What is MS in Business Analytics?
The Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) is a STEM-designated one-year (12 months) program that equips you with the skill set necessary to analyse large data sets and generate insights through data visualisation, statistical modelling and data mining techniques.
The degree will provide you with a holistic approach to the field and develop expertise in data management, machine learning and predictive analytics, along with a strong business foundation.
The curriculum emphasises industry experience, exposure and collaboration across various analytics projects. Every industry uses technology to generate new data, and they need analysts to interpret that data to understand customers, develop new products and enhance revenue.
Some core courses in MSBA in the USA include Applied Statistical Modeling, Management Science, Applied Forecasting, Decision Analysis, System Simulation and Data Mining for Business Applications, among others.
Why Study MS in Business Analytics in USA?
MS in Business Analytics is one of the most sought-after programs in the USA. Both Times Higher Education and QS Ranking have placed the MSBA in the USA higher than other countries. With the advance of technology, the analytics and data science industries have undergone a paradigm shift and have also experienced a surge in student interest in recent years.
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the USA
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the USA
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
Top Universities: The USA is home to the world’s highest number of international students. The country has some of the best institutions globally, with many continuously rating high in global university rankings. MIT Sloan, Texas McCombs, USC Marshall School of Business, Carlson School of Management and Eli Broad College of Business offer the best MS in Business Analytics programs among many other schools.
Top MS in Business Analytics courses in USA
| School | QS Ranking |
| MIT Sloan | 1 |
| UCLA (Anderson) | 2 |
| USC (Marshall) | 9 |
| Washington (Foster) | 15 |
| Purdue (Krannert) | 18 |
Job opportunities: Pursuing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA is a good idea because the country houses some of the best higher education institutions. The overall demand for skilled labour is rising. The USA is short of around 140,000-190,000 skilled professionals with deep analytical skills.
Learnings: The coursework is highly fluid, and students can transfer credits, making the USA a preferred study destination. Graduates from business analytics colleges in the USA had job offers within 3-6 months of completing the degree. These stats suggest that post-completion of studies in the USA, the student will have opportunities ready to welcome them. It also indicates how pursuing studies in the USA can make a difference in a student’s life.
MS in Business Analytics in USA: Careers & Salaries
The USA is the best place for fresh graduates in this field. With the world trade depending so much on data, a need for trained, skilled professionals to utilise and analyse this data for businesses is also rising. Major organisations and firms prefer hiring fresh graduates in Business Analytics. Brands like BCG, McKinsey, IBM, and BMW flock to university graduates in the field.
Graduates of the course find flourishing career opportunities in fields like Market Research, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, or Consultancy. Some of the popular jobs in the USA and their salaries are tabulated below:
| Job Prospect | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
| Financial Analyst | $63,445 |
| Business Analyst | $80,806 |
| Management Analyst | $73,465 |
| Business Data Analyst | $79,162 |
MS in Business Analytics in USA: Admissions
The application process for MS in Business Analytics programs in the USA is quite rigorous. Preparing for it at least a year before the deadline is advised. The tuition fee ranges from $20,000-$75,000 per year, depending on the university.
Eligibility for MS Business Analytics in USA
Universities in the USA offer MS in Business Analytics programs with some standard entry criteria. Students must meet the basic eligibility requirements to fulfil the admission criteria and get a chance to study at top-ranked universities.
- A good GPA in bachelor’s degree and high school. The GPA requirements will not be the same for every university. Most universities in the USA that offer MS in Business Analytics courses have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0-4.0 on the 4.0 GPA scale. Schooling of 12 years from a recognised board of study is essential without gaps.
- IELTS/TOEFL English language proficiency test scores are necessary for admission.
- An updated resume with some prior job experience is essential. Various universities waive the GRE score requirement for students with previous work experience in the USA.
- Standardized entrance examinations like GRE and GMAT are essential eligibility criteria for an MS in Business Analytics. Students need to check the university’s website to know the score requirements for each university. The minimum score requirement is 650, but it might increase for better-ranked universities.
- Passports, identification proof, and proof of funding are essential. Universities need at least two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Also Read: How long are GRE scores valid? Here’s what you should know about GRE score validity
Documents Required
Students applying for MS in Business Analytics in the USA must provide relevant admission documents. Here’s a list of documents required:
- Academic transcripts are essential. They must include certificates and mark sheets from high school and graduation.
- Test scores like IELTS, GRE/GMAT
- Universities in the USA need a minimum of two letters of recommendation. These can be from past employers or faculty members.
- A well-drafted Statement of Purpose
- A valid passport and other national identification proofs
- Proof of funding.
- An updated resume is essential. If you have prior work experience, it may help waive the need for GRE test scores. Many universities in the USA require students with some previous work experience.
- Photographs
- For every university, there will be an application fee. The fee payment acknowledgement slip is an important document to confirm the application.
Also read: Dates of IELTS Exam 2023: Check IELTS Test Dates & Locations in India!
Testimonials
“I chose to study Business Analytics because I wanted the opportunity to help organisations achieve their goals through data-driven decision-making. I realised the importance of business analytics while working for government agencies. For example, if the Department of Agriculture had the tools to automatically accept or reject food items based on basic nutritional thresholds, or the Corrections Department could use linear optimization to assign inmates to correctional facilities, these processes would be optimised and prevent the wastage of taxpayer money. My decision to study in the USA was largely due to my familiarity and comfort with the country after living here for five years. My majors in my undergraduate study were quantitative economics and political science. I then worked at a political research firm in Washington DC, where I performed data analysis and visualisation for government agencies.”
Aviva Mehta, University of Maryland
MS in Business Analytics, 2022-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the duration of the MS in Business Analytics course in the USA?
The duration of the MS in Business Analytics program in the USA is one year or 12 months.
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How much is the tuition fee for MS in Business Analytics in the USA?
The tuition fee ranges from $20,000-$75,000 per year, depending on the university.
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Who can apply for MS in Business Analytics in the USA?
The eligibility criteria for Business Analytics vary for different schools. Students must have a bachelor’s degree in management, technology or related fields with a good GPA from a recognised university.
