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Leeds is at the forefront of data analytics with two new innovative master’s programs—supply chain analytics and marketing analytics.

Data is everywhere. The challenge isn’t collecting it but turning it into actionable insights and informed business decisions. That’s the vision behind Leeds’ new master’s programs in supply chain analytics and marketing analytics, beginning in 2025.

“Being able to launch marketing analytics and supply chain analytics degrees is exciting and supportive of the growth of the school and the opportunities we provide as students consider the changes occurring in business careers,” said Kristi Ryujin, associate dean for graduate programs at Leeds. During her 11-year tenure, she has witnessed seismic changes in these two major areas of global business.

Transforming supply chain operations

Supply chains became a household topic during the pandemic, as shortages, price surges and logistical bottlenecks exposed vulnerabilities in global systems. Today, organizations must grapple with growing amounts of data to answer critical questions: Where should products be stored? How should production be timed? How can pricing and overhead be optimized? How will changing tariffs and regulations affect operations and revenue?

“These are the kinds of questions we’re hearing,” Ryujin noted. “Discussions with industry partners show how far supply chain operations have come from the days of literally walking the lines in the warehouse. Now, we’re looking at things like performance over time, and it’s all data driven.”

Leeds’ new Supply Chain Analytics master’s program builds on 10 years of expertise in core supply chain topics including procurement, logistics, inventory management and programming skills in Python. The new program replaces and updates the existing supply chain management degree, incorporating new technologies including AI and machine learning, and advanced technical skills.

The ability to predict demand, address inefficiencies and reduce risks can translate into significant cost savings and operational improvements for organizations. For example, supply chain analytics can help a food manufacturer forecast ingredient needs to avoid spoilage, streamline delivery schedules and align with sustainability goals in packaging and production.

“Leeds is seen as a leader in sustainability,” Ryujin said. “Having a sustainable supply chain is part of the opportunity we have in guiding students.”

“There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”—Kristi Ryujin, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs

Expanding career opportunities

As supply chains grow more complex, so does the demand for skilled professionals. The new master’s program is tailored to both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible formats to accommodate busy schedules.

“One of the things we pride ourselves in is that we develop talent,” Ryujin said. “If someone was an undergraduate psychology major, for example, and really likes numbers and data, we will prepare that student for success in the program.”

High-demand roles in supply chain analytics include:

→ Demand Planner
→ Logistics Analyst
→ Operations Analyst
→ Procurement Agent
→ Quality Control Analyst

“We learned so much during COVID. And now we must think about the complexities and volatility of supply chain markets based on government changes, leadership changes, climate change and more,” Ryujin said. “Our ability to address these challenges is what makes our supply chain analytics degree so interesting and exciting,” she said. “There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”

The growing role of marketing analytics

Leeds’ new Marketing Analytics master’s program builds on Leeds’ foundation of excellence in marketing research and teaching. The program is designed to prepare students for roles that require translating data into actionable insights, understanding customer behavior and optimizing marketing effectiveness.

The new program will expand upon Leeds’ breadth of marketing courses with the added technical skills to address evolving and emerging roles. These roles are becoming vital in helping companies understand their audiences, drive revenue growth and solidify their reputation as purpose-driven, sustainable organizations.

High-demand roles in marketing analytics include: