Pre-Skills/Analytics Bridge Program

Students join the Smith School with a variety of technical skills and educational and professional backgrounds. In the Online MS in Business Analytics program, students will use Python, R, and SQL in their first semester. Incoming students do not need to be proficient with these tools prior to the start of classes, however, having some prior experience will be helpful. The resources below have been compiled to assist incoming students with preparing for their master's coursework.

UMD students have unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning, an online library of instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills.

 

Summer Online Synchronous Workshops

The Smith Master Student Association (SMSA), together with the Masters Programs Office, frequently hosts Academic Skill-Building Workshops for current students. In July and August there were three sessions offered that were required for incoming Online MS in Business Analytics students who do not have prior experience with these topics. Recordings are now available. 

1. Introduction to Data Science with Python Workshop

Content includes:
-- 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

Recording: https://umd.zoom.us/rec/share/xcQam0ej8uDTRZ7CzKhZaJrzTgv7QW4duefkMErmrV3McUg3RlRqG11FgCK53CQ.q2hjdqabL9b8xpxg
Passcode: zZ$S5?t=

2. Introduction to Data Science with R Workshop

Content includes:
-- 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

Recording: https://umd.zoom.us/rec/share/yPqvpTF0ilO-wR3V2V10zWdRyUkynJRKH2aNs8hrc2V7pNogwNh2-sRENHA2aXHK.6tu-pzPxK8XCYrYb?startTime=1722690383000
Passcode: CWdEL5$x

3. Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)

Content will include:
-- Basic SQL concepts
-- How to access and manipulate data with SQL

Recording: https://umd.zoom.us/rec/share/DByIT1FAkc_ICUIQlxOQt7VXzq30zVmG7-x-LJqEk0GZ0ChOijyxKbHk76NNq479.BcRIxo7AqZyxqCic?startTime=1722776708000
Passcode: 9^#16NYB

  

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 18, 2024:

 

Optional Asynchronous Assignments and Reading