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:
- Successful completion of DS 701
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:
- Successful completion of DS 710
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:
- Successful completion of DS 705
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.
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.
Typically Offered:
- Online: 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:
- Completion of HWM 787
Typically Offered:
- Online: Fall or Spring
Sustainable Management
SMGT 700 Cultural and Historical Foundations of Sustainability 3.00
The changing relationships of humans to the natural environment; changes in dominant scientific perspectives and the process of scientific debate. The quest for understanding, manipulating, and dominating the natural world. Cultural and organizational structures; the role and impact of technology; the systems approach to problem solving and its implications for the future.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 710 The Natural Environment 3.00
Natural cycles, climate, water, energy, bio-systems, eco-systems, the role of humans in the biosphere; human impacts on natural systems. Use of case studies; some pre-reading, carbon cycle as a unifying theme. Disturbance pollution and toxicity; carrying capacity; natural capital.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 720 Applied Research and the Triple Bottom Line 3.00
Document and project internal and external costs resulting from the inseparability of the natural, social and economic environments. Assess sustainability issues using basic modeling techniques; cause and effect, root cause analysis, regression analysis and business scenario based cases.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 730 Policy, Law and Ethics of Sustainability 3.00
The Law and Ethics regarding sustainability of Economic development and emerging environmental challenges at national and international levels; including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Carbon Footprints, Kyoto protocol, and Brundtland Commission. The policy and role of government and its agencies such as Army Corps of Engineers; Department of Interior, etc., in building a more just, prosperous, and secure environmental common future.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 740 Economics of Sustainability 3.00
Understand the economy as a component of the ecosystem within which it resides, with natural capital added to the typical analysis of human, social, built, and financial capital. Explore traditional micro, macro, and international trade theory and policy and the implications of sustainability. Topics include: history of economic systems and thought; globalization and localization; distinguishing between growth and development; the nature and causes of market failure; consumption, consumerism, and human well-being; emerging markets; technological change; business organization and financial market alternatives; demographic change; and the global food economy.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 750 The Built Environment 3.00
Explore how the built environment came to be and the intersection of human needs: water, air, food, water, waste, transportation, healthcare and education. Evaluate community design: what does a sustainable community look like? Study related technologies and evaluate alternatives, discuss unintended consequences. Course will include case studies.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 760 Geopolitical Systems 3.00
An examination of decision making and public policy for sustainability at the national, state, and local level, with emphasis on the social, economic, political factors affecting decisions within both the public and private sectors. Attention is given to formal American policy making processes, informal grassroots activities and consensus building, public engagement with sustainability decisions, corporate sustainability actions and reporting, the promise of public-private partnerships and collaborative decision making, and practical examples of how decision making fosters effective transitions to sustainability goals at all levels.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 770 Leading Sustainable Organizations 3.00
A macro-level perspective on leading sustainable organizations. Topics addressed include: organizational change and transformation processes, strategic and creative thinking, organizational structures and their impacts, conflict management and negotiation, stake holder management and situational leadership styles and behaviors. Focuses on how organizational leaders develop and enable sustainable organizations, especially in times of environmental change.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 780 Corporate Social Responsibility 3.00
Corporate social responsibility and an organization. Evaluation of risks and potential impacts in decision making recognizing the links between the success of an organization and the well being of a community. Integrating corporate social responsibility throughout an organization, creating metrics and communicating CSR policies internally and externally. Development of best practices in an organization pertaining to corporate social responsibility.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 782 Supply Chain Management 3.00
Planning, organizing and controlling the organization's supply chain is examined in context of the triple bottom line. Total cost analyses or product and process life cycles are considered in the context of strategy and operations. Topics include: sourcing, operations, distribution, reverse logistics and service supply chains. Process measurements and the impact on organizational performance in the context of footprints (e.g. carbon, water, pollution). Discussion of existing and potential software systems.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 784 Sustainable Water Management 3.00
This course addresses practical applications of sustainability in aquatic environments. Topics covered include water and health, water quality and quantity, governance, assessing the aquatic environment, water treatment technologies, environmental mitigation, and impacts of climate change. Emphasis will be on selected areas of interest from the perspective of public health, engineering, and municipal conservation management.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 785 Waste Management and Resource Recovery 3.00
Topics include the generation, processing, management and disposal of municipal, industrial and agricultural waste with an emphasis on the technical, economic and environmental aspects of various recovery processes. Additional topics will include producer responsibility, design for environment and life cycle analysis.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 786 Climate Change 3.00
In this course, you will explore climate change through scientific, humanistic, and sustainability frameworks. After building a strong foundation in the causes, impacts, and study of climate change, you will apply this understanding to evaluate scientific communication, environmental justice and vulnerability, and environmental policy to find solutions and strategies to address anthropogenic climate change.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 790 Capstone Preparation Course 1.00
Research, data analysis, scholarly inquiry resulting in project proposal.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 792 Capstone Project 3.00
Completion of approved project utilizing concepts from coursework.
Prerequisites:
- Admission to M.S. in SMGT Program.
SMGT 795 Special Topics in Sustainable Management 1.00
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