Marketing

Department

Meet all faculty members in the Department of Marketing, Operations and Analytics.

Help a Company or Cause Stand Out in a Crowd

As a Marketing major at St. Edward’s, you’ll learn the fundamentals of promoting a message or product in today’s highly digital, crowded marketplace.

Gain a solid foundation in business principles through courses focused on management, research, analytics, e-commerce and social media. You’ll develop the practical skills marketing jobs require: content creation, conversion rate optimization, social media marketing, data analysis and more. Apply what you learn to hands-on projects, like developing a social media marketing plan for a real-life client, and creating and implementing a marketing plan for a company or nonprofit.

Why earn your Marketing degree at St. Edward’s?

Your marketing skills can benefit a variety of careers, including roles overseeing social media campaigns, product and brand management, research analysis, and public relations. Whatever your path, one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.

Build relationships with your professors

Learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors with years of marketing expertise. They’ll get to know you, help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years. They’ll leverage their experience — and connections — to help you build your network.

Join a vibrant, like-minded community

Connect with students who, like you, aim to make a difference in the marketing world. Get involved in student organizations that support up-and-coming marketers. Attend lectures by local business professionals, learn leadership skills, and take part in social events and volunteer activities that serve others.

Boost your résumé and credentials

Opportunities for experiential learning, internships and certifications in employer-preferred marketing technologies immerse you in the professional world. When you graduate, you’ll have the practical experience to help any organization share its message and measure its impact.

Reap the Rewards of Austin

Austin is one of the fastest-growing technology and entrepreneurship hubs in the U.S. and home to nearly 100 Fortune 500 firms. Austin’s dynamic business environment offers a wealth of internships and jobs in marketing. Take advantage of partnerships between The Bill Munday School of Business and Austin entities like Capital Factory and Impact Hub Austin that will help expand your network.

What do our graduates do?

Marketing majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.

Junior Project Manager at Dell
Digital Marketing Specialist at Adlucent, a digital marketing agency in Austin
Marketing Specialist for EBQ, an outsourced sales and marketing organization in Austin
Promotions Coordinator for Toyota Music Company
Director of Product Management at Blucora
Account Manager Specialist for Gartner

All students at St. Edward’s University can enroll in the Digital Marketing minor, which focuses on digital certifications and marketing metrics.

Explore More Details About the BBA in Marketing

Degree Plan

Major Requirements:
The BBA in Marketing requires 63 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements:
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Marketing major (PDF).

A few examples of the Marketing courses students take:

Advanced Marketing Management – Gain experience creating and executing effective marketing plans — with a variety of marketing channels — for either non-profit or for-profit organizations.
Digital Marketing and Analytics – Learn a framework for managing and analyzing an organization’s online presence and interacting with customers for marketing purposes.
Social Media Marketing – Create a social media marketing plan for a real-life client, and become certified in a social media management tool.

The Marketing Operations and Analytics Department works diligently to keep marketing education relevant in the digital age.

Digital Marketing Minor

Any student at St. Edward’s University may enroll in the Digital Marketing minor, which focuses on digital certifications and marketing metrics. The minor helps prepare students for a variety of marketing and technical roles in the 21st-century business ecosystem.

As a Marketing major, you’ll take courses full of practical skills that employers look for when they hire. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities outside the classroom to learn from experts, network and gain practical experience in internships.

Experiential Education

Your classes will teach you marketing theory and best practices — and then you’ll use what you’ve learned, in projects like these:

In the Principles of Marketing course, students do a marketing simulation as an experiential learning assignment.
In the Marketing Research course, you’ll work with an Austin nonprofit as your client for a real-world research project.
In the Buyer Behavior course, you’ll gather data for a conjoint analysis and do a market segmentation project using cluster analysis.
In the Social Media Marketing course, you’ll create a social media marketing plan for a real-life client and become certified in a social media management tool.
In the Marketing Metrics course, you’ll get certified in Google Analytics.

Certifications

Other classes will offer the opportunity to get certified in technologies like Hootsuite, HubSpot Inbound, and Google Ads.

Internships

You’ll get hands-on experience with marketing by interning in a professional environment. Our students have recently interned at the following organizations:

Found Media Group, an Austin marketing and advertising agency
The social media department of Costco Wholesale Corporation’s corporate office
Reality Based Group, a company specializing in the customer experience management space
ScaleFactor, and Austin-based business financial software company
Texas Association of Realtors
Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando
South by Southwest Music Festival planning department

The Office of Career and Professional Development also coordinates workshops that feature local marketing, advertising and communication professionals. Students have networked at these events and made connections that led to them being hired full-time.

Student Organizations

Outside the classroom, you’ll get to learn from experts in the field at lectures on campus and meetups off campus. You’ll build relationships with your fellow students by developing your professional skills and having adventures together in Austin.

The Distinguished Marketer Speaker Series brings a prominent marketing professional to campus each semester to share insights about current topics like digital media, design principles, brand development and social media crisis management.

The Hilltop American Marketing Association hosts experts who keep students up to date on marketing challenges, ethics in the profession and jobs in the field. Hilltop AMA has offered a resume workshop and professional headshots and cohosted a mixer at a downtown Austin marketing communications firm.

Hilltop AMA members met up with the Austin AMA chapter at its early-morning coffee chats. Students also attend social events like indoor rock climbing, a night at a vintage arcade and a craft party to make valentines for residents at a senior care center.

Many student clubs and organizations have a marketing officer, a communication coordinator or a social media manager. This is another chance to exercise your marketing skills outside the classroom.

Marketing faculty members bring years of direct experience in both small and large organizations, including Motorola, Compaq, Dell, Dun & Bradstreet, Verizon Telecommunications, Mitel Networks, Cornerstone OnDemand and General Motors, to the classroom.

Faculty are involved with professional organizations, publications and local businesses. Many are highly skilled in digital marketing, marketing metrics and statistical techniques.

St. Edward's graduates in cap and gown show off their diplomas

Earn Two Degrees in Five Years

With our Accelerated Graduate Pathways, you can complete your BBA in Marketing and master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) in as little as five years, saving time and money. See details and requirements.

Marketing to Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Success coaches and academic advisors guide you through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.

Learn about all of our Accelerate Graduate Pathways.

The Bill Munday School of Business is accredited by AACSB International. Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators and businesses worldwide.

Digital Marketing

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Minor

School

Department

Meet the Rising Demand for Digital Marketing Professionals

With a minor in Digital Marketing, you’ll enter the workforce ready and able to use the latest digital marketing technologies — and with industry-recognized certifications to prove it.

It’s estimated that within the next few years, more than 70% of all marketing spend will be in digital marketing. In today’s digital age, digital marketing impacts every sector of the economy. The Digital Marketing minor strengthens any major you pursue, helping you effectively reach and communicate with target audiences aligned with a company, cause or endeavor you care about.

You’ll be prepared to take on multiple marketing roles, such as marketing manager, digital marketing specialist, social media manager, content marketer, email marketing specialist or SEO specialist.

What will you learn?

In the Digital Marketing minor, you’ll learn core marketing principles, plus skills specific to the digital world, like content creation, social media marketing, web design, analytics, search engine optimization and more.

Your classes will translate directly to the requirements of marketing jobs — you’ll even take on projects like creating a social media marketing plan for a real-life client, and planning and running a paid search campaign for a company or nonprofit.

And you’ll have the chance to earn certifications in employer-preferred marketing technologies like Hootsuite, HubSpot Inbound, Google Ads, and Google Analytics. When you graduate, you’ll have the practical experience to help any organization share its message and measure its impact.

What do our graduates do?

Digital Marketing graduates from St. Edward’s go on to a variety of careers. Here’s a sample:

Data Media Specialist at Optimal, an Austin firm specializing in digital advertising solutions for consumer, entertainment, healthcare & public affairs
Media Planner at Horizon Media, a Media agency headquartered in New York
Account Manager at GSD&M, a full-service agency headquartered in Austin
Project Manager at AMD, a semiconductor manufacturer in Austin
Digital Marketing Specialist at Adlucent, a digital marketing agency in Austin
Marketing Specialist for EBQ, an outsourced sales and marketing organization in Austin
Promotions Coordinator for Toyota Music Company
Director of Product Management at Blucora
Account Manager Specialist for Gartner

Explore More Details About the Digital Marketing Minor

With courses in Social Media Marketing, Marketing Research and Digital Marketing, graduates with a minor in Digital Marketing enter the workforce able to understand and use the latest digital marketing technologies. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and project-based assignments. In the Marketing Research course, students perform real-world marketing research for a client, and students in the Social Media Marketing course create a social media marketing plan for a real-life client.

Required Courses:

Principles of Marketing – MKTG 2301
Business Statistics – BUSI 2305
Marketing Research – MKTG 3343
Digital Marketing and Analytics – MKTG 4342
Marketing Metrics and Analytics – MKTG 4344
Social Media Marketing – MKTG 3335

Electives (Choose 1):

Sales and Relationship Management – MKTG 3332
Principles of Retailing and E-commerce – MKTG 3333
Buyer Behavior – MKTG 3336
Visual Communication – COMM 2305
Video Production and Editing – COMM 2359
Document Design – ENGW 2329
Interactive Media Production and Design (Photoshop) – JOUR 2314
Interactive Technology I – BDMM 3344
Digital Media and the Law – BDMM 4330

Total Hours: 21

For more details and course descriptions, view and download the Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF)

Opportunities abound for students in the Digital Marketing minor to engage with the Austin tech community, build connections with Marketing students and gain direct experience creating digital campaigns. These extracurricular activities help bolster your résumés and grow your network. You’ll work to create social media plans for local companies, and you’ll plan, implement and measure a paid search campaign for a firm or nonprofit of their choice.

Student Organizations

Both the Hilltop American Marketing Association (AMA) encourage participation from all students at St. Edward’s University. The Hilltop AMA hosts panels, speaking engagements and networking events that help bridge the gap between student life and professional life. Check out the many student organizations recommended by The Bill Munday School of Business.

National Conferences

Students can apply to attend national marketing conferences, where they can explore career options, hear from experts in the field, attend presentations and meet students and professionals with similar interests. National Conferences

Students can also apply to attend national marketing conferences, where they can explore career options, hear from experts in the field, attend presentations and meet students and professionals with similar interests. For example, students from the Hilltop American Marketing Association group attended the American Marketing Association’s 40th annual International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans.

Each summer, Marketing EDGE hosts a Collegiate Summit in New York City for undergraduates to gain industry insights and discover data-driven and interactive marketing careers. Several St. Edward’s University students apply and attend this conference, often with the support of faculty-offered scholarships.

Distinguished Marketer Speaker Series

The Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department hosts a prominent marketing professional each fall and spring to share insights on a relevant topic in the field. In fall 2018, the department will host Jeff Miner, brand strategist at Google’s BrandLabs in New York City, for a discussion on “Marketing in the Age of Distraction,” along with a professional from the Direct Selling Education Foundation who will address “Mobilizing Your Sales Force for Social Justice.”

Meet Our Faculty

Kyle Allison

Adjunct Faculty

Phone:

512-448-8696

Email Kyle Allison

Debra Blatz

Professor of Marketing

Phone:

512-448-8645

Office: Trustee Hall 313

Adjunct Faculty

Adjunct Faculty

Email Alan Christopher

Fatemeh Firouzi

Asst Professor of Business Analytics

Phone:

512-448-8696

Office: Trustee Hall 329

Email Fatemeh Firouzi

Omid Jadidi

Asst Professor of Operations Management

Phone:

512-428-1302

Office: Trustee Hall 325

Email Omid Jadidi

Juli James

Adjunct Faculty

Phone:

512-448-8696

Email Juli James

Akhil Jonnalagadda

Adjunct Faculty

Email Akhil Jonnalagadda

Teddy Kim

Adjunct Faculty

Email Teddy Kim

Mortada Mohamed

Adjunct Faculty

Office: Premont Hall 306

Email Mortada Mohamed

Adesegun Oyedele

Assc Professor of Marketing

Phone:

512-448-8650

Office: Trustee Hall 331

Email Adesegun Oyedele

Yongshin Park

Assc Professor of Operations Mgmt

Phone:

512-428-1353

Office: Trustee Hall 328

Email Yongshin Park

Wesley Pollitte

Chair Pay 24-25

Phone:

512-233-1624

Office: Trustee Hall 330

Email Wesley Pollitte

Carol Portillo

Adjunct Faculty

Phone:

512-791-2494

Office: Trustee Hall 321

Email Carol Portillo

GRADUATE

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Master of Science

School

Department

Achieve Your MS in Business Analytics in 12–18 Months

Learn to collect data, analyze it and then forecast the future, while being a part of our people-centered academic community. Numbers are important but so are the people behind them.

By earning your degree from The Bill Munday School of Business, you’re preparing yourself to think critically, analyze problems, and make responsible and strategic decisions, all through a lens of moral reasoning and ethics that is unique to St. Edward’s University.

Why earn your MS in Business Analytics at St. Edward’s?

St. Edward’s offers small, interactive classes and convenient schedules, well-connected professors, a prime location in Austin, and relationships with employers who seek out our graduates. Our high academic standards and personalized approach prepare you to take on a whole new level of success.

Take advantage of flexibility

Offered with online or hybrid options, this 30-credit hour program is ideal for full-time working professionals and can be completed in 12–18 months. Courses are offered in a 7-week accelerated, online format with in-person options and are taken one at a time.

Build relationships with your professors and colleagues

You’ll learn from award-winning professors with years of data analysis experience and insights on the latest industry trends. They’ll get to know you, become trusted advisors and encourage networking among your classmates and the Austin business community.

Earn a prestigious degree

The Bill Munday School of Business is AACSB accredited, which proves our programs have met rigorous international academic standards. In its 2024–2025 Best Colleges rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked our MS in Business Analytics program #12 in the nation and #1 in Texas for student engagement and faculty responsiveness.

Gain real-world experience

The Business Analytics degree culminates with a final hands-on project that showcases what you’ve learned throughout the program. You’ll collaborate with a client on a consulting assignment and tackle a real-life business analytics challenge.

Enhance Your Career with a STEM-Designated Degree

Our MS in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated degree. STEM degrees provide increased quantitative and technical rigor, making you a strong candidate for in-demand jobs focused on these skills. If you’re an international student, a STEM degree allows you to work in the U.S. at a job that uses your technical skills for up to 3 years without needing sponsorship. Connect with Graduate Advising Services to learn more.

A skyline view of downtown Austin, Texas.

Reap the Rewards of Austin

Austin is one of the fast-growing technology and entrepreneurship hubs in the U.S., and home to nearly 100 Fortune 500 firms. Our Austin location, partnerships and connections allow you to immerse yourself in a dynamic business environment where business analysts are in demand.

What do our graduates do?

Earning an MS in Business Analytics can create and enhance an array of career opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for roles that include:

Business Case Modeling Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Management Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Marketing Analyst
Data Scientist
Manager of Modeling and Analytics
Principal or Senior Data Analyst
Chief Data and Analytics Officer

Our graduates of the Business Analytics program are furthering their careers at a range of companies. Here’s a sample:

NXP Semiconductor
Box
Ready.net
City of Austin
TrueNorth Companies
Texas Department of Public Safety

Explore Details About the MS in Business Analytics

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program at St. Edward’s University. A master’s degree in Business Analytics will prepare you for a rewarding career path as business analytics is one of today’s fastest-growing professions. Organizations, big and small, in virtually all segments of the economy, increasingly rely on data analysis to boost process efficiency, enhance customer (and employee) satisfaction, increase product/service innovation, mitigate risk and achieve all-around performance excellence.

The Business Analytics program is designed for individuals from a limitless range of educational and work backgrounds, but who have in common a strong interest in problem-solving, critical thinking, methodical analysis, intellectual curiosity and effective communication. It is not assumed that you enter the program with any particular computer programming skills or mathematical knowledge beyond basic algebra.

The four stages of business analytics in which you will be versed include: descriptive analytics –summarizing and characterizing past outcomes; diagnostic analytics – determining the factors and events that contributed to past outcomes; predictive analytics – forecasting likely outcomes with and without changes being made; and prescriptive analytics – solving for the changes that will maximize good outcomes and minimize bad ones.

Your instructors have considerable experience in both applying and teaching the concepts, methods and algorithms to which you will be exposed. With their patient guidance and determination, you will gain the skill set needed to successfully carry out, as well as oversee, business analytics projects. I wish you much success in your pursuit of the MSBA degree and a satisfying career in the discipline.

– Yongshin Park, PhD

Director, MS in Business Analytics

Learning Goals:
Our Business Analytics program prepares students with knowledge and skills that are in high demand in the workplace. You’ll learn to analyze historical data for trends and patterns, diagnose problems, forecast and predict future outcomes, and help model scenarios to make data-driven decisions. When you graduate, you’ll have the ability to:

Translate a problem or opportunity described by a layperson to a technical model formulation.
Identifying the appropriate analytical tool(s) for a particular objective.
Execute the most-used methods for descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive business analysis.
Apply analytics to a variety of business functions at different levels for decision-making.
Contribute to the decision-making process by producing clear courses of action for consideration by managers.
Work fluently in Tableau, Python, R, Power BI, SQL and Arena software.

Outcomes:
An individual graduating from the program without relevant work experience is expected to immediately qualify for an entry-level position such as a junior business analyst. With prior or gained experience, an individual can assume a mid-level role of lead or senior business analyst overseeing teams and large-scale projects.

The breadth of functional business decisions covered in the Business Analytics program makes our graduates strong candidates for advancement to high-level administrative positions with titles such as business analytics director and even chief operations officer.

Offered with online or hybrid options, the MS in Business Analytics is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed in 12–18 months while working full-time. Courses are offered in a 7-week accelerated, online format with in-person options and are taken one at a time. The program culminates with a Capstone final project.

Core Courses:

Introduction to Business Analytics and R – BANA 6310
Data Summarization and Visualization – BANA 6312
Python for Business Analytics – BANA 6320
Big Data and Database Management – BANA 6330
Inferential Statistics – BANA 6332
Predictive Analytics – BANA 6340
Simulation Modeling – BANA 6350
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – BANA 6352
Optimization Modeling – BANA 6360
Business Analytics Practicum – BANA 6370

View and download the Graduate Bulletin PDF.

Detailed Course Descriptions:

Introduction to Business Analytics and R – BANA 6310

This course presents an introduction to the concepts of data analysis and the tools that are used to perform daily functions. It is broken into two major components. The first is to introduce the conceptual framework of business analytics, including the ethical issues and social impact of data analytics. The second is to build familiarity with the basic R toolkit for statistical analysis and graphics, such as data manipulation, exploratory data visualization and application of fundamental data mining techniques.

Prerequisite: None

Data Summarization and Visualization – BANA 6312

This course introduces students to principles of data visualization and techniques for interactively depicting large datasets. Students learn storytelling and practice with advanced tools to communicate information and data insights clearly and effectively through dashboards. Students gain hands-on experience using interactive data visualization software to create the desired output. Topics include: time series, statistical data graphics, multivariate displays, geospatial displays, dashboards, and interactive and animated displays.

Prerequisite: None

Python for Business Analytics – BANA 6320

Python is one of the highly demanded programming languages for business analysts due to its simplicity, versatility, efficiency and community support. This course is designed as an introduction to Python programming to analyze data. Students will explore fundamental programming with hands-on activities that help them build applications using Python. Topics covered in this course are data wrangling and management, summarizing the data, visualization, statistical analysis, and prediction using data analysis libraries such as Pandas, MatPlotLib, Numpy, Scipy, and more.

Prerequisite: BANA 6332

Big Data and Database Management – BANA 6330

The primary goals of this course are to teach proven techniques for managing organizational data resources and dealing with the 3 V concepts (volume, velocity and variety) associated with big data. Students learn to design and implement a database using relational database management systems (RDBMS). Students gain step-by-step instruction and hands-on experience with MySQL. Topics include building, modeling, and administering a database, data warehousing, data integration and data security, and ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of data in our modern society.

Prerequisite: None

Inferential Statistics – BANA 6332

This course focuses on the understanding and application of inferential statistics in the decision-making process. Students develop the statistical foundation that underpins business analysis and machine learning. Foundation concepts include probability distribution, interval estimation, hypothesis testing, Bayesian statistics, multivariate analysis (cluster analysis) and statistical control chart. The statistical approach to decision-making is based on cutting-edge computer programs and analysis of large-scale data. Hence, the emphasis of this course is placed on combining programming techniques and statistical concepts simultaneously through the analysis of real-life data sets taken from various sources.

Prerequisite: None

Predictive Analytics – BANA 6340

This course introduces students to predictive modeling methods and tools. The topics covered include logistic regression, classification and regression tree (CART), random forest, support vector machine, nonparametric kernel estimation, lasso, ARIMA, and text analytics. Students learn how to develop relevant analytic questions and learn multiple methods to evaluate the performance of predictive models to select the most appropriate one. Statistical software packages, such as R or Python, are used for statistical computing. This course helps students internalize a core set of practical and effective skills for projection analysis and apply them to solve real-world problems.

Prerequisite: BANA 6310

Simulation Modeling – BANA 6350

In this course, students learn how to better understand the behavior of a real process that is subject to uncertainty using a model of the process. Simulation models are developed containing the mathematical expressions and logical relationships that are then used to compute the process output values for a given set of input values. Methodically changing process assumptions and operating policies in the simulation model and rerunning it can provide insight into how changes will affect the operation of the real process. Students gain experience in flowcharting a process, developing a computerized simulation model, deciding the experimental design of their analysis, interpreting the output of the computer model and making recommendations for decision makers.

Prerequisite: None

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – BANA 6352

This course introduces students to fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning concepts and their business applications. The course covers terms, concepts and essential algorithms, including augmented intelligence, knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, deep learning, pattern recognition, neural networks, and natural language processing. Students get hands-on experiences with natural language processing technologies.

Prerequisite: None

Optimization Modeling – BANA 6360

In this course, students learn how to use prescriptive analytics methods classified as optimization approaches. The forms of mathematical programming methods covered include linear and nonlinear, integer and noninteger, deterministic and stochastic, as well as single- and multiple-objective. In applying prescriptive analytics methods to problems in a variety of business functions, students are exposed to all the steps of decision modeling, from problem formulation to the identification of alternative solutions and the sensitivity of the solutions to the assumptions made.

Prerequisite: None

Business Analytics Practicum – BANA 6370

In this course, students apply the descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytical methods they have studied throughout the program to decision-making in different functional areas of an organization including finance, marketing, operations and human resources. Data relevant to a decision are identified, organized and summarized. Relationships between variables are recognized, and projection models are developed. Best courses of action are determined using tools such as optimization, simulation and artificial intelligence. Students gain practice at not only applying analytical tools but also communicating the output of the tools in a clear, concise manner.

Prerequisites: Final term or w/Director’s approval

Technologies:

Students will gain experience with the following technologies:

Python (general-purpose programming language)
Pycharm (Python integrated development environment - IDE)
R (statistical computing and graphics package)
RStudio (R integrated development environment - IDE)
Power BI (interactive data visualization package)
SQL (Structured Query Language for databases)
GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System for optimization)
Arena (discrete-event simulation package)
Excel (spreadsheet package)
Anaconda (open-source DS, AI, and ML software distributor)
Jupyter (interactive computing platform)
Kaggle (online community of data analysts)
Github (Internet hosting service for software development)

Our faculty in the MS in Business Analytics program work to strike the ideal balance between theoretical and practical skills. They care about your success, and they do their best to equip you with the tools you need to navigate complex scenarios where data analysis can be utilized to the benefit of customers, employees and the enterprise.

Fatemeh Firouzi, PhD

Assistant Professor of Business Analytics

Fatemeh Firouzi earned her PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Bergamo University in Italy in collaboration with MIT-Zaragoza Logistics Center. Prior to joining St. Edward's University, she served as an assistant professor of professional practice in Business Analytics at Texas Christian University. She has several years of experience at different universities in Canada and the USA teaching a variety of courses including Data Visualization, Statistical Models, Supply Chain Analytics, Business Statistics and Operations Management. In addition, she has industry experience in big data analysis and as an industrial engineer.

Omid Jadidi, PhD

Assistant Professor of Operations Management

Omid Jadidi has taught operations management, manufacturing management, project management, supply chain management, global management and other courses with a quantitative or technical emphasis. He holds a PhD in Logistics and Chain Management, and MS and BS degrees in Industrial Engineering. Jadidi’s research has been published in leading journals related to the courses he teaches. He also has multiple years of industry experience working as a project controller, industrial engineer and material planning manager.

Akhil Jonnalagadda, PhD

Adjunct Professor

Sri “Akhil” Jonnalagadda is a distinguished professional with a robust educational foundation and extensive expertise in quantitative finance, economics education and research. He holds an MA in Economics and a BA in Economics, both earned from The University of Texas at Austin. Over the past four years, Jonnalagadda has been an integral member of the faculty at St. Edwards University, where he has excelled in teaching undergraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and healthcare economics, as well as graduate-level courses covering Python, R, SQL and Statistics.

In addition to his academic role, Jonnalagadda has garnered significant experience in the financial sector and consulting industry. His professional tenure includes roles at prominent financial institutions and consulting firms, where he has demonstrated proficiency in econometric modeling, financial risk analysis and macroeconomic forecasting. Furthermore, he has made noteworthy contributions to research, with publications and involvement in projects spanning critical illness surveillance, LNG price dynamics and advancements in treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis.

Teddy Kim, MPS

Adjunct Professor

Teddy Kim possesses a solid academic background and expertise in healthcare data analysis, biomedical informatics, and clinical research. He earned his Master of Professional Science degree in Biomedical and Health Informatics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin. He is instructing graduate-level courses that focus on using tools such as Tableau and Power BI, which improve data analytics by offering intuitive visualizations, helping users swiftly understand complex data sets, and facilitating more informed decision-making. Apart from his academic position, Teddy utilized his expertise in data discovery, transformation, harmonization, and modeling to facilitate the effective integration of diverse datasets within the biotechnology industry. He implemented new procedures and quality checks to minimize discrepancies in biomedical data, developed robust data models, and enhanced data quality. In addition, he conducted analyses of hospital readmission to identify patterns and trends, aiding healthcare providers in optimizing resource allocation and formulating strategies to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.

John Loucks, PhD

Professor

John Loucks holds a PhD (Operations Management major, Business Logistics minor) and an MBA from Indiana University. He earned a BBA (Management Science major) from the University of New Mexico. In addition, he has attained ASQ’s Certified Quality Engineer and APICS’s Certified Production and Inventory Manager credentials. Loucks’ teaching experience includes, in addition to St. Edward’s, positions at Indiana University, Purdue University and Bowling Green State University. He has taught — at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels — dozens of courses on statistics, optimization modeling, project management, quality assurance, simulation modeling and supply chain management.

Loucks’ consulting experience is in a wide range of fields, including government, manufacturing, financial services and education. From this experience he has gained a sense of which analytical tools are more useful and what challenges arise in both using the tools and implementing the solutions found. Loucks has a passion for sharing his theoretical and practical knowledge gained over 35+ years and helping students gain the analytical skills needed to advance their careers. He is known for clearly explaining concepts and algorithms and providing example applications to demonstrate their relevance.

Yong Shin Park, PhD

Associate Professor of Operations Management

Yong Shin Park teaches Big Data, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Data Summarization and Visualization, Simulation, Operations Management, and Business Statistics. Through his dynamic teaching style and innovative curriculum, he inspires students to explore the complexities of operations management and equips them with practical skills for success in the field.

Park’s research is characterized by a methodology that integrates quantitative modeling of operations management problems with a focus on sustainability. His work addresses pressing environmental challenges, such as optimizing bio-energy supply chain networks and developing a sustainability index of transportation systems and ports. Park’s research demonstrates his commitment to advancing academic knowledge and practical solutions. His work has been published in esteemed journals, including OMEGA, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of the Operational Research Society, and International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, among others.

Chen Xu, PhD

Assistant Professor of Economics

Chen Xu holds a PhD degree in Economics and a bachelor's degree in Mathematics, both from the University of Oklahoma. Xu has expertise in applied microeconomics, with a particular focus on labor economics, development economics and applied econometrics. His rigorous quantitative approach to research enables him to employ advanced econometric techniques, leading to impactful findings on economic issues.

In addition to research, Xu is a passionate educator, having taught a wide range of economics and data analysis courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He has designed and delivered courses on principles of economics, intermediate economics, labor economics, Chinese economy, econometrics and predictive analytics, as well as specialized courses for MBA programs. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-world problems, preparing students to tackle contemporary economic and business challenges with analytical precision and informed insights.

At $36,000, the online Master of Science in Business Analytics degree is a smart investment. The skills acquired in this program position you for a career in business analytics. Tuition* includes all course fees but does not include books, comprehensive fees or other course materials. Once accepted to the program, you are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit. Deposits are applied toward tuition and secure your place in the upcoming class.

*Tuition is subject to change at the discretion of the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees.

Financial Aid

The St. Edward’s University Financial Aid Office provides information about financial aid opportunities available to graduate students. Please visit our Financial Aid page or call us at (512) 387-3110 if you are interested in additional details.

To apply for the program, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and complete the application process. For application dates and to submit an application, please go to the Graduate Application Page.

Need more information? Please contact an Enrollment Counselor at (512) 326-7501.

GRADUATE

Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Master of Science

School

Department