Decision Analytics and Systems

Students in any undergraduate major at Carnegie Mellon University can elect the Minor in Decision Analytics and Systems (DAS), building along the way 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!

Heinz College offers the undergraduate Minor in Decision Analytics and Systems (DAS), providing you with the opportunity to add systems thinking and evidence-based problem solving to any field of study.

Data is a means to an end—creating value for people and society. But before data can create value, there comes a critical decision point. DAS 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 DAS minor features gamechanging experiential courses that ground DAS 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.

DAS MINOR CURRICULUM AND COURSEWORK

DAS Core Courses
- Introduction to DAS (94-216)
- Simulation for DAS (94-217)
- Optimization for DAS (94-433)
- Applied Econometrics for DAS (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.
Expected Pre-requisites
- Calculus (21-111, 21-112, OR 21-256)
- Matrix Algebra (21-240)
- Computer Science (15-112 AND 15-122)
- Probability and Statistics (36-225 AND 36-226)
- Principles of Microeconomics (73-102)
For more information, please visit the Carnegie Mellon Schedule of Classes.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE: DAS

Below is one possible schedule for the DAS minor. Actual schedules may vary based on course availability and other factors.

Year Two - Fall Semester

Introduction to DAS
Optimization for DAS

Year Two - Spring Semester

Simulation for DAS
Applied Econometrics for DAS

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 DAS 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 Sectors
Alex Jutca, Department of Human Services, Allegheny County
May 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

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