Master of Science in Business Analytics

Program Overview

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Master of Science in Business Analytics

Overview

The Master of Science in Business Analytics is a graduate degree program that focuses on developing and applying analysis and analytics skills to fulfill significant needs in the business and marketing field. The program emphasizes operations and is designed to address the growing element of the discipline with more emphasis on business operations.

Program Details

• Average Time to Complete Degree: 18 to 24 months
• STEM Program

Undergraduate Background Requirements

To be eligible for the MS in Business Analytics program, students must have either:

• Earned an undergraduate degree in Business, Marketing, Computer Science, Statistics, or Economics
• Completed college-level Algebra and Statistics in the last five years with a B or better in both courses
• Have work experience that includes business, marketing, database, and analytics (business or marketing background is preferred)

Program Curriculum

The program curriculum includes courses in data understanding, data visualization, and descriptive and predictive modeling. Students learn to integrate business concepts, as well as key methods and tools available for modeling, analysis, and solving challenging problems involving business and marketing data.

Locations

The MS in Business Analytics is offered at the St. Louis, Missouri campus and the Webster San Antonio campus.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MS in Business Analytics program can pursue careers in:

• Supply Chain Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Financial Services
• Health Care Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Quotation Analyst
• Economist
• Database Manager
• Program Analyst

Salaries for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Financial and Investment Analysts was $91,580 in May 2021. Employment of Management Analysts is projected to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031, with an average of about 101,900 openings for management analysts projected each year over the decade.

Other Business Programs

• Cybersecurity Operations (MS) with an Emphasis in Data Analytics
• Data Analytics (MS)

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at Webster University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to transform data into insights for improved business decision-making. The program focuses on developing and applying analytical and data visualization techniques to address critical needs in business and marketing. Graduates of the MSBA program will be able to integrate business concepts with key modeling, analysis, and problem-solving methods to derive meaningful insights from business and marketing data.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business analytics concepts and techniques.
• To develop students' ability to analyze data, identify patterns and trends, and derive insights for informed business decisions.
• To equip students with the skills to communicate and present data analysis results effectively to stakeholders.
• To prepare students for successful careers in business analytics and related fields.

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Program Description:

The MSBA program at Webster University consists of a rigorous curriculum that combines foundational business concepts with advanced data analytics techniques. The core coursework includes modules on data understanding, data visualization, descriptive and predictive modeling, and statistical analysis. Students also have the option to choose from a range of elective courses to tailor their studies to specific career goals. The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds.

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Outline:

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Content and Structure:

The MSBA program follows a cohort-based model, where students progress through the curriculum together as a group. The program consists of 10 core courses and 2 elective courses (6 credit hours). The core courses provide a comprehensive foundation in business analytics, while the electives allow students to specialize in areas of their interest.

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Course Schedule:

The MSBA program is offered on a part-time basis, with classes meeting one evening per week. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months or up to 24 months.

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Individual Modules with Descriptions:

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Core Courses:

• Introduction to Business Analytics (3 credit hours) - This course provides an overview of the field of business analytics, including its history, applications, and ethical implications.
Students will learn about the different types of data used in business analytics and the techniques used to analyze and interpret data.
• Data Understanding and Visualization (3 credit hours) - This course introduces students to the principles of data understanding and visualization.
Students will learn how to clean and prepare data for analysis and how to create effective data visualizations that communicate insights clearly.
• Descriptive and Predictive Modeling (3 credit hours) - This course covers the fundamental concepts of descriptive and predictive modeling.
Students will learn how to build and evaluate models to describe and predict business outcomes.
• Statistical Analysis for Business (3 credit hours) - This course provides students with a foundation in statistical analysis methods.
Students will learn how to use statistical techniques to test hypotheses and draw inferences from data.
• Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing (3 credit hours) - This course introduces students to the concepts of business intelligence and data warehousing.
Students will learn how to design and implement data warehouses and use business intelligence tools to extract insights from data.
• Marketing Analytics (3 credit hours) - This course covers the application of analytics in marketing.
Students will learn how to use analytics to understand customer behavior, optimize marketing campaigns, and measure marketing effectiveness.
• Operations Analytics (3 credit hours) - This course covers the application of analytics in operations management.
Students will learn how to use analytics to improve supply chain management, inventory management, and production planning.
• Financial Analytics (3 credit hours) - This course covers the application of analytics in finance.
Students will learn how to use analytics to evaluate investments, manage risk, and make financial decisions.
• Case Studies in Business Analytics (3 credit hours) - This course provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world business problems.
Students will work on team projects to develop and implement analytics solutions for businesses.
• Business Analytics Capstone (3 credit hours) - The capstone course is the culminating experience of the MSBA program.
Students will work on a major project that demonstrates their mastery of business analytics concepts and skills.

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Elective Courses (Select Two):

• Data Mining (3 credit hours) - This course covers the principles of data mining, including data preparation, model selection, and evaluation.
Students will learn how to use data mining techniques to extract hidden patterns and trends from data.
• Machine Learning for Business (3 credit hours) - This course covers the principles of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms.
Students will learn how to build and evaluate machine learning models to solve business problems.
• Big Data Analytics (3 credit hours) - This course introduces students to the concepts and technologies of big data analytics.
Students will learn how to manage, process, and analyze large datasets using Hadoop and other big data tools.
• Cloud Computing for Business (3 credit hours) - This course covers the principles of cloud computing, including infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS).
Students will learn how to use cloud computing technologies to support business analytics applications.
• Special Topics in Business Analytics (3 credit hours) - This course covers emerging topics in business analytics.
Students will work with faculty to develop projects that explore new and cutting-edge analytics techniques.

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Assessment:

Students in the MSBA program are evaluated on their performance in coursework, projects, and a capstone project. Coursework includes quizzes, exams, and assignments that assess students' understanding of course material. Projects provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. The capstone project is a major research project that demonstrates students' mastery of business analytics concepts and skills.

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Teaching:

The MSBA program at Webster University is taught by a team of experienced faculty with expertise in business analytics and related fields. Faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and simulations. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class and to engage with faculty and peers. The program also offers opportunities for students to learn from industry professionals. Guest speakers and industry-sponsored projects provide students with valuable insights into the practical applications of business analytics.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MSBA program at Webster University are well-prepared for careers in business analytics and related fields. Graduates have gone on to work as data analysts, data scientists, business analysts, marketing analysts, and financial analysts. The MSBA program is also a valuable credential for professionals who want to advance their careers in business or technology. Graduates have reported increased job opportunities and promotions after completing the program.