Program Overview

Introduction to the MS Business Analytics Program

The Haslam College of Business Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program is designed to teach students the skills to harness data's power to drive impactful business outcomes.

Program Overview

MSBA students develop not only the technical acumen to derive insight from large data sets, but also the business fundamentals and communication skills necessary to make an impact in their organizations. The program combines top technical expertise with practical experience, enabling graduates to help transform organizations with cutting-edge analytics from day one.

Key Features

• International students may qualify for a 36-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension upon graduation.
• The program emphasizes small cohorts, career coaching, and team building to reflect real-world business dynamics.
• The annual Business Analytics Forum provides opportunities to network directly with professionals and companies interested in hiring top MSBA students.
• The MSBA Capstone course gives students experience applying analytical tools to drive real business outcomes.

What You'll Learn

The MSBA program develops a student's technical acumen in deriving insights from large data sets, as well as business fundamentals and soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and communications. Haslam MSBA students graduate with both the ability to communicate relevant data and how to leverage it to an organization's benefit.

Capstone Project

In their final semester, MSBA students work in teams using data to solve a real problem for an industry partner. They communicate with company executives throughout the project, presenting their findings at the end of the semester.

Dual Degree

Students can also pursue a dual degree, gaining an MSBA and MBA in two years.

STEM-Designated

The Haslam MSBA is a STEM-designated program, allowing international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation before needing a work visa.

Career Impact

Business Analytics is no longer an emerging field; it is a necessary function in almost every organization and across many job functions. Nearly 90 percent of Haslam's MSBA students accept job offers within six months of graduation in a wide range of job functions and industries.

Program Details

• Duration: 10 Months
• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Start Date: Summer
• Class Size: 38
• Average GPA: 3.64
• MSBA Industries:
  • Consumer insights
  • Supply chain
  • Healthcare
  • Finance
  • Marketing

Careers

The MSBA degree can lead to various career paths, including:

• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Operations Analyst

Admissions

Applications for the MSBA program are submitted through the Haslam College of Business's Application Portal.

Key Dates

• Admission opens in August and applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the class is full.
• International applicants must meet the Graduate School's deadlines.

Requirements

• Prerequisite Coursework: All undergraduate degrees are accepted, but the most successful students have a strong technical aptitude and have taken quantitative courses.
• Submitting Transcripts
• Interview: A brief (30 minute) interview, which can be in-person or virtual.
• GPA: Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 are not typically considered.
• GRE/GMAT: Tests are required, but waivers will be considered.
• Letters of Recommendation: One academic (faculty) in a quantitative field and one professional (current/previous supervisor) recommendation.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must score at least 80 overall on the TOEFL IBT or 6.5 overall on the IELTS.

Curriculum

• Total Program Hours: 36
• MSBA courses are not available to non-Haslam College of Business (HCB) students.
• The program includes various courses, such as Quantitative Methods for BA, Data Security and Ethics, and Business Skills Development.

Tuition & Financial Aid

• Estimated Program Cost:
  • In-State: $26,606
  • Out-of-State: $54,371
• Financial Aid: Learn about federal student loans and other need-based financial aid for graduate students.
• Funding: Over 70% of admitted students receive some form of funding opportunity.

Featured Faculty

Courses in the MSBA program are taught by Haslam's award-winning faculty who hold doctorates in the field and are subject matter experts in a variety of content and methodological areas.