Program Overview

Tippie College of Business

The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa offers a range of programs for students looking to pursue a career in business.

Program Overview

The MBA/MS in business analytics is a dual degree program that combines the skills of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the technical expertise of a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA). This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and the ability to gather, analyze, and make sense of data.

Duration and Timing

The duration of the program is flexible, estimated to be 8 to 10 semesters, or about 4 years. Students can apply to both degree programs at the same time or start one program and then apply to the other.

Test Scores and Tuition

Neither program has a test score requirement. The tuition per class is the same for both programs and the MBA/MS program: $2,250 per course.

Credit Hours Required

A total of 60 semester hours at Iowa (33 MBA and 27 MS) are required to complete the program.

Courses, Locations, and Format

Both master's degrees can be earned entirely online. If students are near Des Moines, some MBA courses may also be available in person. Courses are delivered over an 8-week period, primarily on weeknights. Students can complete both degrees in approximately four years, but they can take up to 10 years if needed.

Benefits of Pursuing Multiple Graduate and Professional Program Degrees

Each program accepts, or cross-counts, courses from the other, which cuts the credits needed to earn both degrees by five courses. This is equivalent to about a year's worth of classes and over $11,000 in tuition savings.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the MBA/MS in business analytics includes:

• Iowa MBA courses:
  • Data and Decisions—MBA:8150
  • Marketing Management—MBA:8110
  • Management in Organizations—MBA:8120
  • Corporate Financial Reporting—MBA:8140
  • Managerial Economics—MBA:8160
  • Managerial Finance—MBA:8180
  • Foundations in Strategy—MBA:8300
  • Operations and Supply Chain—MBA:8240
  • Business Integration—MBA:8310 or Strategic Business Growth—MBA:8320 or Strategy in Action—MBA:9300
• Business analytics courses:
  • Data Management—BAIS:6050
  • Advanced Analytics—BAIS:9110
  • Data Programming in Python (BAIS:6040)
  • Data Science—BAIS:6070
  • Visual Analytics—BAIS:6140 (for those admitted Fall 2024 or later)
• Electives:
  • Two MBA electives for a total of 6 semester hours
  • Four MSBA electives (12 semester hours) for those admitted Fall 2024 or later; Five MSBA electives (15 semester hours) for those admitted before Fall 2024

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study for the MBA/MS in business analytics is provided, outlining the courses to be taken each semester over a four-year period.

Admissions

The two programs make admissions decisions independently, so students need to meet the admissions requirements for both the Iowa MBA and the MSBA. Applying to both at the same time is recommended, but if the decision to do the MBA/MS comes after starting one program, students can apply to the other and express their interest in the second program.

Conclusion

The MBA/MS in business analytics at the Tippie College of Business is a unique program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and the technical expertise to gather, analyze, and make sense of data. With its flexible duration, online format, and potential for tuition savings, this program is an attractive option for students looking to pursue a career in business analytics.