Master of Science in Business Analytics - Online

Transform data into strategic action, influence decision-making, and strengthen your organization’s efficiency with the knowledge, tools, and techniques practiced and perfected in OU’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. Through a program based on experiential learning, including corporate-sponsored projects, graduates of OU’s MSBA are prepared to meet the increasing demand for data-savvy professionals equipped to address business challenges across industries.

100% Online MSBA Program

Students have the option of applying for the on-campus or 100% online MSBA program. Both programs offer the same high-quality curriculum and experienced faculty and allow students to complete online or on-campus courses. Applicants for the 100% online MSBA program will be assessed in-state resident tuition rates.

MSBA

OU’s MS in Business Analytics is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and develop their skills in harnessing data to identify opportunities, respond to challenges, influence decision-making, and implement successful solutions.

Graduates of the program will be equipped to use data to solve business problems across industries and disciplines. Industries experiencing strong growth in the use of business analytics include financial services, retail, health services, accounting and auditing, transportation and logistics, entertainment, sports, and travel.

Through the combination of the focused curriculum, experiential learning, and expert-led courses, students will graduate with the skills to make data-driven decisions based on their business knowledge and ability to expertly utilize a variety of statistical and quantitative methods, computational tools, and predictive models.

The program is structured around four modules:

• Preparatory and Foundation Courses – Required for students who lack an information systems and/or statistics background. Students with the necessary background will be waived from these courses. Credits from these courses do not count toward the degree.
• Core Courses – Provides analysis, design, and implementation skills
• Elective Courses – Develop in-depth knowledge
• Capstone Project – Synthesizes and applies students’ knowledge to contemporary issues

4+1 Program

OU's Master of Science in Business Analytics 4+1 program will offer students an expedited way to earn both an undergraduate MIS degree specializing in business analytics and a master's degree in business analytics in a minimum of five years. Students in the 4+1 program can graduate with an MSBA degree by completing an additional 18 credits (six courses) instead of 30 credits (10 courses) beyond the undergraduate MIS major requirements.

Advantages of a 4+1 Program:

• Seamless start to graduate program
• Earn a graduate degree in less time
• Quick immersion into the industry or field
• Gain a competitive edge

Students accepted for the MSBA 4+1 program must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Students apply to the MSBA 4+1 program by completing an application and GMAT waiver form during their junior year. Students offered deferred admission to the graduate program will remain classified as undergraduates until they have completed all undergraduate degree requirements.

SAS Analytics and Specialization

Through a collaboration with SAS, a worldwide leader in analytics software, Oakland University business analytics students can earn a Tier 2 Academic Specialization in SAS Analytics as part of their degree program.

The specialization recognizes the ability to leverage leading SAS analytical tools for statistical analysis, data mining, forecasting, machine learning, text mining, and visual data analytics. Oakland students also can access SAS software, and attend expert presentations and special webinars.

By earning the badge, students position themselves for careers in advanced analytics, multivariate analysis, business intelligence, criminal investigation, and predictive analytics in addition to gaining knowledge and skills to advance in their careers. The digital badge can be used on the recipient’s resume or CV, LinkedIn profile, website, social media, or other career-related materials.

Our MSBA enables you to:

• Get an edge in the job market. Oakland’s MSITM alumni who specialized in business analytics make immediate career progress. Roughly 95 percent of our recent business analytics graduates reported a new job, new job title, and/or salary increase of at least 10 percent after completing the program.
• Gain practical experience. The MSBA emphasizes hands-on coursework that translates textbook theory into real-world expertise. Our curriculum includes relevant, project-oriented assignments and industry-sponsored projects, along with many internship and co-op opportunities that help prepare you for the workplace.
• Learn from exceptional faculty. Faculty in our business analytics masters program are at the forefront of research and business practice. You’ll learn from national experts who excel at every level of data science, from high-level strategic thinking to technical and operational application.
• Participate in hands-on research. Oakland University is home to three major business analytics facilities: the Southeast Michigan Economic Data Center, the Center for Data Science and Big Data Analytics, and the Center for Cybersecurity. Each of these centers provides MSBA students with opportunities to conduct academic research and consult with partners in the corporate and private sectors.
• Earn an optional SAS Analytics specialization. As part of the business analytics master's degree, you can earn a Tier 2 academic specialization from SAS Analytics, a worldwide leader in business analytics software. This add-on credential boosts your marketability and demonstrates your proficiency with SAS’s industry-leading tools.