MSBA Curriculum
Discover the MSBA curriculum and schedule
The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is a 36-credit hour program that gives you the data skills and hands-on experience employers value most.
You can complete the program in two or three semesters, depending on your background and goals. The flexible curriculum combines core courses, a business practicum, and electives that match your career interests.
You’ll learn from expert Gies Business faculty and collaborate with peers who share your drive to turn data into insight—and insight into impact.
Quick Facts
- 36 total graduate credit hours required
- 12 graduate credit hours of core analytics courses
- 4 graduate credit hours of a required business intelligence elective
- 4 graduate credit hours of a business practicum*
- One foundational course (for the 3-semester track)
- Up to 20 graduate credit hours of electives
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.
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)
Fall Semester
18 Credit Hours
Spring Semester
18 Credit Hours
- Business Intelligence (if not taken in the first semester)
- Business Practicum
- Electives
(12-16 Credit Hours)
Foundational Track (3 Semesters)
Fall Semester Courses
14 Credit Hours
Spring Semester
14 Credit Hours
2nd Fall Semester Courses
8 Credit Hours
Concentrations
Concentrations allow you to build a deeper foundation in a particular business discipline while completing your 36 required credit hours. Your chosen concentration will appear on your transcript and can strengthen your career focus in fields like finance or information systems.
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
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
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.
Ready to take the next step?
Build your future in data-driven decision-making with the Master of Science in Business Analytics at Gies College of Business.