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.

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 22, 2025:

 

Optional Asynchronous Assignments and Reading