Master’s in Business Analytics – Guide to Choosing a Program
For business-minded individuals who are looking to participate in the big data boom that has taken off over the past several decades, one excellent career path you might consider is the role of a business intelligence analyst.
Drawing upon data science skills but foregrounding business acumen, business intelligence analysts are crucial to helping companies make meaningful and impactful decisions based on their collected datasets.
After all, raw data is only as valuable as the trained eyes who are able to interpret it and translate it into actionable strategic plans. Many businesses currently contain an on-staff divide between those who aren’t trained in data analysis and those who are. Business intelligence analysts help bridge that gap, acting as liaisons between data scientists and company leadership to make sure that the insights gained from raw data are put to good use.
Business intelligence analysts play an indispensable role in many companies, as consequently are compensated generously for their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that operations research analysts earn an impressive median annual salary of $82,360. In top-paying industries for operations research analysts, such as the federal government, employees earn a median annual salary of $120,950, while the fields of manufacturing, technical services, and company management offer the median salaries surpassing $90,000.
Beyond these exceptional salaries, business intelligence analysts have reason to anticipate a steady increase in opportunities over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a job growth rate of 23% for operations research analysts by 2031, far exceeding predictions for most other professions. If you had any doubt about the viability of a business intelligence analyst career before, fear not.
So how does one become a business intelligence analyst? The standard route is by earning a Master’s in Business Analytics, which will build up the skills and body of knowledge needed to perform this highly consequential role.
A master’s in business analytics degree is geared towards students hoping to pursue a graduate degree with an emphasis on advanced analytics courses. The program is less technical than a master’s in data science or a master’s in data analytics and thus appeals to a more business oriented student.
The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about in-person business analytics degree programs so that you can make the best career investment possible.
What Do Business Intelligence Analysts Do?
For example, Business Intelligence Analysts may use SQL for database querying and statistical analysis to uncover actionable insights that align with business logic and highly specific business objectives (e.g., identify an underserved market segment and create products or services for specific consumers within that market).
However, when compared to a Data Analyst Position, Business Intelligence Analysts are expected to assist in designing and/or maintaining an optimal flow between information technology (IT) and the business processes which lead to more informed decision making on the part of managers and C-level executives.
For the most part, Business Intelligence Analysts (or Business Analysts) tend to be a go-between for the frontend business applications and the backend infrastructure of how those applications are delivered to either internal employees or customers. Data Analysts focus more on forecasting or predictive analytics.
In contrast, those with a Master’s in Business Analytics will find that their analysis within a business intelligence context is centered on assessing historical data while using forecasts from data analysts to help revise business objectives and processes.
Some employers may merge the two job requirements, or they may not be aware of the different responsibilities required of a Business Intelligence Analyst vs. a Data Analyst.
One way to differentiate between these job functions is to view them from a workflow perspective: Data Analysts must analyze the data gathered from multiple sources first, then the analysis is transferred to a Business Intelligence Analyst for review and reaction, e.g., making recommendations for increasing sales, retaining customers, attracting new customers, etc.
In This Guide
- Step 1: On-campus vs. Online
- Step 2: Assess the Curriculum
- Step 3: Determine Cost
- Step 4: Admissions Requirements
- Step 5: Apply
- FAQs
- Review Schools
Steps for Completing an On-Campus Master’s Degree in Business Analytics
Choosing an on-campus MS in Business Analytics requires that you weigh three main factors carefully: time, cost, and scope. Each step below will walk you through an overview of what to expect should you decide that attending traditional classroom oriented academics is the ideal educational delivery method.
Step 1: On-campus vs. Online Master’s in Business Analytics
Is there a well regarded local university that offers a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics? If so, are you willing to commit to the extra travel time, transportation costs, and other fees such as parking (assuming you’ll be driving your own vehicle as opposed to public transport or walking/biking to campus)?
Some students prefer the in-person environment where they can connect with other students who share similar goals and interests. An on-campus Master’s in Business Analytics has the added benefit of being synchronous: students can interact in real time with their professors to ask questions and receive immediate answers to their queries.
On an added note, there are universities that do not offer an online version of their Master’s in Business Analytics. Furthermore, they may limit admission to only a single semester such as Spring or Fall, and disallow admission during the other semester sections.
Briefly returning to the “well regarded” designation, a hierarchy still exists in relation to the prestige of an academic institution. Although any university you choose should definitely have gone through the accreditation process, school rankings are a step beyond this component. Employers are prone to view higher ranked schools, e.g., Princeton, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, etc. more positively. But, if your on-campus university choices are limited, it’s not the end of the world. As long as you meet employer qualifications, you’re still in the running for establishing a career in Business Intelligence Analyst or Business Analyst.
Step 2: Assess the Master’s in Business Analytics Curriculum
This step combines an analysis of the coursework you’ll be undertaking and the length of time needed to complete the degree. The total number of credits depends on the institution; but there is an overall range of 30 to 48 credits which means, at 3 credits per course, you’ll work your way through between 10 and 16 courses.
On-campus courses generally follow the semester or quarter based system which may lengthen your completion time.
There are Masters in Business Analytics programs that run “cohorts” where you’re grouped with other students who’ve been scheduled for a specific start and end date. One of the main goals of the cohort design is to move students through a thorough yet faster track for finishing the master’s degree. Programs can take anywhere from a mere three semesters to two years to complete.
Additionally, reviewing the required courses will provide you with relevant information as to the breadth and depth of the program. In general, almost all of the on-campus MS in Business Analytics programs will have data mining, data visualization, business statistics, and Big Data analytics as core courses.
Keep in mind that a Masters in Business Analytics is, ultimately, a business degree. So, you’ll also likely complete coursework in marketing analytics, pricing and revenue management, as well as risk assessment and mitigation techniques (these will be specific applications of the aforementioned business statistics course).
Step 3: Determine Cost and Payment Options
The cost of private for-profit universities has dramatically outpaced its non-profit competitors. However, costs for all universities continues to rise.
If you’re planning on moving to a new state and attending a public university, then be mindful of the out of state tuition inflation which can, at the very least, double your tuition expenses. The higher ranked universities will cost you more. For instance, the 2022-2023 cost to attend Johns Hopkins University for a Masters Degree in Business Analytics and Risk Management is almost $70,000 per year. In contrast, Iowa State’s 2022-2023 total program cost for their Master of Business Analytics is $24,000.
Paying $20,000 or more for a masters degree is not a realistic out of pocket expense for most students. As such, many take on student loans, whether public or private, to finance their degree.
If student loans are your only option, make sure you understand the repayment responsibility. Federally subsidized student loans, in particular, can either be a blessing or a curse (if for some reason you cannot find a job after graduation). They are rarely, if ever, dischargeable via bankruptcy and they will eventually begin to garnish your wages should your life circumstances lead you to default on the loan.
When available, attaining grants and scholarships will lower your overall costs. So, it’s wise to research these funding options first. Also, your selected institution may offer a payment plan where tuition for the semester is distributed across several months. The Student Services Department or Bursar will likely be able to give you more information if a payment plan is available.
Step 4: Review Admission Requirements
It bears repeating that the Master’s Degree in Business Analytics is a business degree.
Thus, you can expect that several schools — especially the higher ranked universities — will require that you take the GMAT or the GRE. Of course, not all schools list this as a “must have.” But, a majority of them do. There can be exceptions, especially if you already have a graduate degree or if you apply for a GRE or GMAT waiver. This is not an option for every program, so read the graduate admissions descriptions carefully.
Additional documents will include official transcripts from every university where you’ve completed credits and/or degrees, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from employers and/or a university professor who is familiar with your academic work. There will be universities that specify a minimum GPA for admission and others that do not.
Also, certain programs may ask for a current resume or Curriculum Vitae and an additional writing sample consisting of a 200 to 500-word short essay. Some universities provide specific questions that you’ll need to answer within the context of an essay. Others may take a more open format that basically asks, “why should we choose you?” If you decide to apply to several universities, the best practice is to individualize the essay for each university according to admission requirements. While copying and pasting can save you time, it can also lessen your chances of gaining admission.
Do all universities require every aspect listed above? No. You’ll need to read the admission requirements for each university to which you plan on applying.
International students have an added hoop to jump through: verifying their English language proficiency either through passing the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Most prefer receiving a TOEFL score rather than IELTS results. There may be other documents that the university needs from international students specifically and the graduate admissions portion of the university website will provide you with that information.
Step 5: Apply to the Master’s in Business Analytics Program
Once you’ve completed gathering the required info, it’s time to apply.
You may not have more than a single school on your list since on-campus degree programs have additional logistical constraints. Ideally, applying to more than one university boosts your chances of being admitted to at least one of the programs.
But, if all you have is one university on your on-campus list, then make sure that you meet all of the admission criteria, and you send everything listed on the graduate admissions page.
FAQs
Can I move from a business intelligence analyst position to a data scientist position?
Yes, though it can require some additional training, as a Master’s in Business Analytics will build some but not all of the technical skills needed to perform a data scientist role. That said, many business intelligence analysts work closely with data scientists, so your education and expertise are likely to grow as you take on new professional experiences.
I excel at business, but building computer science skills is not my highest priority. Could I still become a business intelligence analyst?
If you want to build a career in big data that is primarily focused on the business side of things as opposed to the data-processing side, you will be better served by an MBA in Data Science than a Master’s in Business Analytics. An MBA in Data Science is a business degree that gives students the core competencies in data science that they need to understand the fundamentals while focusing primarily on business strategy and development. For more information on MBAs in Data Science, take a look at our guide here.
Can business intelligence analysts rise to leadership positions?
In many companies, yes. Business intelligence analysts play key roles in large organizations, and those who excel at their jobs are likely to rise to leadership roles on their teams, sometimes having the direct ear of business leaders and stakeholders to explain important insights on collected datasets.
School Listings
Babson College – Babson Park, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Students in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program begin with a strong foundation of analytics techniques plus the most innovative marketing and economic knowledge. Students can complete the full-time program in as little as 9 months.
The curriculum includes 18 required core credits and 12 elective credits with semesters designed so students learn 2 or 3 subjects at a time.
During the Consulting Field Project, students work in a team to execute analytical tasks for an organization and present their findings to their senior management.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $89,550 total
Benedictine College – Lisle, Illinois
Master of Science in Business Analytics
The Master of Science in Business Analytics program is designed for students working in functional business units and IT who have an interest in quantitative methods, exploring data relationships, using data to solve business problems, and want to pursue a deeper career in business analytics.
The program consists of 64 quarter-hour credits, integrating 36 quarter-hour credits of core courses, 12 quarter-hour credits or elective courses, plus 16 quarter-hour credits of courses in a concentration.
Program Length: 32 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $19,181 total
Bentley University – Waltham, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Students in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program at Bentley University will graduate as highly-educated business professionals with specialties in business analytics with opportunities with internships and projects.
Students may also take Directed Studies by preparing a syllabus with a specific investigation, goals and objectives, readings, course deliverables, course timeline, and faculty evaluation methods.
Internships are available to those who schedule an advising appointment and discuss options and requirements.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $43,440 total
Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts
M.S. in Business Analytics
Program Length: 41 Credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $61,050 total
Brandeis University – Waltham, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Students in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program learn a solid foundation of statistical, programming, data visualization and economic methods for analyzing data, then participate in a company internship, consulting project, or faculty-directed research.
The program can be completed in 11 or 16 months.
Students may choose one of three applied tracks in Marketing Analytics, Financial Analytics, and Business Dynamics.
Program Length: 40 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $55,104 total
Cal State East Bay – Hayward, California
M.S. Business Analytics
Cal State East Bay’s M.S. Business Analytics program is an accelerated, interdisciplinary program that connects the analytical mindset and technical skills needed in modern business practices.
The 10-month program encompasses statistics, machine learning, econometrics, marketing analytics, and data management. Students gain industry connections while working on real-world business problems.
The M.S. program consists of 32 units of core courses and 13 units of approved electives.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $7,176 total (California resident), $16,680 total (non-California resident)
California Polytechnic Institute – San Luis Obispo, California
M.S. Business Analytics
California Poly’s M.S. Business Analytics program accelerates students through an interdisciplinary education in only 10 months. Courses connect analytical mindsets with technical skills plus statistics, econometrics, machine learning, data management, and marketing analytics.
Students must complete 32 units of core courses and 13 units of electives.
Program Length: 45 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $7,176 total (in-state), $16,680 total (out-of-state)
Case Western Reserve University – Cleveland, Ohio
Master of Science in Management Science- Business Analytics
Case Western’s M.S. program is STEM-eligible, which allows international students in a technical field the opportunity to apply for a 24-month extension to their optional practical training period. That equates to as many as 3 years of study in the United States.
Through the mentorship program, students have the opportunity to work with established business analytics professional to focus on professional growth.
Through an internship, Weatherhead’s Career Management Office grants opportunities to work with companies like Goodyear, Lubrizol, and Key Bank.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $50,838 total
Central Michigan University – Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Analytics
In only 2 years, students in the Applied Stats and Data Analytics program will build expertise in risk analysis, Bayesian techniques, data mining, and more.
Most courses in the program require a semester-long research project which can be recommended for international project competitions by SAS Inc.
The program requires a total of 30 to 36 credit hours of academic work, which includes 6 hours of prerequisite coursework, 27 hours of coursework, and 3 hours of industrial internship.
Program Length: 30-36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $15,942 per year
Clark University – Worcester, Massachusetts
Master’s in Business Analytics
Available in both part-time and full-time options, the Business Analytics program teaches students how to synthesize data into powerful information for moving businesses forward with decision-making.
The program requires 10 core courses and 1 experiential learning requirement course or internship.
Students also have the chance to research topics such as utilizing machine learning to help detect multiple heart conditions or conducting sequence analysis of viral events.
Program Length: 11 course units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $15,942 per year
Columbia University in the City of New York – New York City, New York
Master of Science in Business Analytics
New to Columbia Business School, this full-time program lasts 3 semesters with a curriculum designed for students looking to further a career in modeling techniques and data science to help businesses and organizations make better decisions by the use of data.
The capstone project involves intense consulting engagement with clients and real-world business problems. Students will use actual data sets throughout their entire educational course.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $50,496 per year
Creighton University – Omaha, Nebraska
Business Intelligence & Analytics Masters
Classes in the Business Intelligence and Analytics program are held in the evenings on campus to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
Students must complete 33 credits of core courses (12 credits) and elective courses (21).
Creighton sets program goals for students, which include exhibiting disciplinary knowledge in analytics, thinking critically to make effective decisions, communicating professionally, demonstrating care for others, and building habits of a professional leader.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $17,496 total
Emory University – Atlanta, Georgia
M.S. in Business Analytics
This newly-created program at Emory begins with a fall semester of rigorous learning in core classes designed to build a strong base in statistics and computer science techniques.
During the second semester, core classes continue with advanced training in machine learning and social network analytics.
Students will also select electives to focus their career paths.
In a short 10 months, graduates will have an intense project-based education and a competitive advantage.
Program Length: 31 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $45,800 total
Fairfield University – Fairfield, Connecticut
M.S. in Business Analytics
Fairfield’s Business Analytics program requires 30 credits of coursework which breaks down into 7 required courses and 3 electives at 3 credits each. Students are encouraged to use their elective credits to specialize their education in marketing analytics, accounting, or healthcare.
The program requires 2 prerequisites in Applied Business Statistics and Business Operations.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $20,034 total
Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Florida State’s Business Analytics program requires 11 courses (33 credit hours) in a combination of 8 core courses and 3 elective courses. Elective courses apply the utilization of analytical tools in marketing, human resources, operations, finance, and real estate. Elective classes include Data Analytics in Risk Management and Insurance as well as HR Analytics.
International applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and submit official results.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $9,684 total (Residents), $24,116 total (Non-Residents)
Fordham University – New York City, New York
Business Analytics, M.S.
Fordham offers both full-time and part-time options in their Business Analytics program. The full-time program lasts 1 year while the part-time option is spread over a longer time frame of 2 years. The part-time coursework works well for working students who do not want to leave their current position in the workforce.
The program consists of 30 credits broken down into 10 courses (7 required and 3 electives).
Students take classes in a fall term, a spring term, and a summer term with a choice of 15 electives.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $23,112 per year
George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
The School of Business Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics will help analysts and managers in marketing, accounting, and other fields to effectively analyze big data through the hands-on use of modeling and other techniques using popular software tools.
Mason’s online Business Analytics certificate is an ideal fit for professionals who are seeking a high-caliber education within a flexible, competitively priced, certificate program.
Program Length: 12 credits
Delivery Method: Online
GRE: Not required
2022-2023 Tuition: $13,426 total (Virginia Resident), $35,377 total (Non-resident)
Georgetown University– Washington D.C.
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, located in Washington, D.C., prepares students to become globally minded, principled leaders ready to address the most significant challenges and opportunities facing business and society. Advance in a data-driven world with a master’s program that brings together leading-edge analytics and critical business skills.
Earn your M.S. in Business Analytics online at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, ranked as one of the Top 15 Business Schools in North America.
Address practical business challenges, structure problems, obtain and manage data, apply analytical tools and methods, and generate insights.
At graduation, you will be ready for a range of careers in business data analytics.
Program Length: 30 credit hours
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
2022-2023 Tuition: $56,592 per year
George Washington University – Washington D.C.
M.S. in Business Analytics
Applicants of the Business Analytics program must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university as well as meet other minimum requirements.
Once in the program, students must complete 33 credits, including 25.5 credits in required courses and 7.5 credits in elective courses.
The program consists of studies in methods, applications, skills, and technology in analytics.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $32,850 per year
Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Grand Canyon University’s Business Analytics program consists of 38 credits lasting 8 weeks in an online classroom.
Students will gain skills in data analytics and critical thinking and problem-solving in a data-filled business setting. The Business Analytics program is designed for students who already possess a business background and applied industry experience.
With the online format, students may continue working while furthering their career goals.
Program Length: 38 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,655 per year
Hofstra University – Hempstead, New York
Business Analytics, M.S.
The Business Analytics program at Hofstra requires 30 semester hours.
Full-time students must complete residency workshops in library information resources, calculus for business applications, information technology, and statistics for business applications during the first semester. Part-time students must complete these courses within the first and second semesters.
As for elective courses, students must select 3 classes with advisement.
The required capstone course involves 3 semester hours and is titled Practicum in Business Analytics.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Encouraged
2022-2023 Tuition: $28,260 per year
Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa
Master of Business Analytics
Iowa State University requires 18 credits of core courses in their Master of Business Analytics program. Some classes have an online format while others are on-campus.
Students must also complete 12 credits of elective courses, all of which are in an online format.
Applicants must be currently employed with 2 or more years of work experience in data analytics. They must have a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, math, or a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or better. International applicants must possess TOEFL100 or IELTS 7 or higher. A GMAT or GRE is not required.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,572 total (in-state), $26,776 total (non-resident)
Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland
M.S. in Business Analytics and Risk Management
At Johns Hopkins University, the Business Analytics and Risk Management program entails 36 credits over a 1-year timespan. Students should consult with an advisor to ensure they take courses in the approved sequence for their education.
The Business Foundations Core consists of 18 credits in Accounting, Analytics, Communication, Leadership and Human Values, Finance, Information Systems, Marketing, Operations, and Statistical Analysis.
The Functional Core consists of 6 credits in Advanced Business Analytics, Data Analytics, and Simulation and Strategic Options.
The Electives consist of 12 credits in Big Data Machine Learning, Continuous Time Finance, Pricing and Insuring Risk, Business Law, Crisis Management, Corporate Governance, and more.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $60,480 per year
Kent State University – Kent, Ohio
Master of Science in Business Analytics
At Kent State, students in the Business Analytics program study Data Mining and Machine Learning, Programming and Software Tools, Applied Probability and Statistics, Databases and Data Processing, Quantitative Algorithms, and Business Acumen.
This MSBA degree is a 12-month, full-time, 30-credit-hour program consisting of 8 required core courses and 2 elective courses.
Students complete Course Projects with Real Data such as designing a job scheduler for an academic institute or predicting Churn for a mobile operator.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $12,071 total (Ohio Resident), $22,522 (Non-resident)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Master of Business Analytics
MIT introduces a new, specialized 1-year program with a core focus on Applied Probability and Stochastic Models, Optimization Methods, Analytics Labs, Machine Learning, and Communication with Data.
Students complete the Analytics Tools and Communication and Leadership Skills seminar workshop during their SIP.
In the Analytics Capstone Project, students work for 7 months in teams of 2 with a sponsor organization around the U.S. and abroad. This project gives students an opportunity over the summer to complete an internship at their sponsor organization.
Program Length: 48 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $57,590 per year
University of Miami – Coral Gables, Florida
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Throughout 10 months, students in the Business Analytics program at Miami University complete 30 credits to experience and study intense training in big data in a business context.
Beginning in summer, students complete 2 credits in Statistical Managerial Decision Making.
In the fall semester term 1, students complete 8 credits in Programming for Data Analytics, Applied Regression Analysis and Forecasting, Data Acquisition, Preparation and Visualization, plus an elective course. 3 more semesters follow and conclude with either the Management Science Internship for the Capstone Project.
Program Length: 26 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $41,580 per year
Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan
M.S. in Business Analytics
The Business Analytics program is designed to be completed in 1 calendar year from January to December. The program is full-time with a fixed curriculum and a cohort-based design to build a team environment among students.
The curriculum consists of courses in business strategy, applied statistics, data mining, project management, communications, and marketing technologies.
The 30-credit coursework includes courses in Computational Techniques for Large-Scale Data Analysis, Business Analytics Problem Solving, Project Management, Web Analytics, Summer Internship, Social Network Analytics, and more plus Capstone Business Analytics Corporate Project.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $20,202 (for in-state residents), $39,696 (for out-of-state residents)
Montclair State University – Montclair, New Jersey
M.S. in Business Analytics
At Montclair, the Business Analytics program emphasizes diagnosing business problems, developing actionable solutions, and effectively communicating results to business leaders.
The 10-course/30-credit program is available in part-time and full-time formats and can be completed in 18-24 months.
Required courses include Enterprise Architecture and Data Management, Decision Analysis and Optimization, Advanced Business Analytics, Capstone Practicum in Business Analytics, Decision Risk Modeling, and more.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $13,740 per year
New England College – Henniker, New Hampshire
Master of Science in Data Analytics and Business Statistics
The program sequence begins 7 times throughout the year in an on-campus format.
The course requirements consist of 10 classes for 40 credits or 10 classes plus an internship for a total of 44 credits.
The internship track allows students to connect the studying part of their education with the practicing of their knowledge and skills. Students will be able to utilize academic concepts in true business scenarios.
Students with F-1 visa status who wish to take the Internship Track should cooperate with their International Student Advisors regarding the use of Curricular Practical Training.
Program Length: 40 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $13,678 per year
New York University – New York City, New York
Master of Science in Business Analytics
New York University’s program in Business Analytics is designed for experienced professionals aiming to advance their existing career.
The part-time model of the program is executive friendly with completion in 1 year and divided into 5 on-site class sessions in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai.
A blended learning option combines both synchronous (in-person classroom time) and asynchronous learning (independent study).
Program Length: 12 months
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $37,332 per year
Norwich – Northfield, Vermont
Online Master of Science in Business Analytics
Norwich offers an online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) in an academic program ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Curriculum prepares students to identify fundamental concepts of statistics, data analysis, quantitative modeling, simulation, and optimization and apply associated solutions.
Learn data handling and database management to apply big data modeling using current business software, tools, and techniques from expert faculty with guaranteed small class sizes limited to 15 students max for one-on-one guidance.
With four yearly start dates, this master’s can be completed in as few as 15 months and includes a one-week residency that leaves graduates uniquely positioned to manage teams and organizations in compliance with legal governance and ethical decision-making.
Program Length: 30 credits
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
2022-2023 Tuition: $20,280 per year
Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana
M.S. in Business Anlytics and Information Management
The Business Analytics and Information Management degree is a full-time program lasting 11 months from June to April. This program is STEM-certified.
Students are required to take at least 36 hours of coursework in core courses (17 credits in techniques and technologies), foundational courses (6 credits in functional areas), restricted electives (8 credits in information management and analytics), and free electives or immersion electives (5 credits).
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $9,472 per year (For residents of Indiana), $10,524 per year (For non-residents of Indiana)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Rensselaer, New York
M.S. in Business Analytics
In only 12 required courses, complete the Business Analytics degree with a curriculum that follows business concepts with statistical modeling and data management.
Courses are customizable to each student’s career goals through the elective classes including natural language processing, machine learning, marketing, and supply-chain management.
In addition to business studies, students will learn to think critically about the data with which they work.
Program Length: 45 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $58,600 per year
Rochester Institute of Technology – Rochester, New York
M.S. in Business Analytics
In 30 semester credit hours, the Business Analytics degree at Rochester Institute of Technology includes courses such as Into to Statistical Analysis and Data Analytics, Data Management for Business Analytics, Financial Analytics, Advanced Business Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Capstone in Business Analytics Experience, an Analytics Elective, and a Free Elective.
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a GPA and official transcripts of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Applicants must also submit a resume and personal statement along with GMAT or GRE scores.
Writing sample requirements, recommendation letters, and work experience are optional or vary by degree program.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $54,176 total
Rutgers University – Piscataway, New Jersey
Master of Business and Science in Analytics
The curriculum of the Master of Business and Science in Analytics program integrates science courses in analytics and data science with courses in business management.
The program requires a total of 19 credits in the business curriculum. 6 credits in business electives are required in Business Intelligence with Visual Analytics plus project management, supply chain, intellectual property or a similar class study. 24 credits are required in the science curriculum with the Python Methodologies for Data Science course available for students without a computing or statistics background.
Program Length: 24 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $18,696 per year (Resident), $31,800 per year (Non-resident)
Saint Mary’s College of California – Moraga, California
M.S. in Business Analytics
Saint Mary’s moves beyond the basics of Business Analytics to prepare current and future managers to utilize advanced skills to assist organizations in making effective and risky business decisions.
Students work in a cohort format to gain knowledge in Data Analysis, Programming for Analytics, Data Management and Technology, Advanced Data Analysis, Business Communication for Data Analytics, Ethics in Analytics, Supply Chain Analytics, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Finance Analytics, Data Visualization and Story Telling, as well as Field Study.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a GPA of at least 2.8, completion of GMAT or GRE (if no GPA), plus other documentation.
Program Length: 12-18 months
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $29,231 total
San Francisco State University – San Francisco, California
Master of Science in Business Analytics
As a new degree program to San Francisco State University, the degree offers optimal new insights in the world of data.
Students complete the degree program in 3 to 4 semesters with the choice of a full-time or part-time class schedule.
The program consists of 10 courses: Programming Languages for Analytics, Applied Multivariate Methods, Business Intelligence, Data Management for Analytics, Data Mining and Advanced Statistical Methods, Machine Learning for Business Analysts, a Culminating Project plus 3 electives chosen with advisement.
Program Length: 30 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $7,176 total (California residents), $16,680 total (Non-residents and International students)
Santa Clara University – Santa Clara, California
M.S. Business Analytics
The Business Analytics degree program lasts 5 quarters if taken full-time or 2 years if taken part-time.
Classes are scheduled in evenings and on Saturdays. Class formats are cohort style with elective options.
The program is STEM-approved with realistic projects and experienced guest speakers to provide students with the most immersive educational experience possible.
Students must complete at least 48 units, spread over 36 units of required units as well as at least 12 units of elective credits.
Program Length: 48 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $24,798 total
Seattle University – Seattle, Washington
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Seattle University’s Business Analytics program requires 45 credits to complete which consists of 36 credits of required classes and 9 credits of elective classes.
Required courses end with a 6-credit capstone project in business analytics which applies all skills learned in the classroom to real-world situations and issues.
Other required courses include Boardroom Analytics, Big Data Analytics, Data Management in Business, Programming for Business Analytics, Applied Economics, Statistical Applications and Quantitative Methods, Statistical Learning, Law and Ethics for Business Analytics, Mathematical Models for Decision-Making, plus Data Wrangling, Visualization and Communication.
Program Length: 45 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT2022-2023 Tuition: $14,292 per year
Stevens Institute of Technology – Hoboken, New Jersey
Business Intelligence & Analytics Masters
This Business Intelligence and Analytics Masters is available in an on-campus format, an online format, and a corporate format.
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, required coursework, a professional resume, GMAT/GRE scores, and letters of recommendation, as well as participate in a series of interviews.
The curriculum in the program breaks down into four components: professional skills, disciplinary knowledge, technical skills, and infrastructure.
The Data Concentration is available to students looking to prepare for a career as a specialist in the field of data science.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $39,408 per year
Southern Utah University – Cedar City, Utah
M.S. in Business Analytics
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $7,574 per year (Utah Resident), $23,784 per year (Non-resident)
Suffolk University – Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Suffolk’s MSBA program consists of 11 courses in full-time or part-time study options. It includes specialized tracks in Finance, FinTech (Financial Technology), Healthcare, and Marketing.
Throughout their education, students will apply analytical functions to the fields of marketing, operations, accounting, finance, and innovation.
Beginning Spring 2021 students will be able to complete their MSBA entirely online.
Program Length: 31 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Waivers Available
2022-2023 Tuition: $39,622 per year
Syracuse University – Syracuse, New York
M.S. in Business Analytics
In the Business Analytics degree program at Syracuse, students must complete 36 credit hours of courses with the option to customize their education through the selection of available MBA core and elective courses.
Core foundation courses include Data Analysis, Decision Making, and Business Analytics. Core application courses include Accounting Analytics, Financial Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Principles of Management Science.
Students must pass a comprehensive exam at the end of the last semester of the MSBA program.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $43,428 per year
Temple University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
M.S. Business Analytics
This STEM-designated degree requires 30 credits of courses but includes the option of a customizable curriculum as well as a certificate option.
Temple utilizes and “trunk and branch” curriculum structure, meaning students begin with foundational “trunk” courses and then specialize the program with industry-based “branches” of electives.
In the classroom, students will apply course material to live data, then develop data analytic solutions to real-world companies. Through this study, students will gain commercial-grade consulting experience.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $20,531 per year (in-state), $26,672 per year (out-of-state)
The College of Saint Rose – Albany, New York
M.S. in Business Analytics
This 30-credit MSBA program focuses on upper-level applied statistics.
Students may choose the Marketing Track in which they will use data to record and predict customer behavior and buying habits. Students may also choose the Management Track in which they will apply data practically within a business for sales and HR purposes.
The required internship in the New York State healthcare system put the program’s teachings into practice.
No GRE or GMAT is required.
Class size is typically 20 students or fewer.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $15,228 per year
The University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona
Business Analytics, M.S.
This 10- or 16-month program teaches skills and knowledge in Data Management, Statistics, and Analytic Methods.
The Business Analytics program combines core courses in analytics with elective courses in accounting, finance, economics, management information systems, and marketing.
Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation, a professional resume, official GMAT or GRE scores, official transcripts, official degrees or diplomas, and a completed graduate college application.
Program Length: 33 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $12,348 total (in-state), $32,290 total (out-of-state)
The University of Texas at Dallas – Dallas, Texas
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Students gain flexibility in their education at the University of Texas Jindal School’s Business Analytics program.
They may select elective courses in the following areas: Marketing Analytics, Accounting Analytics, Decisions and Operations Analytics, I.T. Analytics, Data Science, Healthcare Analytics, and Financial Analytics.
The program involves a 12- to 24-month time frame and requires GMAT or GRE scores and a bachelor’s degree.
Coursework includes 18 semester credit hours in core courses and 18 semester credit hours in elective courses.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $15,088 per year (Resident), $29,252 per year (Nonresident)
The University of Tulsa – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Master of Science in Business Analytics
The Collins College of Business Master of Science in Business Analytics is an evening-based program to accommodate working student professionals.
Each fall, new cohorts begin the program and work together throughout their entire master’s education. The program consists of 30 credit hours in which full-time students can complete all courses in as few as 16 months. Students must participate in 3 weekend workshops in computational foundations focused on data analytics and statistical software.
Additional opportunities include participating in the Collins College of Business Mentorship Program, resume reviews, mock interviews, and student organizations.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $25,002 per year
The University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Upon graduation of the University of Utah, students will be prepared to sit for the INFORMS Associate Certified Analytics Professional designation. The certification is becoming less of an option and more of a requirement in the industry of big data.
In the final stages of the program, students complete a capstone project, which allows students to handle big data from real companies and prove their knowledge and skills.
The classes are compatible with working professionals by scheduling sessions in the evenings at 6 p.m.
Students may also choose full-time or part-time schedules.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $7,353 per year
Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana
Master of Business Analytics
At Tulane University, students may specialize in 1 of 3 areas: Energy Analytics, Finance and Accounting Analytics, or Marketing and Management Analytics.
Students build their specializations by selecting electives geared towards that area.
In addition to classroom work, students will work with industry partners to get hands-on experience even before graduation. Students dive into Database Management, Machine Learning Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, Data Visualization, Excel VBA, Cloud Computing, and Deep Learning. With project-based coursework, students do not just memorize information and regurgitate it on a test–students of Tulane gain true knowledge.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $61,066 per year
University of Alabama-Huntsville – Huntsville, Alabama
Master of Science in Management Science- Business Analytics
The University of Alabama’s Management Science-Business Analytics degree program is designed for pre-professionals and working professionals in a face-to-face format.
Students must complete 30 credit hours and can do so in 12 months on a full-time schedule or in 20 months on a part-time schedule.
Throughout coursework, students gain knowledge and skills in business analytical theories, big data management, data mining, business intelligence, machine learning, predictive modeling, descriptive analytics, and problem-solving in businesses.
Students must complete 30 semester hours of graduate coursework to graduate successfully.
A thesis option is available for students who want to serve a faculty member for 6 credits instead of 6 credits of elective courses.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,632 per year (Resident), $24,430 per year (Non-Resident)
University of California-Davis – Davis, California
Master of Science in Business Analytics
For professionals who want to work in the major businesses of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, students at the University of California Davis will gain connections with professionals on the forefront of the big data revolution.
In the year-long program, students are immersed in a learning-by-doing setting with analytics projects and hands-on experience.
Classes are scheduled for weekends and most Tuesdays to accommodate working professionals.
Program Length: 40 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $11,700 per year (in-state), $26,802 per year (out-of-state)
University of California-Irvine – Irvine, California
Master of Science in Business Analytics
UCI’s MSBA program is STEM-designated for international students.
Up to 36 months of optional practical training (compared to 12 months in the MBA program), allows companies to provide immigration sponsorship to international students, as well.
Students are encouraged to focus on one academic area to narrow down their professional goals. Academic areas include Accounting, Economics/Public Policy, Finance, Information Systems, Interdisciplinary, Marketing, Operations and Decisions Technologies, Organization and Management, and Strategy.
Program Length: 50 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $11,700 per year (in-state), $26,802 per year (out-of-state)
University of California-Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California
Master of Science in Business Analytics
The Master of Science in Business Analytics is a 13-month, 48-credit program that gives students the skills to manage, capture, describe, and analyze data and its patterns.
With a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students gain access to world-renowned leaders in the business industry.
MSBA students are required to have previous coding experience in Python as well as C/C++, Java, and others. Students are also required to have experience in calculus and linear algebra and are recommended to read “Mathematics for Economists” by Simon Blue or “Mathematics for Economics” by Hoy et al. parts I-IV.
Program Length: 48 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $11,700 per year (California residents), $26,802 (non-residents)
University of California-San Diego – San Diego, California
Master of Science in Business Analytics
This STEM-designated degree is an intensive program that teaches the skills needed to succeed in big data businesses.
In the 50-credit program, students utilize predictive analytics tools (R, Shiny, Radiant) and optimize data-driven decision-making in the areas of marketing, finance, management, and operations. Students will collect, clean, visualize, and analyze data from actual businesses and then create and utilize business analytics solutions for that organization.
Program Length: 50 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $11,700 per year (in-state), $26,802 per year (out-of-state)
University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, Oklahoma
M.S. in Business Analytics
Program Length: 45 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $7,356 per year (Oklahoma Resident), $17,364 per year (Non-resident)
University of Colorado-Boulder – Boulder, Colorado
M.S. in Business Analytics
In this 33-credit, full-time, 10-month, on-campus program, students can select 1 of 3 specialized tracks in Marketing, Security Analytics, and Decision Science.
In a cohort learning format, students will work closely with their peers in their particular specialization to gain the most advanced knowledge in the business analytics field.
Students will also work closely with corporate partners to not only practice real-world skills but also gain a large network of connections for post-graduation success.
The program is also available in an on-line format.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus or online
GRE: GRE or GMAT required (requests for GMAT/GRE waivers are possible, check with an admissions advisor)
2022-2023 Tuition: $15,251 per year (Colorado resident), $35,017 per year (non-resident)
University of Colorado-Denver – Denver, Colorado
M.S. in Business Analytics
This MSBA degree requires 30 completed credits in 10 courses which can include Predictive Modeling, Statistics for Business Analytics, Operations Management, Project Management, Decision Analysis, Forecasting, Supply Chain Management, Marketing Research, Computing for Business Analytics, Simulation Modeling, and VBA for Business Analytics.
Students must also take the Business Analytics Practicum course which trains students in real-world practices of quantitative methods under the direction of an industry sponsor.
A full-time working student who studies part-time can expect to complete the program in 2 years.
The program is not designed to be completed in 1 calendar year and requires at least 4 terms, including a summer term.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $55,260 per year
University of Connecticut – Hartford or Stamford, Connecticut
M.S. in Business Analytics and Project Management
This 37-credit program in Hartford or Stamford, Connecticut requires 3 terms in fall, spring, or summer and may be completed full-time or part-time. Students must complete five 3-credit courses in Business Analytics, 1 credit in technical communications, four 3-credit courses in Project Management, and 9 credit hours in elective courses.
The University’s MSBAPM program encourages students to enroll in experiential learning opportunities to apply their advanced learned skills to real-world challenges and business problems. Innovation Accelerator engages graduate students in interdisciplinary project teams to solve intricate business problems in Connecticut’s technology-based organizations innovatively.
The Experiential Learning Collaborative builds teams of students and members of the business community. Together, the teams conduct collaborative projects using contemporary business practices. Students practice their new skills while businesses discover potential future employees.
Program Length: 37 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $1,100 per credit
University of Dallas – Irving, Texas
M.S. in Business Analytics
This 33-credit program trains students to be results-driven in their field. The University of Dallas believes business practices are important but producing positive results is more effective.
The MSBA is a STEM-designated degree program which qualifies graduates for a practical training extension for 17 months, totally 29 months of study. Students may opt for 12-week, 6-week, or intermester classes, which are held 2 evenings during the week and Saturdays for 3 to 4 weeks.
Prerequisites for the Business Analytics program include Foundations of Management and Strategy, Foundations of Marketing, and Data Analysis for Decision Making.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $33,750 per year
University of Denver – Denver, Colorado
Master of Business Analytics
At the University of Denver’s MBA, students learn in a STEM-designated program that is either full-time or part-time.
A business or data background is not necessary.
In the experiential learning format, students work with Amazon, Hitachi, Microsoft, and PwC to help them make real decisions in real time.
Students learn the 3 pillars of business intelligence: data management, analytics, and business decisions.
Program Length: 58 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $55,260 per year
University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia
Master of Science in Business Analytics
At the University of Georgia, the Master of Science in Business Analytics is a 1-year interdisciplinary program with STEM-certification for international students which provides eligibility for a 3-year U.S. work permit upon successful graduation.
The program requires 2 semesters of study with 33 total credit hours of coursework. Students learn not only data analytics but also the major programming languages of SQL, R, and Python. 12 required courses conclude in a capstone project in which students team up with corporate partners to solve real-world data problems and present their project findings to executive clients.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $19,378 per year (in-state), $25,186 (out-of-state)
University of Hartford – Hartford, Connecticut
M.S. in Business Analytics
Program Length: 45 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $814 per credit
University of Illinois-Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
M.S. Business Analytics
The University of Illinois at Chicago takes a holistic approach to their MSBA program which develops expertise in data management, machine learning, and predictive analytics while also teaching foundational business skills.
In 32 credit hours, students can complete their degree in 1 year if studied full-time or more than 1 year if studied part-time.
Students are exposed to cutting-edge technology through the use of SAS, R, Python, IBM/SPSS, Hadoop, Rapid-Miner, Tableau, and others.
Program Length: 32 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $14,181 per year (in-state), $25,346 per year (out-of-state)
University of Iowa – Iowa City, Iowa
Master of Business Analytics
This full-time, 3-semester, on-campus program in Iowa City requires 16 months of study and opens opportunities for internships, summer research experiences, and electives each semester for developing deeper expertise in your chosen career path.
The university recommends a class schedule of Data Decisions, Data Management and Visual Analytics, Data Programming in R, Business Communication, and an elective in the fall semester, year 1. Spring semester, year 1 includes Advanced Analytics, Data Science, Business Communication, and 2 electives. The summer includes an internship or research experience. The fall semester, year 2 includes Analytics Experience, Business Communication, and 3 electives.
Program Length: 3 semesters
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,875 total (in-state), $29,822 total (non-resident)
University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky
Master of Science in Business Analytics
In as little as 13 months, you can graduate with a STEM MSBA and a SAS Data Analytics Certification at the University of Louisville.
Those who qualify for the capstone consulting project can work a competitive-based paid 11-month internship.
Through the program, students thoroughly learn Python, R, SAS, SAS Enterprise Miner, and Tableau. Coursework teaches analytics skills and techniques, data mining, data modeling, data visualization, discrete choice modeling, machine learning, prediction algorithms, statistical analysis, textual analysis, and web scraping.
Career services available to students include resume review, interview training, and job postings.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $13,944 per year (in-state), $28,340 per year (out-of-state)
University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
M.S. in Business Analytics
Earn your MSBA in 1 or 2 years just outside the capital of the United States!
This STEM-eligible degree is for professional students wishing to pursue a career in management with a strong emphasis on data analysis.
The program is designed to be completed in 16 months and students requiring F-1 visas should plan on completing the program in no more than 16 months. 30 credits are required to complete the program and graduate successfully.
Core courses include Data, Models, and Decisions, Decision Analytics, Data Analytics, and Database Management Systems. Students must take up to 12 credits of core courses.
Elective courses include Computer Simulation for Business Applications, Big Data Strategy, Management and Applications, Price Optimization and Revenue Management, Google Online Challenge Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, Operations Analytics, and Capstone Project in Operations.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $16,238 total (Resident), $35,388 total (Non-resident)
University of Massachusetts-Amherst – Amherst, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Business and Analytics
The MSBA at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst is a 1-year, 10-course, accelerated, in-person program designed for graduates of non-business majors.
The 31-credit curriculum covers accounting, finance, operations, and marketing.
International students may extend their training (OPT) due to the program’s STEM classification.
Students begin in a cohort study style with only 30 to 40 students. Summer session curriculum consists of Data Management for Business Leaders, Business Data Analysis, and Business Intelligence and Analytics. The Fall session includes Financial and Managerial Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Organizational Behavior and Leadership. The spring session includes Human Resource Management, Advanced Analytics, Marketing Strategy, and Operations Management.
Program Length: 31 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $14,364 per year (Massachusetts Resident), $31,489 per year (Non-resident)
University of Massachusetts-Boston – Boston, Massachusetts
M.S. Business Analytics
This MSBA program requires 10 courses and 30 credits: Analytical Core, MSBA Electives, and the MSBA Capstone.
One prerequisite of a statistics course is required but can be waived with qualified previous study, based on a review of student transcripts.
Students may choose between 2 specializations in Big Data Analytics or Supply Chain Analytics. Each track includes foundational analytics courses, elective courses regarding that track, and a capstone course.
Students may also opt for the Master’s Thesis Option, Special Topics, or the Internship Class.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $18,894 total (in-state), $36,879 (out-of-state)
University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Lowell, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Business Analytics
UMass Lowell students attend a Business Analytics program that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
This Master of Science program requires 10 courses (totaling 30 credits) which consist of 7 core required courses and 3 courses within 1 of 4 tracks: Big Data, Managerial Decision Making, Marketing Analytics, and Finance Analytics. Courses within the program may include Database Management, Data Engineering for Business Analytics, Analytical Decision-Making Tools, Business Intelligence and Data Mining, Statistics for Predictive Analytics, and Decision Analytics.
Applicants must complete an application, pay the application fee, complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school with a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide a minimum 500 GMAT score (or GRE equivalent), and complete introductory-level business course prerequisites.
Applicants must also provide 3 letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, a resume or CV, and a TOEFL score of 100 or higher for students whom English is not their national language.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $14,956 per year (in-state), $27,030 per year (out-of-state)
University of Michigan-Dearborn – Dearborn, Michigan
M.S. in Business Analytics
This MSBA program is held on-campus with a few courses available online.
Students may enroll full-time or part-time and can be completed within 12 months of full-time study.
The curriculum requires 10 courses or 30 credit hours.
Core courses include Applied Statistical Modeling, Management Science, Applied Forecasting, Decision Analysis, System Simulation, and Data Mining for Business Applications.
Concentration Courses require 4 courses or 12 credits, which tailor the degree to the interests of each student. Concentrations consist of Financial Analytics, Information Management and Coordination Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Supply Chain Analytics.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $14,890 per year (Michigan Resident), $26,546 per year (Non-resident)
University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master of Science in Business Analytics
At the Carlson School of Management, students in the MSBA program build a unique combination of business knowledge, technical skills, and data analysis expertise.
An experiential learning environment provides students with many opportunities to apply their learned skills and knowledge to real-world situations.
The full-time option of the program lasts for 1 year in a rigorous study format.
The part-time option of the program consists of online or evening classes designed for working professionals to earn a degree in 2 years.
Program Length: 45 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $18,468 per year (Minnesota Resident), $28,578 per year (Non-resident)
University of Montana – Missoula, Montana
Master of Science in Business Analytics
The University of Montana’s MSBA is a 32-credit, 1-year program offered on campus.
After completing the 9 credits of foundation classes, students complete 15 credits of required courses and 17 credits of elective courses to self-design the program to meet their individual needs and career goals.
In addition to electives, students may also complete independent studies and internships focusing on Integrated Online Marketing, Data Visualization, Applications of Mining Big Data, Investigations, Digital Tech in the Arts, Consulting, and Management of Information Systems.
Program Length: 32 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $5,166 (in-state), $22,986 (out-of-state)
University of Nebraska–Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska
M.S. in Business Analytics
With fair tuition rates, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln offers a better value for the MSBA degree. A flat rate of $630 per credit hour applies to ALL students.
The program requires 30 credit hours consisting of 24 core credit hours (12 credits of business fundamentals and 12 credits of analytics methods) and 6 elective credit hours.
With working professionals in mind, the program is 100% online with courses lasting 8 weeks. Students may work on multiple courses per semester while concentrating on one concept at a time.
For students on the go, the University of Nebraska mobile app sends notifications of course updates and allows students to message faculty no matter where they are.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $6,138 per year, $17,928 per year
University of North Carolina at Greensboro – Greensboro, North Carolina
M.S. in Informatics and Analytics
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $5,219 per year (North Carolina Resident), $18,937 per year (Non-resident)
University of North Texas – Denton, Texas
M.S. Business Analytics
At the University of North Texas, students earn a specialist degree in business analytics from a STEM-approved program. Being STEM-approved allows for up to 12 months of CPT and 36 months of OPT.
Flexibility in the program allows students to complete their degree in 12 to 24 months.
The 36-credit program consists of 21 credits of core courses and 15 credits of elective courses.
Students select 1 of 4 tracks to specialize their degree in Data Science and Advanced Analytics, Operations Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Audit/Fraud Analytics. Foundation courses consist of Model-Based Business Intelligence, Data Mining, Predictive Analytics and Business Forecasting, as well as Foundations of Database Management. Elective courses consist of Quality Control, Enterprise Applications of Business Intelligence, Big Data Analysis, Data Visualization for Analytics, Statistical Techniques in Simulation, Information Systems Development, Artificial Intelligence in Business, and Information Security Management.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $5,604 total (Texas Resident), $12,948 total (Non-resident)
University of Notre Dame – Notre Dame, Indiana
M.S. in Business Analytics
Notre Dame’s MSBA is a 1-year, 30-credit program designed for the busy professional who needs classes that fit into an existing schedule.
Classes meet on alternating weekends (Friday and Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students attend three 3-day sessions on campus.
Students also complete a 3-credit practicum with a prominent company to put their newly learned skills to practice.
Applicants must be actively employed with at least 2 years of professional work experience and demonstrated employer support and loyalty.
The MSBA program does not offer F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship. Non-U.S. citizen applicants must submit an official score for TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS.
All applicants must submit a resume, academic transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and the application fee of $50.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $59,644 total
University of Rochester – Rochester, New York
M.S. in Business Analytics
At the University of Rochester, the MSBA is a full-time program with 2 available tracks: the 10-month program of study (the non-internship track) and the 17-month program of study (internship track). Just like the competitive business world, internships are not guaranteed. Even if a student selects the internship track, he or she may not be eligible.
The University of Rochester provides a predetermined course schedule consisting of 4 terms, 2 electives, and a Communicating Business Decisions Sequence.
Program Length: 43 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $41,888 per year
University of San Diego – San Diego, California
Master’s in Business Analytics
The University of San Diego’s STEM-certified MSBA program is designed with experiential learning so students may gain a holistic understanding of data in the business world.
This STEM-designated 10-month program is full-time and on-campus.
The program is divided into 5 modules, including an intersession.
The core curriculum consists of 36 units.
- Module 1 includes Intro to Data Analytics and Business Concepts and Applied Statistics.
- Module 2 consists of Analytics Programming I, Data Management, and Prescriptive Analytics.
- Module 3 consists of Analytics Programming II, Interactive Data Visualization, Data for Social Good, Technical Communication, and a Professional Seminar.
- Intersession consists of an International Consulting Project.
- Module 4 consists of Data Mining for Business Analytics, a Capstone course, and 3 discipline-specific classes.
Program Length: 54 units
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $28,404 total
University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida
M.S. in Business Analytics/ Information Systems
The Muma College of Business offers 2 concentrations in Analytics & Business Intelligence Concentration and Information Assurance Concentration.
The program requires 33 credits of coursework with part-time and full-time options. Full-time students with completed prerequisites may be able to complete the program in as little as 1 year (spring, summer, and fall semester). Otherwise, part-time students or students with incomplete prerequisites may need 1.5 years to 3 years to complete the degree program.
During the first semester, each student will work with an advisor to complete a formal Program of Study to plan a schedule for all courses.
The technical core requires 12 credits in Advanced Systems Analysis and Design, Advanced Database Management, Distributed Information Systems, and Analytical Methods for Business. The Enterprise Information Systems Management Capstone course consists of 3 credits.
Students have a choice of many electives, which require 18 credits.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $8,350 per year (Resident), $19,048 per year (Non-Resident)
University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California
Master of Science in Business Analytics
The flexible curriculum of the MSBA program at the University of Southern California allows a variety of students to earn their degree at their own pace.
Full-time students can complete their degree in 18 months and graduate into a fulfilling career.
Part-time students may take 1 course per semester and earn their degree while they work. Overall, the degree requires 33 credits.
USC provides a sample schedule to give applicants an idea of what their schedule could look like.
Program Length: 33 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $63,468 total
University of St. Thomas – Minneapolis, Minnesota
M.S. Degree in Business Analytics
While working with both the St. Thomas Graduate Program in Software in the School of Engineering and the Opus College of Business, students in this MSBA program will complete 30 credits of coursework in as little as 16 months – or up to 5 years.
Course load includes 7 required courses and 3 elective courses. The 7 required courses cover 4 major study areas: Quantitative Analysis, Analytics Tools, Database Management, and Communication Skills.
Overall, the program teaches students to work efficiently and effectively with a database, talk shop with IT, and translate that information to upper management and senior leadership professionals.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $26,619 per year
University of Tennessee-Knoxville – Knoxville, Tennessee
Master’s in Business Analytics
This MBA program consists of 3 semesters and 12 to 18 hours of credits in each semester.
Students learn soft skills throughout the program until their final semester where they complete a capstone project. During this project, students work in teams to solve a genuine problem using real data for an industry partner. Students gain real-world experience in business by communicating frequently and effectively with company executives. At the end of their final semester, students present their capstone findings.
The typical breakdown of course credits is as follows: First-year fall – 15 hours, first-year spring – hours, summer – 3 credit summer internship, second-year fall – 17 hours, and second-year spring – 12 hours.
Program Length: 45.5 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $11,468 total (Tennessee Resident), $29,656 total (Non-resident)
University of Texas-Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Master of Science in Business Analytics
The University of Texas at Arlington’s MSBA program consists of 36 credit hours, 10 required courses, and 11 elective courses to choose from and obtain approval from the Graduate Advisor.
Required courses consist of Measurement and Analysis for Business Decision Making, Evidence-Based Management, Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence, Principles of Business Data Mining, Business and Economic Forecasting, Data Science: A Programming Approach, Business Analytics Capstone Project, an approved statistics course, an approved unstructured data course, and a Graduate Advisor approved elective course.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $9,015 per year (In-State), $22,167 per year (Out-of-State)
University of Texas-Austin – Austin, Texas
Master of Science in Business Analytics
This McCombs School of Business program is ranked #2 worldwide and is STEM-eligible.
In 10 months, students can complete the program with knowledge of data analytics programming, predictive modeling, decision analysis, text analysis, and database management, plus more.
Not only will students study the material, they will also demonstrate their new knowledge with a Business Analytics Capstone project.
Program Length: 36 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $12,036 per year (Texas Resident), $22,952 (Non-Texas Resident)
University of Virginia – Charlottesville, Virginia
M.S. in Commerce, Business Analytics Track
In this 2-term, 15-credit program, students build a consulting-style approach to identifying client business problems. Students also build business insights from massive quantities of data, clickstream, and social media content using Hadoop-based software packages. Major courses of study include Introduction to Business Analytics, Customer Analytics, Web Analytics for E-Commerce, and Advanced Quantitative Analysis. Graduates of this program will have a global perspective of business and the skills necessary to effectively utilize data to gain business insight.
Program Length: 15 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $18,382 per year (Virginia Resident), $30,790 per year (Non-resident)
University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
M.S. in Business Analytics
Program Length: 45 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
2022-2023 Tuition: $17,004 per year (Washington resident), $30,477 (non-resident)
University of Washington-Tacoma – Tacoma, Washington
Master of Science in Business Analytics
The University of Washington at Tacoma prepares its students for the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” with needed knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, and other growing socio-economic industries.
This program is work-compatible and can be completed in 12 months.
The cohort-style learning environment requires 40 credits of graduate coursework with face-to-face Saturday classes and eLearning classes, plus class meetings at UW Tacoma on Saturdays with synchronous office hours via video teleconferencing.
Program Length: 40 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $17,004 per year (In-State), $30,477 per year (Out-of-state)
Wake Forest University – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Master’s in Business Analytics
Wake Forest University’s School of Business creates problem solvers who can collect data, build insight, and present impactful information to business leaders.
The program is 10 months in length and requires 37 credit hours (3 semesters, 5 modules).
Students begin with the summer semester in July and graduate in May.
As A STEM and OPT-certified program, international students may pursue enhanced employment opportunities
Program Length: 37 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $38,650 total
Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, Missouri
M.S. in Business Analytics
The STEM-designated MSBA program provides 5 tracks for specialized learning in Accounting Analytics, Customer Analytics, Financial Technology Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, and Supply Chain Analytics.
The program endures for 18 months and requires 39 credits beginning in July.
Students choose from SPSS, SAS, or Stata programming and learn foundational skills in Basics of R.
The first fall semester introduces Database Design and SQL plus Big Data and Cloud Computing. Core requirements in the spring semester conclude with Introduction to Cybersecurity, Causal Inference, and Text Mining.
Program Length: 39 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $59,420 total
William & Mary – Williamsburg, Virginia
Master of Science in Business Analytics
William and Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business’s MSBA program consists of full-time enrollment for 2 semesters with each semester consisting of 15 credits.
In only 10 months, students will complete their degree in a cohort style.
The Business Foundation Course consists of 3 credits.
Analytics Methodology courses consist of 24 credits.
The Capstone course consists of 3 credits and is taught in only 2.5 weeks at the end of the program. Students choose the most appropriate technique for their capstone project and apply it effectively. The project defines and frames a problem, creates an approach utilizing analytics, generates a solution, and persuasively presents the solution using data visualization techniques and communication skills.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $10,516 total (in-state), $28,305 total (out-of-state)
William Patterson – Wayne, New Jersey
Applied Business Analytics, M.S.
Cotsakos College of Business integrates math, technology, statistics, and business domain experience so graduates can address emerging data challenges.
Students learn to effectively utilize programming tools such as R, Tableau, Python, Hadoop, and Spark.
The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in 15 months.
Part-time and full-time tracks are available. No GMAT or GRE is required. Courses are offered in the evening in hybrid or face-to-face formats.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $794 per credit
Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio
Master of Science in Customer Analytics
Xavier’s program in Customer Analytics consists of 30 credits of graduate coursework. 6 additional credit hours may be required depending on the applicant’s background.
- Year 1 fall semester courses include Statistical Programming and Marketing Research.
- Year 2 spring semester includes Applied Multivariate Analysis and Consumer-centric Category Management.
- Year 1 summer semester consists of Consumer Behavior.
- Year 2 fall semester includes Intro to Data Minding for Managers and Database Management.
- Year 2 spring semester includes Business Analytics for Managers and Data Visualization.
- Year 2 summer semester consists of Analytics Practicum.
Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required or GMAT
2022-2023 Tuition: $12,060 total
