Minor in Decision Analytics and Systems
Students in any undergraduate major at Carnegie Mellon University can elect the Minor in Decision Analytics and Systems to build a robust interdisciplinary toolkit that draws on computer science, economics, statistics, operations research, machine learning, and information systems. You will also learn how to apply this toolkit to consequential societal problems.
Before data can create value, there comes a critical decision point. Our Decision Analytics and Systems minor prepares you to be the one who makes that decision, navigating the process from end to end: from identifying a current decision point and the problem it could solve, to determining the right decision and its potential value, and finally communicating that value and putting the decision into action.
Using Heinz College’s deep expertise in analytics, public policy and information systems as a launchpad, the Decision Analytics and Systems minor features gamechanging experiential courses that ground our strategies in real world application, so you can see the social impacts of this work firsthand.
For more information, contact Professor Raja Sooriamurthi at raja@cmu.edu.
CURRICULUM AND COURSEWORK
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Core Courses
- Introduction to Decision Analytics and Systems (94-216)
- Simulation for Decision Analytics and Systems (94-217)
- Optimization for Decision Analytics and Systems (94-433)
- Applied Econometrics for Decision Analytics and Systems (94-431)
- Critical Analysis of Policy Research (90-440)
- Machine Learning for Public Policy Lab (94-489)
For more information, please visit the Carnegie Mellon Schedule of Classes.
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Expected Pre-requisites
SAMPLE SCHEDULE: Decision analytics and systems minor
Below is one possible schedule for the Decision Analytics and Systems minor. Actual schedules may vary based on course availability and other factors.
Year Two - Fall Semester
- Introduction to Decision Analytics and Systems
- Optimization for Decision Analytics and Systems
Year Two - Spring Semester
- Simulation for Decision Analytics and Systems
- Applied Econometrics for Decision Analytics and Systems
Year Three - Fall Semester
- Critical Analysis of Policy Research
Year Three - Spring Semester
- Machine Learning for Public Policy Lab
Experiential learning with industry partners
The Decision Analytics and Systems minor's co-op model allows students to partner with innovative companies and organizations and apply their coursework to the real world. These partners will influence the curriculum, ensuring that the courses remain current and help students address society's greatest challenges, including education, healthcare, energy and the environment. Students will engage with companies or organizations such as UPMC, the Department of Homeland Security, Accenture and McKinsey on projects, speaker series and internships.
collaboration between students and industry partners
- Semester-long co-ops
- Studio project engagement
- Scopeathon: 2022, 2023
- Capstone Projects
- Internships
- Speaker series and guest lectures
Industry partner co-sponsored talks
- Decision-Making Under (Lots of) Uncertainty:
Lessons Learned From Applying Decision Analytics in the Public and Tech SectorsAlex Jutca, Department of Human Services, Allegheny CountyMay 2, 2024 - How to Become Enterprise-Ready for Gen AI?
Jimmy Priestas and Tyler Buffie, Accenture
December 13, 2023 - Lessons Learned from Real-World Analytics Transformations
Sahil Jain and Jeris Studland, McKinsey & Company
May 2, 2023 - Systems Thinking & Decision Making: Dynamic and Resilient Strategy
Dr. Anand Rao, PwC
December 7, 2022