MS in Data Analytics at Benedictine University

An Overview of Benedictine University: A Pathway for International Graduate Students

Benedictine University is a private Catholic university founded in 1887. Its main campus is located in Lisle, Illinois, within the western suburbs of Chicago. The 108-acre suburban campus offers a community-oriented environment. Here, you'll find modern academic facilities, small class sizes, and close ties to nearby research centers like Argonne and Fermilab. With about 3,100 total students, including around 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. Each 16-week semester consists of two 8-week courses. One course is fully online, while the other is 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: A Cost-Effective Choice

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

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

A standout feature of this program is that international students can begin Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from Day 1. This opportunity continues through the full 22 months, with renewals each year. The CPT practicum is fully integrated into the curriculum. This allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world workplace settings immediately. Discussions on platforms like Reddit 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. Electives often come 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: A Growing Field

Data analytics roles are surging across various sectors, including tech, healthcare, finance, marketing, and public policy. Graduates are prepared for in-demand roles such as data scientist, data analyst, machine learning engineer, or business intelligence analyst. The 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: Your Future Awaits

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!