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. 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.

Online MS in Business Analytics students must have the following software ready to use on their personal computers before the first day of class:

Online MS in Business Analytics students will also be utilizing the following software during the program:

  

Required Pre-Semester Asynchronous Courses 

First semester courses will focus on analytical principles to guide complex decision-making. A strong understanding of basic business math, basis statistics, and spreadsheet skills will be critical to successfully completing the semester. Students who do not already have a strong familiarity with these topics should complete the following no later than January 23, 2026:

 

Optional Asynchronous Assignments and Reading

Incoming students do not need to be proficient with all of these tools prior to the start of classes, however, having some prior experience could help them learn more effectively.