Program Overview

Master of Science (M.S.) in Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at Xavier University offers both full-time and part-time options, with a curriculum designed to hone critical thinking and technical skills in data analytics. The hybrid courses combine in-person and online learning, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to leverage data-driven insights and make informed, ethical business decisions.

Admission

Admission to Xavier’s Master of Science in Business Analytics is selective. The degree program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, with classes starting in the Fall semester each academic year. While there are no formal application deadlines, it is recommended to apply by August 1 to ensure timely processing of the application and course registration.

Admission Criteria

To be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Business Analytics program, the following materials must be submitted:

• Completed application
• A personal statement discussing interest in Xavier University and business analytics
• A current résumé documenting work experience
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• GMAT/GRE test score (optional)

Curriculum

The MS in Business Analytics curriculum consists of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to turn data into actionable insights, make data-driven business decisions, and communicate results effectively.

Full-Time Track

The full-time track is completed in three semesters:

• Fall Semester:
  • MSBA 660: Data Wrangling
  • MSBA 665: Optimization and Prescriptive Analytics
  • MSBA 689: Data Visualization and Storytelling
  • MSBA 602: Marketing Research or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 695: Ethics in Data Analytics
• Spring Semester:
  • MSBA 674: Database for Analytics
  • MSBA 680: Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
  • MSBA 640: Consumer-Centric Category Management or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 664: Consumer Behavior or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 695: Professional Development
• Summer Semester:
  • MSBA 610: Analytics Practicum / or Internship
  • MSBA 695: Emerging Technology in Data Analytics

Part-Time Track

The part-time track is completed in six semesters:

• Year 1: Fall Semester:
  • MSBA 660: Data Wrangling
  • MSBA 689: Data Visualization and Storytelling
  • MSBA 695: Ethics in Data Analytics
• Year 1: Spring Semester:
  • MSBA 680: Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
  • MSBA 640: Consumer-Centric Category Management or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 695: Professional Development
• Year 1: Summer Semester:
  • MSBA 695: Emerging Technology in Data Analytics
• Year 2: Fall Semester:
  • MSBA 665: Optimization and Prescriptive Analytics
  • MSBA 602: Marketing Research or Approved Elective
• Year 2: Spring Semester:
  • MSBA 674: Database for Analytics
  • MSBA 664: Consumer Behavior or Approved Elective
• Year 2: Summer Semester:
  • MSBA 610: Analytics Practicum / or Internship

Sample Courses

MSBA 660: Data Wrangling

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the data wrangling process, including harvesting, cleaning, transforming, manipulating, visualizing, and modeling, as well as using data from various structured and unstructured sources.

MSBA 680: Data Mining and Predictive Analytics

This introductory course familiarizes students with popular data mining methods for extracting knowledge from data. The class covers principles of data mining while students acquire hands-on experience using state-of-the-art data mining software.

MSBA 689: Data Visualization and Storytelling

In this hands-on introduction to data visualization, students explore the fundamental design principles and techniques for interactively visualizing data. This course helps students understand how visual representations can help in the analysis and understanding of complex data.

MSBA 640: Consumer-Centric Category Management

Category Management is a discipline that maximizes a retailer's and manufacturer's partnership. This course gives an overview of consumer insight metrics and their use in the sales and marketing processes.

Tuition and Fees

• Tuition: $942 per credit hour
• Student ID Fee: $12.50
• Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking full-time: $15 per semester
• Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking part-time: $10 per semester

Program Highlights

• Nationally recognized for excellence
• STEM-Certified data analytics master’s degree
• Leverage valuable real-world experience
• Receive an unparalleled Jesuit education
• Faculty Spotlight: Richie Liu, Ph.D.
• Virtual Tour: Elevate your learning experience

FAQ

• What is the career outlook for business/data analysts? The demand for business/data analysts is rapidly increasing, creating abundant opportunities for professional growth.
• Is Xavier’s MSBA program accredited? Yes, the MSBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
• Is Xavier’s MSBA program in-person or online? The MSBA is a hybrid program, combining both in-person and online learning.
• How long is the MSBA program? Is it possible to attend part-time? Xavier offers part-time and full-time options for students in the MSBA program. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 12 months, while part-time students can complete the program at their pace.
• Are there any scholarships available? Yes, Xavier's Williams College of Business offers academic scholarships to recognize students for their achievements and to make higher education accessible to a large population.