Master of Science in Business Analytics Curriculum

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The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) requires 36 credit hours for completion. You take courses over two semesters (fall and spring) with an optional one-semester extension. The curriculum consists of three required core courses, a business practicum, a required business intelligence elective, and approved analytics electives in your desired area of expertise.

The MSBA program features a robust and customizable curriculum, introducing you to faculty across all disciplines of Gies College of Business. 

Quick Facts

  • 36 total credit hours required
  • 20 credit hours of analytics electives
  • 12 credit hours of core analytics courses
  • 4 credit hours of a required business intelligence elective*
  • 4 credit hours of a business practicum*
  • 4 credit hours of general electives**

* Counts towards analytics elective requirement
**Can be replaced with analytics elective

Course Schedule

The MSBA program is focused on providing a flexible set of classes tailored to your own specific career goals. There are three required core courses you must complete in the first semester. You must take a business practicum in both semesters. The business practicum (four total credit hours) will count toward the 20-hour analytics elective requirement. Students must also take BADM 557- Business Intelligence in either fall or spring semester.  Business Intelligence (four total credit hours) will count toward the 20-hour analytics elective requirement.

 Fall Semester Courses
18 Credit Hours

Spring Semester Courses
18 Credit Hours

* Students have the option to enroll in the required Business Intelligence course in either the fall or spring semester.  Those with more data experience or quantitative skills are encouraged to take the course in the fall.  Students who do not take Business Intelligence in the fall semester will need to take it in the spring semester.

Business Analytics Specializations

You choose 16-20 hours of approved analytics electives to meet MSBA degree requirements. The following specializations are intended to illustrate analytics electives that complement each other within specific disciplines.

You are not limited to take courses within one specialization. Instead, you can mix and match analytics elective courses to customize your curriculum. Specializations will not appear on your transcript or diploma. Elective courses are subject to change. Not all courses are available every semester.

Accounting Analytics Specialization
  • Data Analytics for Management Accounting 
  • Statistical Analyses for Accountancy
  • Data Analytics Applications in Accountancy
Algorithms in Analytics Specialization
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Predictive Data Analytics
  • Business Intelligence
Financial Analytics Specialization
  • Applied Financial Econometrics
  • Machine Learning in Finance
  • Financial Innovation
  • Financial Data Management
  • Quantamental Investments
Marketing Analytics Specialization
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Consumer Analytics
  • Social Media Strategy

Concentrations

You may choose to pursue an optional concentration. Concentrations are built into the 36 credit hours you need to complete the degree and do not require an additional semester of study. You must take a minimum of 12 credits of the required courses to earn a concentration. This concentration will appear on your transcript.

Data Analytics in Finance

Required:

  • Big Data Analytics in Finance for Predictive and Causal Analysis

Choose any two of the following:

  • Financial Risk Management
  • Applied Financial Econometrics
  • Machine Learning in Finance
  • Financial Innovation
  • Financial Data Management and Analysis
  • Special Topics in Finance (must be approved first)
  • Quantamental Investments (Course will need override)
Information Technology & Control

Required:

  • Info Systems Development and Mgt.

Choose any two of the following:

  • Business Intelligence
  • Big Data Infrastructure
  • New Product Development
  • Enterprise IT Governance
  • Project Management

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Business Analytics Electives

The following electives have been offered in the MSBA program in previous semesters. Elective courses are subject to change, and not all courses are available every semester.

  • Advanced Data Science and Python for FIN
  • Applied Financial Econometrics
  • Big Data Infrastructure
  • Business Intelligence (required)
  • Consumer Analytics
  • Data Analytics Applications in ACCY
  • Data Analytics for Management ACCY
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Data Science and Python for FIN
  • Decision Analytics
  • Financial Data Management and Analysis
  • Financial Risk Management
  • Machine Learning in Finance
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Predictive Data Analytics
  • Pricing Strategy and Analytics (Starting Spring 2025)
  • Quantamental Investments
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Statistical Analyses for ACCY
  • Supply Chain Analytics

Take the next step toward earning your MSBA.