Newswise — Big data is everywhere – from our smartphones to business to government. Studies have indicated that data production will be 44 times greater in 2020 than it was in 2009.

However, The McKinsey Global Institute has estimated U.S. demand for analytic specialists will exceed the number of qualified experts personnel by 1.5 million.

As big data moves to the forefront of the boardroom, how do businesses keep up and find qualified people to manage it all?

Washington University in St. Louis’ Olin Business School aims to help solve this problem with the launch of its Master of Science in Customer Analytics (MSCA) degree, offered in partnership with IBM.

“The MSCA program will train students to become analytics driven business managers,” said Seethu Seetharaman, PhD, the Patrick W. McGinnis Professor of Marketing and director of the program. “Graduates will be well equipped to successfully participate in the emerging business era of big data. The program is ideal for applicants whose undergraduate training is in a technical field who want to build on their abilities and develop the skills to manage strategic business issues using advanced analytical methods.”

The MSCA will prep students to use relevant big data to forcefully guide an organization toward greater profit margins and more revenue.

Students will benefit from the expertise of IBM, which has opened six analytic centers worldwide, as well as insights and knowledge from WUSTL computer science and political science professors and from business practitioner guest speakers.

“Our graduates will be able to seek job opportunities with any organization that has embraced the value of big data, including companies marketing the world’s most respected and recognizable brands,” Seetharaman said. “Additional opportunities exist at consultant companies with a heavy reliance on customer analytics. Organizations across the board will be searching for applicants trained in social media analytics.”

The program can be completed in a 10 or 18-month format, including foundations coursework in August.

The MSCA program holds a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) designation.

For more information, visit olin.wustl.edu/msca.