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

Business Practicum
Electives
(16 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