Management Concentrations

Each student must select an area of concentration. The concentration consists of 5 classes for a total of 15 credits.

Concentrations

Financial Technology 

What is Financial Technology about?

Financial Technology (FinTech) is a rapidly growing subsector of the financial services industry, which involves the application of new technologies including software tools, networking, user experience and interface platforms, and modern modeling and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency and deployment of traditional financial services. The rapid increase in the quantity, variety, and availability of new data and information sources has fundamentally changed legacy business practices in the financial services industry. Big data creates an increasing market need for talents who utilize new technologies and innovations to understand hidden patterns in investor habits and market behaviors as well as assist managers in making informed data-driven decisions. The requisite skillset required to process and analyze such information has resulted in considerable demand for staff with software development, mathematical and statistical modeling, and practical problem solving expertise. New financial technologies include, but are not limited to, crypto-currencies (e.g., bitcoin), blockchain, cloud computing, retail banking automation, machine learning and deep learning,  automated investment advisement, algorithmic trading, and risk management framework development and associated visualization tools.

Who is it for?

Professionals who are interested who are interested in applying modern tools to improve financial activities, design new applications, processes, products or business models related to financial services. Typically, students who undertake the FinTech concentration have obtained undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Technology, Finance or the applied sciences and are seeking a career focused on applying technical tools for the development of new financial services.

Where Can It Take Me?

There are various career paths one may pursue after completing the FinTech concentration.  In particular, careers in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship such as investment banking, international finance, commercial banking, sales and trading, information technology, social entrepreneurship, etc. are vocations within the scope of this program. Graduates may work for FinTech startups as well which concentrate in cryptocurrency management and trading, blockchain technologies including smart contracts, open banking, insurtech, Robo-advisement, machine learning and data mining applications and cybersecurity. Some may work for traditional financial services companies, which are in need of staff with technical skillsets to improve existing business practices and/or develop new processes related to technological innovations. 

Business Analytics 
 

What is Business Analytics?

The Business Analytics specialization is focused on developing quantitative skills that are needed for data-driven decision making, business performance analysis, and business planning in organizations.  Knowledge areas focus on modelling for analyzing data, predictive modeling, data visualization and effective data presentation.   

Who is it for?

The Business Analytics program is for students who are interested in developing a career in technology focused organizations as an analyst to provide insights and business solutions to complex business problems. Many students who select business analytics have undergraduate degrees in business, engineering, science, and information technology.  The program provides a rational balance between the quantitative and management skills business professionals will need to progress in their careers.

Where Can It Take Me?

Upon completion of the program, professionals will be able to lead data analytics projects as well as construct and visualize data-driven decision models.  The career track begins with managing focused projects as business analysts, which then transition into managerial roles and lead business development teams. Sustained career progress tracks to the director of operations, COO and CTO.

Global Project Management

What is Global Project Management about?

The Global Project Management specialization is focused on knowledge areas that are needed to effectively manage projects including scheduling, planning, and budgeting.  Project Management is an emerging field, especially in technology focused businesses, where business processes are managed as a project to achieve the ultimate goal of completing on time, under budget and within specifications.  

Who is it for?

Professionals who are interested in becoming project leads, or project managers, managing complex projects, coordinating between project teams and customers, and harmonizing the demands among project scope, time, expenditures and quality of the deliverable. Many students who select the Global Project Management specialization have undergraduate degrees in technical areas including Information Technology, computing, engineering, and business, and are seeking to build their careers in project management as well as being prepared for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. 

 

Where Can It Take Me?

Career tracks begin with managing focused projects and then leading to work on larger international and national projects. Global Project Management professionals would then transition into managerial roles and run Operations departments. Sustained career progress tracks to the COO, CIO, or FIO positions.

 

Web Systems and Media 
 

What is Web Systems and Media?

The Web Systems and Media specialization is focused on the development of a revolutionized way of web applications and social media applications. They include expertise in marketing strategies, front end – user experience analysis, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) management, and working closely with development teams for final product design.

Who is it for?

Candidates who are interested in web development, graphics development, media and journalism, and online marketing strategy development. Many students who select Web Systems and Media have undergraduate degrees in Information Technology, Computer Science, Journalism, Graphic design, and professional and technical communications.

Where Can It Take Me?

The career track begins with work on focused projects as front end developer or content developer supporting web development teams. Web Systems and Media professionals then move into managerial roles, leading project development teams. Sustained career progress tracks to project lead and CTO.