Master of Science in Business Analytics

Shaping Data for the Future

Data increases in quality and quantity, access to data improves and computer technology evolves. The result? Demand for graduates with analytics skills has also increased across all sectors in the past few years.

The University of Alabama’s Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program focuses on teaching you how to integrate statistics, operations research/management science, data mining, machine learning, probability, algorithms, and data management to better understand, predict, and manage the behavior of systems and processes.

As a student, you will:

  • Become prepared for in-demand analytics positions in industry and government
  • Grasp the principles of managing data
  • Gain hands-on experience in the use of cutting-edge analytics techniques to solve large-scale problems using data from or inspired by real-world problems
  • Acquire skills in software packages and programming languages commonly used for analytics projects including SAS, SQL, Python, R, and Gurobi
  • Learn how to interpret results, communicate results effectively, and utilize tools that promote reproducibility
  • Survey the landscape of the analytics community and the various opportunities for continued skill development throughout your career

“I learned about UA’s world-class faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and vibrant campus community–all of which seemed like the perfect fit for my goals and aspirations. And so, I decided to apply, even though it meant leaving behind everything I had ever known in Nigeria and embarking on a new and uncertain journey. But I was determined to succeed.”

Benjamin Ajibade (M.S. in Business Analytics, 2023)

$82k

Average Base Salary

2022

$8k

Average Bonus

2022

What to expect

The program follows a cohort model, where groups of students are admitted and take all classes together. Using this model allows us to supplement instruction with large projects that span multiple classes and demonstrate the end-to-end analytics workflow.

Points of Pride The MSBA program:

  • Was developed using input from analytics professionals working for companies including Procter & Gamble, Belk, Walmart Stores, Inc., NBA, ESPN, TruMedia Networks, Neiman Marcus, and Allstate
  • Is taught by an interdisciplinary faculty team with expertise spanning statistics, information systems, and operations research
  • Includes two 3-hour seminars with content that varies to accommodate changes in analytics practice

Admission into the Master of Science in Business Analytics program is offered on a yearly basis.

The deadline to apply to the program is March 15.

Requirements for admission:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • A statement of purpose outlining your reasons for desiring the degree
  • An up-to-date resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • An official and competitive (60th percentile or higher) GRE or GMAT score

The Master of Science in Business Analytics program is a 3-semester program beginning in the summer and ending in the spring.

Courses | Description | Hours 
MIS 501 | Application Development for the Data-Driven Organization | 3 
MIS 502 | Database Design and Management in the Data-Driven Organization | 3 
ST 521 | Statistical Data Management | 3 
ST 522 | Adv Statistical Data Mgt | 3 
ST 531 | Data Mining I | 3 
ST 532 | Advanced Data Mining (Applied Statistical Modeling for Analytics) | 3 
ST 541 | Applied Statistical Modeling for Analytics II | 3 
ST 542 | App Stst Mod Analytics II | 3
ST 580 | Analytics Capstone I | 3 
ST 581 | Analytics Capstone II | 3 
OM 500 | MGT Science & Spreadsheet Mod | 3 
OM 501 | Advanced Applied Modeling and Analysis | 3 
Total Hours | 36 

Learn more about the curriculum.

Typical graduate tuition rates apply for both in-state and out-of-state students. Learn about the tuition and cost of attending graduate school at The University of Alabama.

Manderson students who have taken business analytics courses offered within the Master of Science in Business Analytics program have been employed at:

  • Adobe
  • Bank of America
  • Booz Allen
  • AstraZeneca
  • Belk
  • PNC
  • Regions
  • Tango Management Consulting & Analytics
  • KeyBank
  • StoneRiver Property Management
  • Ford
  • ExxonMobil
  • USAA
  • Georgia-Pacific
  • Chick-Fil-A
  • Activision Blizzard
  • Cracker Barrel
  • Belk
  • P&G
  • Capgemini
  • Renasant Bank
  • Walmart

Q: What is an acceptable GRE/GMAT score?

A: Average test scores will vary over time based on the candidate pool. We consider a score that is greater than or equal to the 60th percentile score to be competitive for consideration.

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: The application deadline is March 15 in the same year that the applicant intends to start

Industry Tested

The curriculum for the business analytics program was developed utilizing input from analytics-focused professionals at some of the world's largest companies.

Ready to apply?

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  2. Login and complete your application.
  3. Check your application to verify your application status and upload additional materials.

Are you ready to gain the Manderson Advantage?

manderson sign outside bidgood hall