MS in Data Analytics at Benedictine University

An Overview of Benedictine University

Benedictine University is a private Catholic university founded in 1887, with its main campus located in Lisle, Illinois, within the western suburbs of Chicago. The 108‑acre suburban campus offers a community-oriented environment with modern academic facilities, small class sizes, and close ties to nearby research centers like Argonne and Fermilab. With about 3,100 total students—including ~1,000 graduate learners—BenU blends Catholic Benedictine values with academic rigor.

Format & Location: A Hybrid, Student-Friendly Approach

The MS in Data Analytics is offered in a hybrid (low-residency) format: for each 16‑week semester, students take two 8‑week courses—one fully online and one delivered in person during a mandatory 3‑day weekend residency per semester. This setup is ideal for professionals and international students seeking flexibility while maintaining in‑person engagement.

Tuition & Affordability

The program consists of 33 semester credits completed over 22 months, at approximately $4,800 per semester (6 credits), leading to a total program tuition of roughly $26,400—noticeably lower than many comparable graduate STEM programs.

Day‑1 CPT: Getting Real‑World Experience From the Start

A standout feature: international students begin Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from Day 1 of the program, continuing through the full 22 months with renewals each year. The CPT practicum is fully integrated into the curriculum, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world workplace settings immediately. Reddit discussions of Day‑1 CPT programs highlight how this can enhance career prospects and extend OPT/H‑1B timelines.

What You’ll Learn: Core Curriculum & Skills

The 33-credit curriculum includes an introductory foundation course, 21 credits of core data analytics, and 9 elective credits, often from business applications or related STEM tracks. Graduates gain proficiency in:

• Python and R programming,

• Mathematical and statistical methods,

• Data visualization and analytics tools,

• Machine learning and data mining,

• Project design and communication of technical insights for both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Career & Industry Demand

With data analytics roles surging across sectors—tech, healthcare, finance, marketing, and public policy—graduates are prepared for in-demand roles like data scientist, data analyst, machine learning engineer, or business intelligence analyst . STEM designation also provides up to three years of OPT, further extending international students’ entry into the U.S. job market.

Why This Program Stands Out

Feature	Benefit
Low-residency hybrid format	Flexible online schedule with manageable on-campus intensity
Highly affordable tuition	~$26,400 total—much lower than traditional full-time STEM master’s degrees
Day‑1 CPT opportunity	Immediate work authorization, real-world experience from start
Industry‑aligned curriculum	Hands-on skills in high-demand analytics tools and methodologies
STEM designation & OPT	Up to 36 months of OPT, giving more time to stay and work in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

Benedictine University’s MS in Data Analytics offers an attractive blend of flexibility, affordability, and career readiness—especially for international students and working professionals. The hybrid weekend‑online structure reduces living and opportunity costs while keeping academic engagement high. The Day‑1 CPT program means you can start building your résumé immediately, while the STEM OPT extension maximizes your post-graduation work prospects.

If you’re focused on launching or advancing a career in data analytics with minimal debt and maximum real-world exposure, this program is definitely worth exploring. Let me know if you’d like help comparing it to other options or details on the application process!