Program Overview

Introduction to the STEM Master of Science in Business Analytics

The modern business landscape thrives on data, and organizations need skilled professionals who can translate complex datasets into actionable insights. Southern's AACSB-accredited STEM Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is designed to equip students with advanced analytics skills, empowering them to drive strategic decision-making and innovation across industries.

Why Choose Southern's MSBA?

Southern's MSBA program is more than just a degree—it's a career accelerator. Designed to meet the increasing demand for analytics professionals, the program blends technical expertise, business acumen, and career development to prepare students for high-impact roles in today's AI-driven economy. The STEM designation also provides international students with a three-year OPT extension, enhancing their global career prospects.

Specialized Electives for a Competitive Edge

Students can tailor their MSBA experience with specialized electives, including:

• People Analytics
• Accounting Analytics
• Law and Ethics of Data Analytics
• Business Forecasting
• Financial Analytics
• Healthcare Analytics
• Marketing Analytics
• Operational Analytics
• Business Intelligence and Decision Support Systems

Real-World Experience and Hands-On Learning

At Southern, students don't just learn analytics—they apply it. The program emphasizes practical learning through:

• A Business Consulting Capstone Course, where students solve real business problems
• Industry projects, data hackathons, and case studies
• Training with tools like R, Python, SQL, Tableau, and Bloomberg Terminal
• State-of-the-art facilities within the School of Business

AI-Integrated Learning for the Future

AI is revolutionizing business analytics, and Southern's MSBA program ensures students stay ahead of the curve. By embedding AI tools and methodologies throughout coursework, students gain hands-on experience in data analysis, predictive modeling, and decision-making.

Comprehensive Student Support

Recognizing that students come from diverse backgrounds, the MSBA program offers waivable preparatory courses to build foundational knowledge in business statistics and database systems. Additionally, career services include resume workshops, interview preparation, job placement assistance, and networking events with industry professionals.

Programmatic Learning Goals

Graduates of the MSBA program will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in business analytics methods and tools
• Extract meaningful insights from business data
• Develop data-driven solutions to business challenges
• Deliver professional presentations effectively
• Collaborate efficiently in team settings
• Assess the societal implications of business decision-making

Admissions & Program Delivery

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• International students must have prior academic or professional experience in statistics and database systems

Flexible Study Options

• The program is typically completed in two years
• Offers both full-time and part-time options to accommodate work and family commitments
• Available in online, hybrid, or on-ground formats

MSBA Curricular Requirements

The MSBA curriculum requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, with up to an additional 3 credit hours of prerequisite courses for students without prior knowledge in business statistics or database systems.

Prerequisite Courses (3 credits, if required)

Waivable for students with relevant academic or professional experience. Evaluated by the MSBA Program Director and/or the Dean.

Core Courses (18 credits)

All students must complete core coursework in business analytics within the School of Business.

Electives & Capstone (12 credits)

Students complete 9 credits of elective coursework and a 3-credit capstone experience that integrates their learning into real-world applications.

Careers

Industry-Driven Curriculum for Career Growth

The MSBA curriculum is strategically designed to align with industry needs, ensuring graduates are equipped with high-demand skills such as:

• Data visualization
• Statistical modeling
• Machine learning
• Predictive analytics

The program equips students with the expertise sought by leading employers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of management analysts to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Typical Job Titles

• Management Analyst
• Financial and Investment Analyst
• Operations Research Analyst
• Marketing Analyst
• General and Operations Manager

School / College

The MSBA program is offered by the School of Business.