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Abstract

Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence are two topics that colleges and universities are trying to introduce in their curriculum.  This abstract will describe the various initiatives at DeSales University and some of the industry wide programs for these topics at the top of the list for many employers.

 

DeSales University started Kameron Ashfar Data Analytics Center (KADAC) to provide a center where organizations could design projects to be worked on with Dr. Ashfar and student interns relating to their “Big Data†needs.  The Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce has worked with the center on a quarterly economic forecast that is presented at DeSales by the students working on this project. The students also created a poll forecasting project that had local and national attention.  Several businesses in the area have also designed projects using the expertise and software at KADAC.

 

DeSales developed a certificate program and track within the MBA program and is currently developing a five course interdisciplinary program in the undergraduate program that compliments several of the majors at the university. One example is the accounting curriculum consisting of four courses and an elective in accounting that uses data analytics in a student project.

 

KPMG Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics program was launched in 2016 with Villanova and Ohio State Universities (https://info.kpmg.us/news-perspectives/advancing-the-profession/first-graduates-from-masters-program-join-kpmg.html. The Deloitte Foundation Center for Business Analytics is working with the University of Illinois on their eight module approach to data analytics.  The University of Illinois is willing to share the curriculum of their program with any other university.  PwC has developed classroom resources for data analytics (https://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/university-relations.html). EY and KPMG are partnering with IBM on new data and analytics solutions.

 

DeSales visited PwC in Chicago and the partner (a DeSales graduate) stated that Data Analytics will be a critical skill expected of each potential hire in the near future.  Data analytics will also be introduced to the 2019 CPA exam.

 

 

Key words: Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data

Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data