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Online Master of Science in Business Analytics

The 100% online MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) is designed to provide students with the background and technical knowledge to read data, recognize patterns, predict outcomes, and tell the story of numbers. Graduates will have the necessary experience to analyze and interpret complex micro- and macro-data, allowing business leaders to make data-driven strategic, informed decisions for their organizations.

Our Online MSBA program represents UofL’s commitment as a top business university to preparing students for the market challenges of tomorrow. With an online business analytics degree, you open doors for yourself for years to come.

What’s different about our online MSBA? We are:

  • Asynchronous
  • STEM-Certified
  • AACSB-Accredited

Our students come from various fields and industries. While previous experience and a general business background or understanding can be beneficial, incoming students do not need previous data or programming experience to begin this degree -- they will learn here everything necessary for success including programming skills such as Python and R as well analytical modeling skills such as predictive modeling, machine learning and deep learning. With these analytical and programming skills, you will be better prepared for a career in data science.

UofL's College of Business is ranked as one of the top business schools by U.S. News & World Report, Poets & Quants, and Princeton Review for providing the best graduate programs.

Business Analytics, MS Virtual Info Session: Tuesday, June 6

12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join the MSBA faculty and staff for a virtual information session to learn more about the program, how to apply, and get your questions answered.
Register Now!

How Much Will I Pay?

Tuition & Aid    

Highlights

  • GMAT/GRE optional – waivers currently available for all applicants.
  • No previous experience needed: students can complete a free statistics course over the summer to help prepare for advanced analytical classes.
  • Fast-track to success: our full-time MSBA online students can complete our program in just 12 months.
  • Board-advised: C-suite executives from companies like Yum! Brands, Humana, GE Appliances, UPS, Papa Johns, Mercer, Appriss, and more make up our board and inform us on the skills and background they look for in graduates from our program.
  • Small cohorts: learn and grow alongside like-minded individuals in a small class format. Our typical section would be 25-30 students.
  • Job security: data analyst jobs are projected to grow significantly in the next decade (bls.gov).

100% ONLINE MSBA

Learn everything from the ground-up.

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30 CREDIT HOURS

Enhance your education with different electives & internships.

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$93,000MEDIAN SALARY (bls.gov)

Enjoy job security and career growth potential.

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data analysis positions are expected to grow significantly over the next decade. A ccording to builtin.com the median annual salary for data scientists is over $120,000, with those in the ninetieth percentile earning more than $345,000 annually!*

The job security benefits don’t end there. This program is advised by and works collaboratively with a board of C-suite executives from companies including Humana, Papa Johns, Appriss technologies, GE appliances, YUM! Brands, Bright Springs, Mercer, and more, all of whom provide expert insight and feedback for knowledge, skills, methods and tools that best prepare graduates of our program for the real world.

Graduates of our program will learn a variety of skills including:

  • Advanced Analytics Skills: The program provides knowledge in areas such as predictive modeling, machine learning and artificial intelligence, data cleaning, transformation and modeling. Graduates will be proficient in statistical software such as R, Python, and Tableau, and be able to apply these techniques to solve complex business problems.
  • Business Strategy: Graduates will have a strong understanding of business strategy and be able to use data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Data Management: Students will become proficient in managing and manipulating large and complex data sets, and have a solid understanding of database management, data warehousing, and data integration.
  • Communication and Visualization: Course materials will help develop excellent communication and visualization skills, so MSBA graduates are able to present complex data and insights to both technical and non-technical audiences in a clear and compelling manner.

...and more!

What kind of jobs can I pursue?

Students with a business analytics degree are prepared for a variety of data analyst career paths and positions, including: statisticians, business and market research analysts, data scientists, data science training, technical business analyst, and more.

*Salary range can vary greatly based on location and previous work experience.

College of Business Salary Infographic
Deadline Term Start Date
August 1 Fall August 22

Steps to Apply

  1. Complete online graduate application
  2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
  3. Submit completion of undergraduate degree, plus all official transcripts
  4. If desired, submit GMAT waiver
    • Though GMAT waivers are available, supplying strong scores with your application can strengthen scholarship offers
  5. Check for Scholarships

Admission in good standing requires:

  1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5* (on a 4.0 scale)
  3. 2 Letters of recommendation
  4. Professional resume
  5. Personal statement

*GPA below 3.0? Contact us about admission considerations.

If transcripts cannot be sent electronically (preferred) please mail to:

College of Business, MSBA Office
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
msba@louisville.edu

Complete application packet and waiver requests will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
Candidates will be notified with a decision within 3-5 business days.

See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.

International Students – Additional Notes/Requirements

  • WES or ECE formal transcript evaluation – if you studied outside of the United States, you are required to submit your academic records for a formal evaluation (visit www.wes.org or www.ece.org for more information)
  • TOEFL scores – score of 79 and higher on the internet-based test required; scores must be 2 years old or less at the time of application

For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or online@louisville.edu.

 

The online MSBA is comprised of 30 credit hours. Of these, 22.5 are core (or required) credit hours, and the remaining 7.5 credit hours are elective credit hours. The 22.5 credit hour core consists of 9 courses, six (6) of which are three (3) credit hours in length. The remaining three (3) are one and a half (1.5) credit hours in length.

Term Course Title Type Credit Hours
Fall MSBA 630: Modern Data Management Core 3
Fall MSBA 605: Python for Analytics Core 3
Fall MSBA 615: R for Analytics Core 1.5
Fall MSBA 620: Statistical Foundations of Business Analytics Core 3
Fall MSBA 610: Data Visualization with Power BI Core 1.5
Semester Total: 12
Spring MSBA 635: Predictive Analytics Core 3
Spring MSBA 680: Elective 1 Elective 1.5
Spring MSBA 650: Advance Analytical Tools Core 3
Spring MSBA 645: Applied Machine Learning Core 3
Spring MSBA 680: Elective 2 Elective 1.5
Semester Total: 12
Summer MSBA 625: Storytelling with Data Core 1.5
Summer MSBA 680: Elective 3 Elective 1.5
Summer MSBA 680: Elective 4 Elective 1.5
Summer MSBA 680: Elective 5 Elective 1.5
Semester Total: 6
Program Total: 30


Course Descriptions

*Course Descriptions will be updated upon the release of the 2023-2024 Course Catalogue.




    • Why does the MSBA have a board of advisors?

      The MSBA has a board of advisors comprised of C-suite executives from companies like Humana, Papa John’s, Appriss Technologies, GE appliances, YUM! Brands, Bright Springs, Mercer, and more. These companies advise us as to which courses and skills we should teach our students to be as prepared as possible for the positions these companies and many others are looking for.

    • Is there a part-time option?

      Not currently.

    • What is the structure of the program?

      Our program is cohort based which means you will complete 6 - 12 credit hours per semester over 3 semesters, allowing you to graduate after 1 year. However, the courses themselves are accelerated and not abbreviated. Mostly you will take 1 or 2 courses at a time, completing up to 5 courses in a semester. We have found that students appreciate the cohort structure of the program (no worries over which class to take and when) and find that helpful to stay the course to graduate. Additionally, we manage your enrollment therefore lessening any undue stress of registration concerns.

    • Do I need prior coding or data experience?

      No. We teach each of our cohorts everything they need to know from the ground-up. Everyone regardless of educational or professional background will receive the same education and experience. A free summer pre-work statistics course is offered over the summer to prepare for analytical classes in the fall. All you need to do is to bring your willingness to learn cutting-edge programming skills.

    • Can I transfer any credits?

      Students who have completed the Managerial Analytics certificate can transfer up to 3 credit hours. These 3 credit hours would count towards their electives.

    • What does my weekly time commitment look like?

      For each 3 credit hour course, you should plan for around 10-25 hours per week, depending on the course. This may also vary from individual to individual. For example, if you are knowledgeable and/or have had exposure to the subject matter, it may take less time. While this may seem time-intensive, our program is structured so that you only focus on a small number of courses at a time, deliberately allowing you to hyper-focus on the subject matter of the particular course. Additionally, all the courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning there are never specific class meeting times. The flexibility of this online structure allows you to work around your schedule and priorities each week to complete assignments, etc., by the deadline.

    • What if I need to take a semester off (or am active duty and have to leave on orders)?

      This is not an issue, although we ask that you contact the MSBA office and the Graduate Office and inform them of your situation. As with our on-campus programs, you would rejoin the next cohort and pick up where you left off.

    • Are there any military tuition discounts available?

      There are no military tuition discounts available at this time.

    • What support is available to me as an online student?

      We provide a variety of services that can be helpful for our online students. Online MSBA students will receive the support of the Online Programs Office in the College of Business, including direct support from dedicated Online Student Support Coordinators. College of Business students also enjoy benefits like the Lifetime Career Support Promise offered exclusively to students and alumni of the College of Business and fulfilled by The Ulmer Career Management Center. Students also have access to university services, including: Delphi Center, Blackboard Support, Virtual Writing Center, Disability Resource Center, Online Learning Library Services and more!

    • What programming languages and software tools will I use in this program?

      Major languages are Python, R, and SQL. Some tools include PowerBI, SAS, and SPSS, PySpark, among others.