COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and quantitative decision-making by combining strong technical training with practical business applications. The program requires a total of 36 credit hours, typically completed through 12 courses, including 10 core courses and 2 electives, with full-time students usually taking two to three courses per term. It begins with a foundational online module in mathematics for business analytics, which helps students build or refresh the quantitative background needed for success in the program. The core curriculum covers a wide range of essential analytical and computational skills, starting with DS 801 Business Intelligence, which focuses on using data systems to support decision-making, and DS 802 Probability Models for Analytics, which introduces probabilistic reasoning for uncertain environments. Students also study DS 804 Exploration and Communication of Data, emphasizing data visualization and storytelling, and DS 805 Machine Learning for Business, which develops predictive modeling skills using modern algorithms. Additional core areas include DS 806 Optimization Models for Analytics, DS 807 Text and Image Analytics, DS 809 Business Forecasting, DS 810 Big Data and AI: Strategy and Analytics (Capstone), DS 811 AI Applications for Business, and DS 815 Programming for Business Analytics, ensuring a strong balance between theory, computation, and real-world application. The capstone course is particularly important as it integrates all program learning into a final applied analytics project focused on strategic business problems. In addition to core coursework, students select two electives from approved graduate-level options in areas such as finance, marketing, operations, supply chain management, project management, and strategic leadership, allowing them to tailor their degree toward specific career interests. Overall, the MSBA program blends data science, artificial intelligence, and business strategy to produce professionals capable of turning complex data into actionable insights that support innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage in modern organizations.