Academic Catalog

School of Business and Economics

Mission Statement

The School of Business and Economics works toward developing effective decision-makers and leaders in both the private and public sectors through a strong practical business education as well as a comprehensive liberal arts education. Academic programs instill excellence, build confidence, and develop strong leadership skills that graduates can use throughout their careers.

Faculty and Staff

Khadija Almal - Assistant Professor
Tracy Bibelnieks - Senior Lecturer
Mei Cao - Professor
Ethan Christensen - Assistant Professor
Jeffrey Filipiak - Senior Lecturer
Sakib Mahmud - Professor
Ephraim Nikoi - Professor
Nathan Pollesch - Senior Lecturer
Mark Starik - Senior Lecturer
Peter Stark - Senior Lecturer

Degrees

Certificates

Course Descriptions

Data Science

DS 701  Exploratory Data Analysis  3.00  
This course introduces data science and highlights its importance in decision making. Students will learn how to analyze data using the R programming language. During the course, students will learn how to import data into R, tidy it, conduct exploratory data analysis, develop visualizations, and draw statistical inferences. The course aims to teach data wrangling, visualization and exploration with R.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in Data Science program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  
DS 705  Statistical Methods  3.00  
Statistical methods and inference procedures will be presented in this course with an emphasis on applications, computer implementation, and interpretation of results. Topics include simple and multiple regression, model selection, correlation, moderation/interaction analysis, logistic regression, chi-square test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, MANOVA, factor analysis, and canonical correlation analysis.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  
DS 710  Programming for Data Science  3.00  
Introduction to programming languages and packages used in Data Science.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in Data Science program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  
DS 716  Data Management for Data Science  3.00  
This course explores the various approaches for data management used in data science. We present how data is collected, transformed, stored, and delivered for use in data science projects.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in Data Science program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  
DS 730  Big Data: High Performance Computing  3.00  
This course will teach students how to process large datasets efficiently. Students will be introduced to non-relational databases. Students will learn algorithms that allow for the distributed processing of large data sets across clusters.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall
  
DS 740  Data Mining & Machine Learning  3.00  
Explore data mining methods and procedures for diagnostic and predictive analytics. Topics include association rules, clustering algorithms, tools for classification, and ensemble methods. Computer implementation and applications will be emphasized.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall
  
DS 745  Visualization and Unstructured Data Analysis  3.00  
This course covers two aspects of data analytics. First, it teaches techniques to generate visualizations appropriate to the audience type, task, and data. Second, it teaches methods and techniques for analyzing unstructured data - including text mining, web text mining and social network analysis.
Prerequisites:
    Successful completion of DS 740 and Admission to the M.S. Data Science program
  
DS 750  Data Storytelling  3.00  
Data storytelling involves using data to tell a compelling narrative that helps audiences understand, engage with, and act on the information. This course combines data analysis with communication techniques to present data in an informative and engaging way. This course is specifically designed as a graduate-level requirement for the MSDS degree, focusing on teaching students how to effectively communicate insights through data storytelling techniques. Participants will learn to craft engaging stories that resonate with various audiences and drive decision-making.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  
DS 770  Ethical Decision-Making Using Data  3.00  
This course examines how data science relates to developing strategies for organizations. The emphasis is on using an organization’s data assets to inform better decisions. The course investigates the use of data science findings to develop solutions to competitive organizational challenges. Special attention is given to critically examining decisions to ensure that they are ethical and avoid unfair bias. Professional codes of conduct as well as local and international regulations are also considered. Successful completion of DS 740 is recommended but not required to enroll in DS 770.
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  
DS 776  Deep Learning  3.00  
Introduction to the theory and applications of deep learning. The course begins with the study of neural networks and how to train them. Various deep learning architectures are introduced including convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and transformers. Applications may include image classification, object detection, and natural language processing. Algorithms will be implemented in Python using a high-level framework such as Pytorch or TensorFlow.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Spring
  
DS 785  Data Science Capstone  3.00  
Capstone course; students will develop and execute a data science project using real-world data and communicate results to a non-technical audience.
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  

Health & Wellness Management 

HWM 700  Contemporary Health and Wellness Perspectives  3.00  
Explore the determinants of health, health equity, and best practices in fostering holistic well-being. Students will use evidence-informed approaches to effectively promote individual and organizational well-being culture through multiple communication modalities. Explore the expectations and development of wellness professionals as agents of change.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 705  Strategic Management for Wellness Managers  3.00  
Determine an organization's strategic direction by evaluating the external environment and stakeholder needs, and taking inventory of what internal resources and capabilities are necessary. Use this information to establish specific actions, organizational structure and systems, ethical implications and the inclusive culture needed to achieve organizational goals.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Foundations of Health and Wellness-Graduate Certificate (FHW)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 710  Research and Data Analysis for Wellness Programs  3.00  
Prepares students collecting and analyzing data and evaluating research for designing wellness programs. Students will: 1) identify the health and wellness needs of diverse audiences, 2) collect and evaluate data. Students will identify and utilize analytical tools for a given issue and consider the ethical implications of using these methods.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Foundations of Health and Wellness-Graduate Certificate (FHW)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 715  Professional Communication for Wellness Managers  3.00  
Understand the role of effective communication in health and wellness management. Apply multiple communication skills and tools tailored to a target audience to bring about change in an organizational or community context.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Improving Health with Data and Policy-Graduate Certificate (HDP)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 725  Evidence Based Practice in Health and Wellness  3.00  
Discover what evidence-based practice is and why it matters for health and wellness professionals. The course provides procedures and tools to explore reliable information about health determinants and intervention approaches (physical, mental, and social well-being). The course provides a practical application of the stages of evidence-based practice.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Foundations of Health and Wellness-Graduate Certificate (FHW)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 730  Holistic Aspects of Health  3.00  
This course examines current population health issues by analyzing their biological, psychological, and social-environmental determinants. Taking a holistic focus, students apply evidenced-based approaches in health psychology. Students learn how to create and deliver effective evidence-informed messaging to address these issues and positively impact health outcomes.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Foundations of Health and Wellness-Graduate Certificate (FHW)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 740  Health Systems and Policy for Wellness Managers  3.00  
This course provides information pertaining to the US Health Care system with emphasis on health and wellness. It provides an overview of the major public and private stakeholders including public health, insurance, and health care providers. Participants will examine how health policy impacts the design and financing of wellness programs.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 750  Planning and Evaluation for Wellness Managers  3.00  
Examine and planning, implementation, and evaluation of wellness programs as inter-related, cyclical activities. Students will implement the major strategic activities and processes involved in planning and evaluating wellness programs, aiming to foster a culture of well-being within diverse environments.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Foundations of Health and Wellness-Graduate Certificate (FHW)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 755  Health and Wellness Law, Policy, and Action  3.00  
Students will examine the role of government agencies in shaping health policy and health equity. Students will analyze current federal, state, and local regulations and impacts on health outcomes as well as understand healthcare systems and insurance. Students will evaluate potential providers and contracts. An emphasis will be placed on ethical principles, social responsibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Improving Health with Data and Policy-Graduate Certificate (HDP)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 760  Wellness Law  3.00  
This course introduces students to the legal and ethical environment of wellness management. Topics include the Affordable Care Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and HIPAA. Students will learn effective negotiation skills that can be used when dealing with contracts and vendors.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 770  Human and Group Behavior  3.00  
Explore why people and groups behave as they do. Interpret evidence from well-designed research studies and ethical practices to examine the integration of health and wellness initiatives. Analyze organizational design (micro-, mid-, and macro-level) and human behavior to more effectively engage stakeholders and promote a culture of well-being.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to MS in Health and Wellness Program or Foundations of Health and Wellness-Graduate Certificate (FHW)
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  
HWM 787  Capstone Preparation  1.00  
This course provides the opportunity for students to prepare for their semester-long capstone project. Students will identify a partner organization with whom they can collaborate for completion of their capstone project the following or a subsequent semester. Students will develop a project proposal designed to synthesize and apply information from the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management curriculum and meet the needs and interests of the partner organization.
Prerequisites:
    Completion of 18 credits in the HWM program or academic director consent
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring, Summer
  
HWM 790  Health and Wellness Management Capstone Course  3.00  
This course provides a cohesive experience designed to synthesize and apply information from the MS HWM curricula. Students complete an individual capstone experience that demonstrates thorough understanding of the knowledge, skills and disposition necessary to be a successful health and wellness manager.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall or Spring
  

Sustainable Management 

SMGT 700  Cultural and Historical Foundations of Sustainability  3.00  
This course introduces sustainability as a foundational management framework, examining humanity's evolving relationship with the natural environment through scientific, historical, cultural, and philosophical lenses. Students apply systems thinking to evaluate complex environmental and social problems, critically assess key events shaping sustainable development, and cultivate the intellectual grounding necessary for responsible participation in sustainable management.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 710  The Natural Environment  3.00  
This course explores the natural environment through the Earth Systems model, examining the interdependencies of natural cycles, climate, water, energy, and ecosystems with the carbon cycle as a unifying theme. Students investigate human impacts on natural systems, core sustainability concepts, and develop intensive writing and analytical competencies essential for advanced scholarly inquiry and capstone preparation.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 720  Applied Research and the Triple Bottom Line  3.00  
This course provides a hands-on introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods applied to sustainability, emphasizing the inseparability of natural, social, and economic environments. Students develop competencies in modeling, root cause analysis, regression analysis, and data collection strategies, gaining practical tools to identify and propose evidence-based solutions to sustainability challenges facing contemporary business organizations.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 730  Policy, Law and Ethics of Sustainability  3.00  
This course examines the legal, ethical, and policy frameworks governing sustainable economic development at national and international levels. Students analyze landmark legislation including NEPA and the Kyoto Protocol, evaluate the roles of agencies such as UNEP and the Department of the Interior, and gain foundational knowledge to assess the evolving relationship between environmental law, economic development, and global sustainability.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 740  Economics of Sustainability  3.00  
This course advances understanding of the economy as an ecosystem component, incorporating natural capital alongside human, social, and financial capital. Students explore micro, macro, and international trade theory through a sustainability lens, examining globalization, market failure, consumerism, technological change, and the global food economy to assess interdependencies between economic activity and sustainable development.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 750  The Built Environment  3.00  
This course explores the built environment as an intersection of human needs, community infrastructure, and energy systems. Students examine how community and building design addresses fundamental needs—water, transportation, and healthcare—and evaluate what constitutes a sustainable community. Drawing on architectural design principles and case studies, students assess sustainable design strategies and their unintended consequences for equitable, resilient communities.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 760  Geopolitical Systems  3.00  
This course examines geopolitics, public policy, and sustainability decision-making across national, state, and local levels, integrating political science, environmental policy, social justice, and natural resource management. Students analyze formal policymaking, ESG reporting, public-private partnerships, and risk management, developing capacity to navigate sustainability decisions amid resource conflicts, climate impacts, and public health and security concerns.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 770  Leading Sustainable Organizations  3.00  
This course takes a macro-level approach to leading sustainable organizations, translating sustainability principles into organizational strategy and leadership practice. Students examine organizational change, stakeholder management, conflict resolution, and situational leadership, with emphasis on balancing the triple bottom line—people, planet, and prosperity—to build cultures of sustainability capable of driving meaningful transformation during periods of environmental and technological change.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 780  Corporate Social Responsibility  3.00  
This course examines Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the lens of economic theory and human psychology, exploring how organizations create value by navigating business success and societal well-being. Students evaluate CSR strategy, stakeholder relationships, corporate governance, ESG measurement, ethics, and philanthropy, gaining competencies to lead organizations that are financially viable, ethically grounded, and socially responsible.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 782  Supply Chain Management  3.00  
This course examines organizational supply chains through the triple bottom line, addressing total life cycle costs, customer expectations, and social responsibility. Core topics include sourcing, operations, distribution, reverse logistics, and environmental footprints—carbon, water, and pollution. Students gain financial and managerial supply chain knowledge extended by environmental and social considerations to lead efficient, effective, and genuinely sustainable supply chains.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 784  Sustainable Water Management  3.00  
This course addresses sustainability within aquatic environments through public health, engineering, and municipal conservation management perspectives. Core topics include water quality and quantity, governance frameworks, treatment technologies, aquatic assessment, environmental mitigation, and climate change impacts on water systems. Students develop analytical competencies to evaluate aquatic sustainability challenges and contribute to water resource governance amid increasing environmental pressure.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 785  Waste Management and Resource Recovery  3.00  
This course examines the generation, processing, management, and disposal of municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives, emphasizing resource recovery and beneficial reuse. Topics include waste recovery processes, producer responsibility, life cycle analysis, and zero waste paradigms. Students critically assess conventional systems and evaluate innovative strategies aligned with circular economy and sustainable consumption principles.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 786  Climate Change  3.00  
This course explores climate change through scientific, humanistic, and sustainability frameworks, covering causes, impacts, and scientific communication challenges. Students evaluate environmental justice, community vulnerability, and policy efficacy as instruments for addressing climate consequences, and assess existing and emerging mitigation and adaptation strategies, cultivating the scientific literacy, ethical awareness, and policy acumen necessary to engage with this defining global challenge.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 790  Capstone Preparation Course  1.00  
This course challenges students to build the foundation for their capstone project by applying program knowledge, research, and scholarly inquiry to develop a formal research proposal. Typically focusing on a sustainability issue within the student's workplace or a local organization, it develops the investigative framework carried forward into the MSMGT 792 Capstone Course, for which it is a prerequisite.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 792  Capstone Project  3.00  
This course promotes the synthesis and integration of learning from across the M.S. in Sustainable Management program, applied in a professional context. Students implement the research design developed in MSMGT 790 under faculty guidance, constructing rigorous arguments and synthesizing data into a coherent, meaningful whole that advances sustainable management practice within their own professional communities.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 795  Special Topics in Sustainable Management  1.00-3.00  
Various specialized areas of sustainable management will be examined. This course may be repeated for credit with a different topic.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  
SMGT 799  Study Abroad  3.00  
Study abroad courses are conducted in various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. This course may be repeated in different locations.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
  

Contact Information

School of Business and Economics
University of Wisconsin - Superior
Erlanson Hall 301
Belknap and Catlin Ave.
P.O. Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880
Phone: 715-394-8206
Email: business@uwsuper.edu