In an era shaped by technological advancement and AI, data has emerged as both a compass and a stimulus, pointing the way forward while enabling smarter decisions across every industry. At the forefront of this digital transformation, LAU has introduced the Master of Science in Data Analytics, designed to meet today’s needs and face tomorrow’s challenges.

At the launch on April 29, 2025, at the Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB), Beirut campus, Dr. Manal Yunis, associate professor and chairperson of the Information Technology and Operations Management Department (ITOM), reflected on the program’s evolution, from an idea in 2017 to a fully approved graduate degree in 2025. 

“We live in a world overflowing with information, but the real challenge is making sense of it, transforming it into clarity, priorities, and decisions,” she said. “Data propel our contemporary world, and this program represents an investment in human capabilities to navigate the transformations anticipated across all sectors.” 

To that end, added Dr. Yunis, the program emphasizes experiential research and practical applications, equipping students with essential skills to analyze, interpret and implement data-driven insights in diverse business contexts. 

LAU was taking a leading role in shaping digital education through interdisciplinary, market-aligned programs, noted LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah. “The MS in Data Analytics is essential for public governance, digital transformation and economic revitalization,” he said, urging the students to view data as a transformative force for responsible and intelligent decision-making across sectors.

Congratulating the ITOM Department and AKSOB on the launch, Interim Dean Salpie Djoundourian highlighted the school’s growing portfolio of graduate programs. She encouraged the students to explore the variety of offerings designed to meet evolving market needs and equip future professionals with advanced, interdisciplinary skills.

Dr. Jordan Srour, associate professor at the ITOM Department, shared that the department is considering aligning the MS in Data Analytics with INFORMS’ e-Certified Analytics Professional (eCAP) framework. This potential alignment aims to ensure the program reflects globally recognized competencies and prepares students to meet evolving industry demands.

Whether building cloud-native systems—a software approach for creating, launching and managing modern applications in cloud computing environments—or ensuring that artificial intelligence is used responsibly, students are trained to think strategically and communicate complex analytical findings effectively. 

An important component of the program, said Assistant Professor of Practice Dunya Harajli, was to educate students to handle data ethically while creating solutions and evaluating decisions rationally. According to Dr. Harajli, it fosters a balance between intuition and analysis, equipping students to lead with both emotional intelligence and data-driven clarity. “Analytics isn’t just about numbers,” she said, “it’s about a mindset that unites insight and evidence.” 

Incorporating a thesis and a capstone project track, the master’s ensures that students can fulfill their objectives by preparing research studies or launching into the industry, said Dr. Abbas Tarhini, associate professor at the Information Technology and Operations Management Department. “The curriculum bridges theory and application with coursework in machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, decision-making with data, data engineering and the growing field of data ethics, graduating students with technical fluency and the ability to apply it where it counts most,” he added. 

A panel discussion at the event titled “So You Want to Be a Top-Notch Data Analyst? Here’s What Top Companies Are Looking For!” provided a global perspective to the academic context. 

Featuring leaders from top multinational tech companies —Levant Regional Director of Thales Group Mouchir El Housseini; Director of CMA CGM Digital Hub Pierre Asmar; Chief Operations Officer of BMB Group, KSA and Levant,Maria Tohme; and Founding Partner of CME and SIREN Carole Al Sharabati—the panel, moderated by Director of 42 Beirut and Adjunct Faculty Wissam Sammouri, underscored the role of AI and data analytics in shaping the future and the value of an MS in Data Analytics in addressing the skill and knowledge gaps between university graduates, and the needs of employers.. 

What distinguishes the program at LAU, remarked Dr. Sammouri, is that it provides students with a strong theoretical foundation and the right mindset for local and international market demands—hands-on experience, critical thinking, project ownership and the ability to work with real-world data. 

In her closing remarks, Dr. Yunis drew inspiration from the World Economic Forum, stating: “The time to act is now.” She emphasized that LAU did not wait for tomorrow but took initiative early on to meet the rising demand for data expertise. “Today’s launch is not just a celebration of a new program,” she affirmed. “It’s a commitment to preparing future-ready professionals who will lead with data, think strategically, and make a measurable impact.”

The MS in Data Analytics program is open to applicants with a Bachelor of Science and a strong foundation in quantitative methods. 

Additional information on the degree can be accessed here.