Master of Science in Business Analytics Curriculum

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is a 36-credit hour program designed to give you the skills and experiences needed to thrive in today’s data-driven world.

The program can be completed in two or three semesters, depending on your background and goals and features a robust and customizable curriculum that includes three required core courses, a business practicum, a required business intelligence elective, and a wide range of analytics electives tailored to your career goals. 

Along the way, you’ll learn from world-class Gies Business faculty across multiple disciplines and join a collaborative community that prepares you to turn data into insight and insight into impact.

Quick Facts

  • 36 total credit hours required
  • 12 credit hours of core analytics courses
  • 4 credit hours of a required business intelligence elective*
  • 4 credit hours of a business practicum*
  • One foundational course (for the 3-semester track)
  • Up to 20 credit hours of electives

* Counts towards analytics elective requirement

Choose your path to the MSBA

The program can be completed in two or three semesters, depending on your background and goals.

Traditional Track (2 Semesters)

The 2-Semester Traditional Track is designed for applicants who demonstrate quantitative, technical, or analytical academic background and/or relevant professional experience. This  track delivers the MSBA curriculum in a single academic year,  providing a curriculum that allows students to dive directly into advanced topics from day one. It is the ideal choice for qualified, career-ready individuals who want to quickly build on their existing expertise and leverage advanced analytics skills for immediate career advancement or a swift re-entry into the workforce. This path is completed in two semesters and does not provide an opportunity for a summer internship.

Foundational Track (3 Semesters)

Our 3-Semester Foundational Track is designed for students at the beginning of their professional journey, including recent graduates and those with less than two years of work experience. It also serves as an ideal path for career switchers who have a professional background outside of analytics and wish to build a strong new skill set. This extended program allows you to take a foundational course within your first semester and is designed to provide a more manageable course load each term without feeling overwhelmed. The longer timeline offers more time for career development and technical skill-building, paired with CPT eligibility for a summer internship. 

students walking on campus

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.

Traditional Track (2 Semesters)

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.

Foundational Track (3 Semesters)

Summer Break

  • Option to complete an internship if secured.

2nd Fall Semester Courses
8 Credit Hours

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
  • 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
  • Quantamental Investments (requires course override) is the only Special Topics in Finance course approved for this concentration.
Information Technology & Control

Complete 12 credit hours from the courses listed below:

  • New Product Development
  • Enterprise Database Management
  • Info Sys Development and Mgt
  • Topics in Business Intelligence
  • Big Data Infrastructures
  • Project Management

university of illinois student studying at table

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
  • Quantamental Investments
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Statistical Analyses for ACCY
  • Supply Chain Analytics

Take the next step toward earning your MSBA.

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