Program Overview

Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS-BA)

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS-BA) is a one-year, full-time program that equips students with a solid foundation in machine learning, data management, computing, and quantitative methods. This comprehensive training prepares students to be leaders in the analytics field or to apply to related Ph.D. programs.

Admission Guidelines

Admission to the Master of Science in Business Analytics program is highly competitive. The decision is based on a portfolio of qualifications, including prior academic experience, work experience, optional entrance exam scores (such as GMAT or GRE), and letters of recommendation.

Prerequisites

All applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Prerequisite coursework should provide a solid background in mathematics, statistics, and computing. This would include:

• At least one college-level course in calculus
• At least one college-level course in probability and statistics
• At least one college-level course in computer programming using a high-level language such as Python, R, C++, etc. Previous coursework in business is not required, but all applicants are expected to have a general knowledge of economics, finance, accounting, statistics, calculus, and management principles.

Degree Requirements

The one-year MS-BA degree program requires students to complete 33 credit hours in three semesters. The curriculum uses a variety of mathematical, statistical, and computing tools, including:

• Calculus and linear algebra
• Statistical methods (including regression and its extensions)
• Programming and visualization (Python, SQL, Tableau, etc.)

Program Schedule

The MS-BA offers a three-semester lock-step program that is approximately one calendar year in duration. MS-BA students are required to complete 33 credit hours, which is a combination of:

• 9 core courses (27 credit hours total)
• 1 elective course (3 credit hours)
• 1 credit hour of professional development each semester

The typical study plan is as follows:

Summer

• QMB 5616: Probabilistic Optimization for Analytics
• ISM 5644: Programming for Analytics
• GEB 5932: Professional Development

Fall

• QMB 5755: Quantitative Methods in Business Analytics I
• ISM 5136: Data Analytics and Mining for Business
• ISM 5560: Data Management in Business Analytics
• ISM 5565: Foundational Concepts for Business Analytics
• GEB 5932: Professional Development

Spring

• ISM 5419: Fundamentals of Data Visualization
• ISM 5569: Business Analytics Capstone
• ISM 5566: Forecasting, Revenue Management and Pricing
• GEB 5932: Professional Development
• Elective (1 required)

Elective course options will include applications of analytical tools in specific business disciplines, such as marketing, human resources, operations, finance, or real estate. Options may include:

• ISM 5567: Supply Chain Analytics
• ISM 5525: Algorithms for Business Analytics
• RMI 5935: Healthcare Analytics
• FIN 5935: Decentralized Crypto Currencies
• GEB 5944: Graduate Internship

Application Process

The following items should be submitted through the Florida State Graduate Application portal:

• Applicant Statement
• Current resume/C.V., clearly indicating work experience including dates and positions held, noting full-time or part-time employment
• Two (2) letters of recommendation are required, three (3) letters of recommendation are preferred, from employers or former college professors that speak specifically to the applicant's ability to successfully complete the MS-BA program
• Florida Residency Declaration if applicable
• Nonrefundable application fee

Program Costs

The estimated program costs for the academic year are:

• Florida residents: $479.32 (tuition plus fees) per credit hour. Total estimate program cost is $15,817.56.
• Non-Florida Residents: $1,173.86 (tuition plus fees) per credit hour. Total estimate program cost is $38,737.38.

Course Descriptions

• GEB 5944: Graduate Internship
• ISM 5136: Data Analytics and Mining for Business
• ISM 5419: Fundamentals of Data Visualization
• ISM 5560: Data Management in Business Analytics
• ISM 5565: Foundational Concepts for Business Analytics
• ISM 5566: Forecasting, Revenue Management and Pricing
• ISM 5567: Supply Chain Analytics
• ISM 5569: Business Analytics Capstone
• ISM 5644: Programming for Analytics
• ISM 5525: Algorithms for Business Analytics
• QMB 5616: Probabilistic Optimization for Analytics
• QMB 5755: Quantitative Methods in Business Analytics I
• RMI 5935: Healthcare Analytics
• FIN 5935: Decentralized Crypto Currencies
• GEB 5932: Professional Development

International Applicants

International applicants should visit the graduate school's website for information concerning financial responsibilities, degree equivalency, etc. International applicants are responsible for submitting the following documents in addition to the checklist items:

• English Language Proficiency Exam
• Transcript Evaluation Requirement

The College of Business accepts all of the following examinations taken within the past two years:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test and 100 on the internet-based test
• International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): minimum score of 7
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): minimum score of 66
• Cambridge C1 Advanced Level: minimum score of 180
• Michigan Language Assessment: minimum score of 55

The Office of Graduate Admissions requires all international students to submit an official course-by-course evaluation of all academic records from non-U.S. institutions prior to application review. This verifies degree equivalency and serves in place of additional official or unofficial transcripts.