Students join the Smith School with a variety of technical skills, educational, and professional backgrounds. In the MS in Information Systems program, students will acquire knowledge of SQL, Python, R, and Tableau in their first semester. Incoming students are not required to be proficient with these technologies prior to the start of classes, but they should develop some experience and knowledge of these technologies. This knowledge will help students be more effective and efficient with their learning. It is also highly recommended that students are familiar with basic business concepts. The resources below have been compiled to assist incoming students with preparing for their fall coursework during the summer months.
UMD students have unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning, an online library of instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills.
Recommended Summer Workshops
In July and August, there will be three different topics offered and incoming MS in Information Systems students are encouraged to attend if they do not have prior experience with these topics.
1. Introduction to Data Science with Python Workshop
Content will include:
- Basic programming in Python
- Reading different file formats in Python
- Data Manipulation: Exploration and Cleaning NumPy and pandas
- Data Visualization with seaborn
- Saving different file formats in Python
Cost: $5 per student
Date/Time: Sunday, July 30, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. eastern time
Register here
2. Introduction to Data Science with R Workshop
Content will include:
- Basic programming in R
- Reading different file formats in R
- Data Manipulation: Exploration and Cleaning dplyr and tidyr
- Data Visualization with ggplot
- Saving different file formats in R
Cost: $5 per student
Date/Time: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. eastern time
Register here
3. Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
Content will include:
- Basic SQL concepts
- How to access and manipulate data with SQL
Cost: $5 per student
Date/Time: Sunday, August 6, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. eastern time
Register here
Required In-Person Workshop
This workshop will provide a good foundation for success in BUDT 731: Data Models and Decisions. This workshop is required and provided at no cost.
- Thursday, August 24, 2023, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. (part of New Student Orientation)
Strongly Recommended Summer Assignments
First semester courses will focus on analytical principles that can guide complex decision-making. A strong understanding of basic business math, basis statistics, and spreadsheet skills will be critical to successfully completing the semester. To prepare for coursework, it is strongly recommended that students complete all of the following no later than August 20, 2023:
- LinkedIn Learning: Python Statistics Essential Training
- LinkedIn Learning: Statistics Foundations 1: The Basics
- LinkedIn Learning: Statistics Foundations 2: Probability
Optional Summer Work and Reading
- Business Writing and Communications
- LinkedIn Learning: Communication within Teams
- LinkedIn Learning: Communication Foundations
- LinkedIn Learning: Tips for Better Business Writing
- LinkedIn Learning: Own Your Voice: Improve Presentations and Executive Presence
- A Plain English Handbook: How to Create Clear SEC Disclosure Documents
- Business Skills
- Excel (for students with no Excel experience)
- LinkedIn Learning: Excel Essential Training
- LinkedIn Learning: Microsoft Excel: Using Solver for Decision Analysis
- LinkedIn Learning: Excel PivotTables: Mastering PivotTables and PivotCharts
- SQL
- R
- LinkedIn Learning: Master R for Data Science
- The Book of R: A First Course in Programming and Statistics
- UCLA R Learning Modules
- Introduction to R Notes
- Tutorials Point R Tutorial
- Tableau
- TensorFlow
The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business recently published its Summer Reading List 2023, as recommended by faculty.