate Professor of Computer Science (B.S., M.A., Xian Jiaotong University, China; Ph.D., University of Nebraska)

David Goldberg, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems (B.S., Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)

Yang Xu, Assistant Professor of Computer Science (B.S., M.S., Tsinghua University, China)

Ahmad Bani Younes, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering (B.S., Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan; M.S., University of Dayton; Ph.D., Texas A&M University)

Nancy J. Jones, Lecturer in Accountancy (M.B.A.)

Emeritus Faculty

Brian H. Spitzberg, Ph.D., 1989-2018, Professor of Communication, Emeritus [Senate Distinguished Professor]

General Information

The Master of Science degree in big data analytics prepares students with skills to explore and identify research and business opportunities provided by big data across various application domains, such as information technology, geographic information systems (GIS), social and behavioral science, digital humanities, public health, business analytics, and biotechnology.

Students develop competencies in management and analysis of big data applications with appropriate programming tools, statistical models, social theories, business concepts, and analytic software. The program has a dual-core design for students to learn computational skills (programming languages and software) and analytical methods (data mining, machine learning, spatiotemporal analysis, statistics, visualization) for data models and business applications.

Big data analytics is transdisciplinary across business, engineering, science, social science, and technology domains and involves collecting, cleaning, organizing, analyzing, and modeling data for various applications. Students use the outcomes of big data analytics to formulate research hypotheses and guide decision-making in academic or business settings.

The Master of Science degree in big data analytics provides a flexible curriculum framework for students from various backgrounds by customizing individual study plans in different fields to include business analytics, digital humanities, geospatial technology, management information systems, social science, and text analytics. The degree builds a collaborative and active transdisciplinary educational environment for students and professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in the fast growing fields of data science and data analytics.

Admission to Graduate Study

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, as described in Admission and Registration , applicants must satisfy the following requirements.

Relevant background (including previous coursework) in business, mathematics, computer science, geographic information systems, digital humanities or related fields.
Basic knowledge in computer science and programming, as demonstrated by a grade of C (2.0) or better in CS 150 and CS 150L or equivalent course, or work experience.
Basic knowledge in statistical data analysis, as demonstrated by a grade of C (2.0) or better in STAT 119 or equivalent course, or work experience.

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at https://www2.calstate.edu/apply along with the application fee.

Graduate Admissions

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended;

NOTE:
- Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
- Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
GMAT scores (SDSU institution code 9LT-2P-73) or GRE scores (http://www.ets.org, SDSU institution score 4682);
English language score (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or PTE), if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org, SDSU institution code 4682);
One page statement of research interests and professional goals (maximum 500 words).

The following supplemental materials should be submitted to the program via Interfolio.

A current curriculum vitae or resume. Include undergraduate GPA and GRE or GMAT score (and English language scores, if applicable) within the curriculum vitae or resume;
One-page statement of research interests and professional goals (maximum 500 words);
Copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (electronic, photocopies, and unofficial copies are acceptable). Note: This is in addition to transcripts submitted to Graduate Admissions;
Copies of GRE or GMAT score (and English language scores, such as IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo, or TOEFL, if applicable). Electronic, photocopies, and unofficial copies are acceptable. NOTE: This is in addition to transcripts submitted to Graduate Admissions;
One or two letters of recommendation (optional).

Programs

Big Data Analytics, M.S.